Photo credits: M N Shaji

Situated south of Palakkad Gap in an area once famed for its luscious oranges, Nelliyampathi is now blanketed in tea, coffee and cardamom plantations. The region was once owned by the Maharajas of Kollengode and Kochi and is now a part of the Nenmara Forest Division. It’s close proximity to the Parambikulam, Anamalai and Peechi-Vazhana wildlife sanctuaries add to its appeal.

Nelliyampathy gets its name from the pockets of nelli (gooseberries) that grow around  the region. The hill station is about 1200 meters above sea level, which offers the inhabitants of Palakkad an escape from the sweltering summer heat of the plains.