Pothundy Reservoir & Adventure Park — An Earthen Dam with a Remarkable Story
Where the reservoir meets the hills.
Just across from Manayunkia, Pothundy Dam is a historic earthen irrigation dam at the foothills of Nelliyampathy Hills. Its unusual construction is associated with a traditional mixture of jaggery and quicklime; the Adventure Park offers activities including sky cycling and zip line.
Pothundy Siva Temple — A Temple Within Walking Distance
Pothundy Swayam Bhoo Shiva Temple lies close to Manayunkia on the road towards Nelliyampathy and can be reached on foot. It offers an opportunity to step into local spiritual and community life.
Nellikulangara Bhagavathy Temple — Home of the Nenmara Vallangi Vela
Nenmara’s temple is associated with the Nenmara Vallangi Vela, known for decorated elephants, traditional percussion, processions, cultural performances and fireworks.
The road winds through forests and hairpins into Nelliyampathy, often called “Poor Man’s Ooty.” Cool climate, misty landscapes, plantations and birdlife make the hills a natural extension of the Manayunkia experience.
Tea, coffee, cardamom and orange plantations add colour to the hill landscape. The Government Orange & Vegetable Farm at Pulayampara is another distinctive part of the countryside.
At the foot of the Nelliyampathy ranges, Kollengode brings together paddy fields, palm groves, temples, heritage, waterfalls and village life. Its charm lies in the landscape where heritage, agriculture, nature and village traditions meet.
Kollengode Kovilakam — A Palace with a Different Story
A historic palace and royal heritage site, now associated with an Ayurveda retreat and treatment centre rather than functioning as a conventional public palace. Its heritage and architecture are best appreciated from the outside.
Chinganchira Karuppuswamy Nature Temple — A Temple Beneath a Living Canopy
A Prakriti Kshetram where sacred shrines lie beneath enormous ancient banyan trees. The natural canopy, Karuppuswamy tradition and countryside setting create a distinctive atmosphere.
Kudilidam — A Living Paddy-Field Experience
A living landscape of paddy and hills.
Paddy fields framed by the hills create the setting for a farm-tourism and cultural experience. The agricultural landscape itself is the attraction.
Meenkulathi Bhagavathi Temple, Pallassena — The Meenkulathi Tradition
Also known as Pallassana Pazhayakavu, this is an important temple associated with the Meenkulathi Bhagavathi tradition and living local heritage.
Karuvottu Vamala Sree Subrahmanya Temple — Vamala — A Temple on the Hill
The Vamala Murugan Temple at Karuvottu Kunnu sits amid paddy fields and the Nelliyampathy landscape, offering a hilltop setting and views.
Palakkad — Landscape & Discovery
Kava — A Landscape Made for Sunset
Kava, where the hills meet the sunset.
Water, forest and hills come together at Kava, making it especially appealing in the evening for scenic drives, photography and quiet time in nature.
Venkalakkayam Dam — A Quiet Reservoir in the Countryside
Where palms meet the waters.
Also known as Kambalathara Venkalakkayam Dam near Moolathara, it is surrounded by paddy fields, rolling hills and tall palms—a calm rural setting for a drive and photographs.
Thathamangalam Aqueduct — A Bridge Through the Paddy Fields
A bridge through the paddy fields.
A simple piece of infrastructure set amid lush paddy fields, offering a distinctive countryside landscape.
Malampuzha Dam & Garden — Where Water, Art and Landscape Meet
A major reservoir and garden destination at the foot of the Western Ghats, with the Yakshi by Kanayi Kunhiraman, the Rock Garden by Nek Chand and a ropeway.
Kerala’s first heritage village, with Tamil Brahmin agraharams along the Kalpathy River and the historic Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple. The annual Ratholsavam is a major cultural tradition.
Varikkassery Mana — A Grand Kerala Heritage Mansion
A traditional Namboothiri mansion near Ottapalam in the Valluvanad region, known for its woodwork and courtyards and also associated with Malayalam cinema.
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve — Into the Heart of the Western Ghats
Spread across 643.66 sq km, Parambikulam protects forests and reservoirs and supports wildlife including tigers, elephants and gaurs. Safaris, trekking and community-supported ecotourism provide ways to experience the landscape.