"I told you let's not go out. Now see what happened! These "little snakes" are everywhere!" said my nephew looking at his small feet worriedly! We were out for small exploration around the Green Lands resort in Nelliyampathy. Such an outdoor world in the woods itself was new to the 5-year-old, let alone the "little snake" things.
A getaway from the daily work routine was long due since the global pandemic hit us hard. But we were a bit hesitant to take up distant destinations even though everyone had their initial shots of the vaccine at least. But then we arrived at the obvious not so long destination from our place. Palakkad's own hill station; Nelliyampathy. No roaming is allowed here these days but if you have a resort booking, you can spend a night in the resort alone and come back to the plains.
So, unlike the usual times, the plan was coined and finalized in a day. Let's climb the Nelliyampathy hills tomorrow! I've been to this place many a times. So many times, that if someone come and ask me lets go for a quick ride, I'd say let's go to Nelliyampathy. Each time has given me a distinct experience. And this time was no exception. I was welcomed to a never seen before Nelliyampathy. It is the monsoon season in Kerala and the whole week sky was breaking loose upon the earth as if it has some unsettled scores with the land. But it turned out to be the best visual treat to us in the hills or maybe, we've been looking at the digital screens a bit too much and even the smallest non routine views could take our minds away! But anyways, it was all green, Crystal clear and we could often find ourselves amidst the clouds.
To anyone who has been to Nelliyampathy, the first picture that comes to the minds is the lonely Goose Berry Tree overlooking the cliff edge in the Seetharkundu estate. And this overwhelming view of the plains from about 5250Ft above the sea level is for sure the major attraction here. A little further from the estate, about 7Kms ahead is our destination for this drive. The Green Lands resort. Spread across 600Acres, this farmhouse has an amazing ambience. They have their own private viewpoint, which gives an amazing panoramic view of the Chaliyar dam and its surroundings. And an off-road Jeep trek through the Farm and estates to get an amazing view of the horizon, stretching from Thrissur, via Palakkad to Pollachi. Thats a lot for the eyes to cover, but the tiny dots of lights spread in the valley at night is just breath taking.
Just when we found our way through the green tunnel to the amazing view of the valley below, my nephew exclaimed! There is something dancing on our legs like a "snake". It was new to him! Leeches. I've heard that Nelliyampathy has its share of leeches during monsoons but never ever have I seen it during my visits. This time, the union of leeches decided to compensate for all my visits so far. It was an Ambush of the leeches. The little kiddo was excited and confused for these weird parasites which shortly turned into fear and worry.
At the end of the day, it was the perfect, much needed getaway we all were waiting for. Away from all connectivity (Yep! You'll be getting just enough coverage for making phone calls), all the crowd, and right in the middle of nature. You can spot some wildlife also if you are lucky (We got some wild buffalo and deer sighting and "tons" of leeches if they are considered wild). Got an amazing bird's eye view of the night life of the valley along with a bit rough but exciting off road Jeep trek. I just lost count of the teas I had here. It just compliments the climate and the place...
Resort Details: Greenland Farm House | Directions
Please follow all the regulations and guidelines when you are out during this time. Make safety of you and the people around you the priority. Travel responsibly.
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