Exploring Palakkayam Thattu

For all the adventure-loving folks who are crazy about off-roading, Palakkayam Thattu, the scenic and serene hill station in Kannur district, is a chance to run on the wild side. You’d take home more than what you expect from a leisurely hangout and it’s for sure going to tempt you to come back many more times. First thing to do is to shake yourself off from sleep early in the morning to catch the sight in its full, unadulterated beauty, beginning with the sunrise. If starting from Kannur town, make sure the 51 kilometres till the valley is covered either on your own or by depending on public transport.

As it demands some high-octane action from your vehicle, come prepared to encounter the rough terrains on off-road friendly two or four-wheelers. Otherwise, a pick and drop jeep service, on paying a fee, is available to take you to the closest motorable space that is about 250 metres away from the top of the hill. No less are the tourists who hire or bring their own SUVs to feel the joy of jeep safari. At the entry point, a fee of Rs 20 and Rs 50 are charged for bikes and four-wheelers respectively. Autorickshaw is a strict no. You definitely have to dust off your boots to trek the remaining distance.

Upon reaching the final destination, fluffy white dense fog (koda manju) would greet you first. The sight is at its best in the pre-monsoon months and December. Move till the viewpoint where some seating arrangements are made. Trek as much as you want on the grassy surface. Carry with you a good SLR camera to freeze the moments forever. This is one major attraction that draws visitors to its quietude.

If it is evening, stay until the twilight sun is down. Located four kilometres away is Paithalmala, another hilly spot that can be easily connected from here. Plan your journey accordingly. On return, relish crispy fried snacks and piping hot tea from the small tea shops lining the valleys. Hotel stay is available about 10 kilometres away from the town. Tourists coming from far-off places could seek accommodation here.

Travel tip: Come is small groups since the off-road journey till the motorable point may otherwise prove difficult. Staying for one whole day is not recommended as the atmospheric temperature goes up during morning time depending on seasonal climatic changes. Nearest villages: Naduvil and Pulikurumba. Geography: 3,500 ft above sea level