Attappady Hill Station

About Attappady Hill Station

Attappady Hill Station is Located on the north eastern section of the Palakkad district on the northern portion of the state of Kerala and located 38 kms from Mannakkad, also known as “God’s Own Country”, is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala,This beautiful hill station of Attappady. Surrounded by lush green, undulating hills, the beautiful region of Attappady. An extensive mountain valley above the crest of the Ghat ranges with numerous rivulets of the Bhavani River, Attapady is inhabited mainly by tribes and some settlers from Tamil Nadu.A beautiful synthesis of mountains, rivers and forests, Attapaddy is of great interest to anthropologists, as this is the habitat of many tribes like the ‘irolas’ and ‘mudugars’.Silent Valley National Park, Siruvani Drinking Water Reservoir are the tourist centres of the valley. The highest peak in the district is situated here. A PWD rest house and a few private hotels offer accommodation at Agali.

The Malleshwaram peak is worshipped as a gigantic ‘Shivalinga’, by the tribals who also celebrate the festival of Shivratri with great gusto. The tribals celebrate the festival by lighting the top of this peak.If you are planning a holiday in Attappady, you can also enjoy the famous hospitality of the region in the various hotels and tourist lodges of Attappady.

Interesting things to Visit

Topslip:

It is a location in the Anamalai Hills. It is about 37 kms from Pollachi. This small town is an ideal picnic spot. Arrangements are available at Topslip to take tourists around the Sanctuary on elephant back or by van.

Thirumoorthy Temple:

It is situated at the foot of Thiru moorthy Hills adjoining the Thirumoorthy Dam. This is about 20 kms from Udumalpet on the Highway from Palani to Coimbatore. A perennial stream flows by the side of the Sri Amaralingeswarar temple and nearby there is a waterfalls. The Crocodile Farm at Amaravathi Dam is just 25 kms from here.

Parambikulam - Aliyar Multipurpose Project:

This project consists of a series af dams interconnected by tunnels and canals at various elevation in order to harness the Parambikulam, Aliyar, Nirar, Sholiyar, Thunkadavu, Thenkkadi and Palar rivers, laid for irrigation and power generation.

Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary:

This Sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 mts in the Western Ghats near Pollachi (about 90 Kms from Coimbatore). The area of the sanctuary is 958 sq.kms. It has various kinds of fauna like elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sloth-bear, deer, wild bear, wild dog, porcupine, flying squirrel, jackal, pangolin, civet cat and birds like rocket-tailed drongo, red-whiskered bulbul, black headed oriole, tree pie, spotted dove, green pigeon, etc.

Silent Valley:

Silent Valley is a virgin, fragile forest, nestled in the mountain folds of the Nilgiris in Southern India. In God’s own country, Kerala, Silent Valley is surely God’s own abode. It has etymological connotations to the absence of noisy insect cicadas that are generally abundant in tropical rain forests, although now, cicadas form an integral part of the forest.

Palakkad Fort:

Palakkad Fort was built by Hyder Ali, the mighty ruler of Mysore, in the year 1766 A.D. The fort was primarily built to speed up the communication between Coimbatore and the West Coast. The region, during those days had a great strategic importance. The fort however fell into the hands of British Empire in the year 1784 after a siege that lasted 11 days. With the Zamorin’s capture of the fort, the dispute and the battle was not meant to end there. The British recaptured the fort in the year 1790 A.D. and with that established their stronghold in the region. Palakkad Fort, at present, is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Nearest Visiting places

Sholayar:

Highest place in Attappady. Cool climate and the enthralling natural beauty rejuvenates the body and soul. Tea and coffee plantations are another attraction.

Thiruvalathoor Bhagavathy Temple.

The temple is located 10 kilometer from Palakkad at the Chittoor-Kodumbu road. This ancient temple is well decorated with fine wood works and stone sculptures. It is one of the 108 Durga temples in the country. The temple remains unfinished. The annual festival falls at January, which lasts 10 days. Another attraction in the temple is the Mizhavu (a musical instrument), and it is observed as the largest in Kerala.

Chulannur Peacock Protection Centre:

Mailadumpara, in Chulannur situated 22 kms away from Palakkad town and 5 kms from Peringothukrish, is also famed. It is here the peacock protection center is located. Kunjan Nambiar Smrudhi forest is also here.

Silent Valley National Park:

It is a dense rain forest located along the western corners of Nilgiris having an area of around 90 square kilometers. It is nearly 60 kilometers far from Palakkad and 90 kilometers from Coimbatore. Silent Valley got this name because of the poetic silence at this forest and it is just because of the absence of cicadas, which is common in all forests. The forest is famous for the very rare Lion-Tailed Macaque. The Silent Valley also known as Sairandhri Vanam. According to Hindu mythology Sairandhri is the other name of Draupadi who is the wife of Panadavas in Mahabharatha epic. Trekking is possible at this forest with prior permission.

Kalpathi:

Kalpathi is the most famous ‘Agraharam’(Street occupied by Brahmins) in Palakkad and one of the 18 Agraharams(Brahmin residing streets) in the state.

Olappamanna Mana:

Olappamanna is the family name of a feudal lords, belongs to the Namboothiri category. They are the reputed patrons of Kathakali and it is believed that Kathakali originated here. The ‘mana’ (ancestral house) lies at Vellinezhi (Which is known as Kathakali village) near Chepulassery.
Thrithala

Thrithala:

Thrithala is the place where Agnihotri (The eldest son of Vararuchi) conducted 99 yagnas and made Indra (King of Gods) envious. The Agnihotri ellam draws visitors. The village lies 8 kilometer far from Pattambi at the Pattambi-Kuttippuram road in the Ottapalam taluk. The Siva temple here is believed to be built around 10th century is a good example of the Chol-Pandya style of Architecture.

Kollengode:

Kollengode or the abode of blacksmiths enshrines the pristine beauty of rural Palakkad. The Kollengode Palace, the Vishnu Temple and the poet P. Kunhiraman Nair Memorial are worth visiting. Seethakundu and Govindamalai hills near Kaachankurichi are ideal for adventurous trekkers.

Chittur Garumadam:

This place is Located on the banks of the river Sokanasini (the destroyer of sorrows), this is a memorial to Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the author of Adhyatma Ramayana, who spent his last days here. A srichakra, some of the idols worshipped by him, a stylus, wooden slippers and a few old manuscripts are exhibited here.

Jain Temple of Jainimedu:

This basadhi is Situated on the western suburbs of Palakkad town, not far from the railway station, this historic 32 feet long, 20 feet wide granite temple displays images of the Jain Thirthankaras and Yakshinis. The region around the temple, known as Jainimedu, is one of the few places in Kerala where the vestiges of Jainism have survived.

Kudallur and Thasarak:

The villages of Palakkad district have become the background of the novels of reputed writers like M.T. Vasudevan Nair and O.V. Vijayan. Kudallur, the birth place of M.T. Vasudevan Nair is the locale of his novels, ‘Nalukettu’ and ‘Kalam’ (time).

Kalpathy Temple:

The Vishwanatha Swamy shrine which is the oldest Shiva temple is situated 3 km from Palakkad. The annual chariot temple is a gala event. The annual ‘Ratholsavam’ or Chariot Festival at Sree Viswanantha Swamy temple lasts for seven days.

Malampuzha:

This place is just 10 kms from Palakkad, It is a famous picnic spot and major tourist attraction, is in the site of a large irrigation dam built across the river Bharathapuzha. It is a picnic spot in the lower hills of the Western Ghats. Malampuzha Garden is a famous picnic spot, which comprises a dam and beautifully landscaped gardens, around the large reservoirs are beautifully landscaped rose gardens and amusement parks for children, as well as facilities for boat cruises and water sports on the reservoir.

Thiruvalathoor:

This palce is about 10kms from Palakkad, the ancient temple here has some fine woodwork and stone sculptures

Kottayi:

Kottayi is located just 15 kms from Palakkad. This village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.

Kanjirapuzha :

Kanjirapuzha Dam is situated about 38 kms. from Palakkad.The water spread of the dam lies in a single stretch.An evergreen forest, by name ‘Vettilachola’ is immediately beyond the reservoir which is surrounded by hills and during rainy season, the mountain will be covered with mist.All this makes the area extremely beautiful and picturesque. There are three islands in the reservoir with plenty of fish (including commercial varieties) grown by the Fisheries Department.

Thunchan Gurumadom :

Across the lush green fields, two kms. from ChitturTown on the banks of river Sokanasini an old building where Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, regarded as the father of Malayalam Language, lived in the 16th Century.People call it Gurumadom and it is here that he translated the two great Sanskrit epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha, for the common people.At the Gurumadomone Srichakra and a few idols worshipped by himthe stylus the wooden slippers (Padukom) and a few old manuscripts are exhibited.

Malankara dam:

Malankara dam is 6 km from Thodupuzha. Located on the Thodupuzha - Moolamattam road (State Highway 33), an important irrigation project of Kerala, the Malankara Dam and Malankara reservoir is constructed across the waters from the tail-gate of the Moolamattom Power House.

Meenkara dam:

Meenkara is a tourist destination located in Palakkad District of Kerala. It is about 32 km south-east of Palakkad. The prime attraction is the Meenkara Dam constructed across the Meenkara River - a sub tributary of Gayathripuzha, which flows into the Bharathapuzha.

Nearest Petrol Pump

IBP Petrol Bunk
Chittur Road, Kenathuparambu
palakkad, Kerala.

Bharat Petroleum
Coimbatore Road, Kalmandapam
Palakkad, Kerala.

Balaji Fuels
Chandranagar, Palakkad
Kerala 678007
Tel: 0491 2571793.

Petrol Pump
Palakkad, Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Malleeshwaram jungle lodges
Pettickal, Sholayur
attapady, palakkad
Kerala 678581
04924 209323– 09961544663.

Park Inn Hotel
37, Near Railway St
Geetha Hall Road
Coimbatore, Tamil nadu
0422 2301283

Hotel Alankar
Sivasamy Rd, Ram Nagar
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
0422 4378888

Hotel Vaidurya
Geetha Hall Rd, Gopala Puram,
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
0422 4297777.

Hotel Silent Valley
Mannarkkad, Palakkad
Kerala.

Hotel Srichakra International
Palakkad, Kerala.

Hotel Soorya Continental
Pudhiyapalam
Palakkad, kerala.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Karunya Nagar Police Station
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Tel:0422 2615701.

Thondamuthur Police Station
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Tel: 0422 2617258.

Police Station Vadavalli
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Tel:0422 2423100.

Police Station
Mannarkkad, Palakkad, Kerala
Tel: 0422 2498381.

Nearest Hospital:

Mannarkad homoeo medical centre
jj complex, old statebank building
t.s junction,, main road
mannarkkad, palakkad dt
mannarkkad, Kerala 678582
Tel: 09447630668.

Sandhya Ram Hospital
Kadampazhipuram 678633.

Aihms homoeopathy multi speciality clinic
NH 213, Perintalmanna
Kerala 679322
Tel: 049 33326676– 09447630668– 09946030003.

Lakshmi Nursing Home
Kenathuparambu
Palakkad, Kerala.

Madhavi Amma Hospital
Sultanpet, Palakkad
Kerala.

Link:

http://attappadynet.blogspot.com/
http://silentvally.blogspot.com/2006/12/silentvalley\_06.html
http://touristspots-southindia.blogspot.com/2008/03/hill-station-in-kerala.html
http://kerala-guide.blogspot.com/2008/08/hill-stations-in-kerala.html

Location info

• Address: Near Mannarkad, Palakkad, Kerala, India.

• District: Palakkad District.

• Nearest City: Coimbatore, Pollachi, Dindigul and Madurai.

• Best time to visit: September to May.

Climate & weather

Climate Generally warm and humid. The weather Temperature 0oC - 25oC Summer: 15.2oC - 25oC Winter: 0oC - 10oC

Things to do at Attappady Hill Station

The Malleshwaram peak is worshipped as a gigantic ‘Shivalinga’, by the tribals who also celebrate the festival of Shivratri with great gusto, You can do trekking over here.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Accessibility

Accessibility information is not currently available for this site. Contact the venue directly or check with your accommodation for the latest accessibility details.

Rules & restrictions

Standard visitor rules apply. Check locally for any specific restrictions at this site.

Best photography spots

The best photography spots are typically during the golden hours (early morning and late afternoon). Scout the location first to identify the best angles, and consider the direction of light at different times of day.

Best time to visit Attappady Hill Station

The best time to visit Attappady Hill Station is from September to May. The post-monsoon season (September–November) offers lush green landscapes and clear views. Winter (December–February) brings cool temperatures (15°C–25°C) ideal for exploration. March–May is warmer but still pleasant. Monsoon (June–August) brings heavy rainfall and road access may be challenging.

Timings & opening hours

Hill stations are accessible 24 hours. However, driving in hilly areas after dark is not recommended. Tourist attractions within hill stations typically operate from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to hill station areas is generally free. Specific viewpoints and gardens may charge INR 10–50 entry fee. Some private tea plantations charge INR 50–100 for guided tours.

Duration needed

1–2 days for a complete experience including viewpoints, tea plantation visits, nature walks, and local market exploration. Day trips are possible from nearby cities.

Safety tips

Drive carefully on ghat roads — hairpin bends are common and roads can be narrow. Fog and mist reduce visibility in early mornings and evenings, particularly from November to February. Carry warm clothing as temperatures drop significantly in the evenings. Stay on marked trails during nature walks.

Things to carry

Warm clothing (jacket, sweater, or light woolens — temperatures can drop to 10–15°C at night), comfortable walking shoes, an umbrella or raincoat (especially during monsoon), sunscreen (UV is strong at higher altitudes), a camera, binoculars for scenic views, medications for motion sickness if prone (winding ghat roads), and a reusable water bottle.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Attappady Hill Station

Attappady Hill Station was developed during the British colonial period as a summer retreat from the heat of the plains. The hill stations of Kerala, primarily in the Western Ghats, were established in the 19th century when British officials identified these cool, misty highlands as ideal locations for tea, coffee, and spice plantations. The plantation economy transformed the region, bringing workers from the plains and creating a unique cultural mosaic. Today, these hill stations retain their colonial-era charm alongside vibrant local communities and thriving tea gardens.

Frequently asked questions

What is the temperature like? — Hill stations in Kerala range from 15°C–25°C during the day to 10°C–15°C at night in winter. Summer temperatures are 20°C–30°C. Always carry a light jacket or sweater. Do I need to book accommodation in advance? — Yes, especially during peak season (December–February) and holiday weekends. Popular hill stations like Munnar and Wayanad fill up quickly. Are there ATMs available? — ATMs are available in the main town areas but can run out of cash on weekends. Carry sufficient cash for smaller shops and local transportation. How are the road conditions? — Hill roads have many hairpin bends and can be narrow. Drive carefully or hire an experienced local driver. Some roads may be affected by landslides during monsoon.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Kerala
• Category: Hill Stations

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.