Paithalmala is a hill station in the Kannur district of Kerala in India. Located near Pottenplave village, at a height of 1371.6 m above sea level, this is the highest geographic peak in Kannur. It is located 65 km from Kannur. Nestled in the Kerala Karnataka border near to Kodagu forests, it lies in the Western Ghats. It has become a favourite spot for the nature enthusiasts, photographers, trekkers and leisurely visitors. There are two trekking seasons at Paithalmala, falling in monsoon and summer. Monsoon (June to October) trekking to Paithalmala is a photographer's delight as the mist blankets the hills and forest. One can indulge into the lush greenery amidst the showers throughout the day, especially in July. Practically, trekking is not as easy as in the summer because of the extreme climate. Watch out for leeches and occasional elephant visits. Paithalmala Hilltop: The observatory tower is seen at the extreme Monsoon is followed by a cool climate in Paithalmala and the grass surrounding the hills grow to their fullest size, making it difficult to walk through. As they grow above seven feet, finding the regular way becomes a difficult task. By December, the forest caretakers set fire to the grass, taking care of the rest of the forest, to ease out the trekking experience. Soon after this, the hill becomes unsuitable to trek because of the black sooth formed but clears away after a couple of weeks.
The best time for a trek is from Jan to March though the sun might be harsh. There is an observatory tower made by the department of tourism at the hilltop which can be reached after a 45 min walk from the Paithal valley. Trekking starts through the dense forest followed by the plain grass land on the hill top. Forest trail towards the hill View of the valley from the observatory tower is breathtaking and the observer’s eyes can hover over more than half the area of Kannur district. Trekkers at paithal hills Most of the visitors end their trek having time spent around the tower, but much of the excitement of the Paithalmala is located elsewhere. One can seek help from complaisant local people to find out the small streams or ponds inside the forest and they might come handy if you run out of the bottled water. Scenic view from the hilltop The best part of the trek is the walk from the observatory tower to the thick forest where trail from Kappimala ends. One can move on top of the hills enjoying the mesmerizing scenery of the Coorg forest on right and Paithal valley on the left. The grassland looks stunning here and arguably is the best scene of the trek. The best time to start the trek is early morning, after the breakfast from the valley and finishing by evening. Lunch, water and snacks need to be carried.
Distance to paithalmala
From Bangalore-295 KM
From Kannur- 65 KM
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| Paithalmala |
The best time for a trek is from Jan to March though the sun might be harsh. There is an observatory tower made by the department of tourism at the hilltop which can be reached after a 45 min walk from the Paithal valley. Trekking starts through the dense forest followed by the plain grass land on the hill top. Forest trail towards the hill View of the valley from the observatory tower is breathtaking and the observer’s eyes can hover over more than half the area of Kannur district. Trekkers at paithal hills Most of the visitors end their trek having time spent around the tower, but much of the excitement of the Paithalmala is located elsewhere. One can seek help from complaisant local people to find out the small streams or ponds inside the forest and they might come handy if you run out of the bottled water. Scenic view from the hilltop The best part of the trek is the walk from the observatory tower to the thick forest where trail from Kappimala ends. One can move on top of the hills enjoying the mesmerizing scenery of the Coorg forest on right and Paithal valley on the left. The grassland looks stunning here and arguably is the best scene of the trek. The best time to start the trek is early morning, after the breakfast from the valley and finishing by evening. Lunch, water and snacks need to be carried.
Distance to paithalmala
From Bangalore-295 KM
From Kannur- 65 KM
