Nilambur's pristine little secret and other attractions

Just enough water to wet your feet. Why, you can even drag your child along! Crystal clear water. Nature at its pristine best. This and more are what you will get from the ponds at TK Colony’s organic village which is located near the streams that merge at Nilambur’s Chaliyar. A dip in these rivers is all that is needed to understand the essence of the place.

These streams are the heart and soul of Amarambalam, a forest village near Nilambur town and conjoins Silent Valley National Park. The frothy stream skids through the rocks and joins the ponds. Tourists love taking a dip here, fascinated by the clear water and natural beauty besides privacy.

If you are planning a trip to Nilambur, we suggest taking a swim at Chekkad and Pedayanthal. It is fascinating to watch the riverbed. In fact, the experience of taking a bath in this river is even more riveting than surfing. And why not? Considering it is coming from the forests of Silent valley.

Points to ponder

Listen to the locals as they are aware of the possible dangers. Though one might be able to see the riverbed clearly and therefore wade through the water, you might encounter whirlpools. Do not venture with your family everywhere and especially do not jump in thinking the water is shallow. Tread very carefully through the rocks. Discourage elders and those who are not used to cold to step into the water. It is advisable to reach TK Colony by noon as the temperature will be tolerable by then. The forest department has put forward some restrictions and it is better to take note of them.

And for those tourists who have this habit of bringing food and eating it sitting on the rocks, they should strictly not litter on the riverside or throw trash into the river as it will contaminate the water. Rivers are the villager’s source of water and as a considerate tourist, it is prudent not to break water pipes or cause noise pollution.

How to reach there

From Nilambur take the Pookkottumpadam-Chikkadu route.

Also visit these places if you are planning to extend your stay at Nilambur.

Connolly's Plot: This oldest teak plantation in the world, is just 2 kms from Nilambur town. These plantations were created during the 1840s and were later used to supply wood to ship building yards in Britain. The plot is named after Henry Connolly, the then Malabar district Collector who was instrumental in creating this plot. You can see several gigantic trees (largest is 420 cms) near river Chaliyar.

The Hanging Bridge: It is enroute to Connolly’s Plot, this hanging bridge over River Chaliyar. This 140ft suspension bridge is the largest in Kerala.

Teak Museum: This museum devoted to teak is only a few minutes’ drive from the town. You can find fascinating relics as well as a lot of information about teak. A bio resources park is attached to this and you can also take stock of the attractive gardens fenced with bamboos.

Pottery village at Aruvakkode: This traditional pottery village is a must visit place. Just the sight of a hundred families engaged in making clay pots is enough to warm your heart. Thankfully with more awareness about the health benefits of cooking in clay pots, clay pots are in vogue. They make everything from murals to mirror frames. And learning pottery is anyway a lot of fun!

Adyanpara waterfall: About 10 kms from town, this place is ideal to visit soon after the rains when the water flow is in full form. But apparently visitors still throng during the summer as the location is nice and quiet. And you can also walk over the rocks then.

Nilambur Kovilakam: This residence of the former local rulers, Nilambur Rajas, is located on the outskirts of Nilambur and by the side of River Chaliyar. There are several houses inside a large two storied gate where the families of the rulers live. There are ancestral buildings done in traditional Kerala architecture as well as post-modern constructions. There is a 200-year-old shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva called Vettakkorumakan temple nearby and the annual Pattu Ulsavam is an important event.

Kakkadampoyil: 24 kms from Nilambur this is a beautiful hill station with some great trekking spots. While there, try the Kozhippara waterfall, great for a dip as well as a trek alongside the stream.

Nedumkayam: A great place to catch wildlife, bison and elephants reside in this rain forest. But you need to get permission from the forest department. There is a government guest house 15 kms from town.

Elambalai hill: Situated along the Kerala state border, this origin point of river Chaliyar is famous for monkeys, deers, bison and elephants.

Central Forest Nursery: Located north of town near to the river, the nursery has a good variety of saplings and young plants for sale. This is one of the four nurseries set up by the Forest Department of Kerala.

Karumbikotta, Moolepadam countryside, the trekking tracks of Munderi, Kavankallu water regulator and reservoir, Amarambalam reserve forest and Pullangode rubber estate are some of the other interesting tourist attractions.