Far from the loud beats of city life, beyond the coconut-strewn coastline of Kannur, there lies a dream wrapped in mist—Paithalmala. Resting quietly in the Western Ghats, at about 4,500 feet above sea level, this hill station is where green doesn’t just grow, it glows.
Reaching Paithalmala is like walking into a secret. The roads that lead you there twist and turn through dense forests and cardamom-scented air. And then, suddenly, the landscape opens up—and there it is. A vast, open hilltop, carpeted in wild grass, dotted with wildflowers, and covered with drifting clouds that seem to have forgotten their way home.
Unlike the more famous Munnar or Wayanad, Paithalmala doesn’t scream for attention. It whispers. It hums. It waits quietly for those who truly want to listen. Trekkers find themselves enchanted by the journey through the forest trails, especially during the monsoon, when everything is dripping in green and the mist clings to your skin like silk.
Once you reach the top, the views are nothing short of breathtaking. The rolling valleys stretch out endlessly, and on a clear day, you can see all the way into Karnataka. The wind here is different—it carries stories. Stories of rain, of forgotten paths, of birds whose names you’ll never know but whose songs will stay with you.
There’s an old watchtower at the top—silent and lonely, like a poet waiting for company. It stands guard over the hills, offering panoramic views that seem too perfect to be real. This is where people sit in silence, take deep breaths, and let the world slow down.
Wildlife lovers often visit to spot rare birds and butterflies, while photographers come chasing light and mist. But what draws everyone here, truly, is the stillness. A kind of peace that can’t be bought or booked online.
Paithalmala isn’t about fancy resorts or tourist traps. It’s about early morning fog, the crunch of leaves under your boots, and the realization that sometimes, the most beautiful places are the ones that ask nothing from you—except presence.
In the end, Paithalmala doesn’t just offer a view—it offers clarity. A reminder that nature still holds places where silence is the most...
Read moreThe journey to the viewpoint itself was an adventure in its own right. The winding roads amidst the thick foliage added to the thrill, and the refreshing cool breeze brushed against my face as I ascended. The journey may be a bit challenging for those who aren't accustomed to hilly terrain, but it's definitely worth it.
Once at the viewpoint, I was greeted by a well-maintained platform that offers an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape. The view was simply breathtaking, with layers of hills stretching as far as the eye could see. The lush greenery, interspersed with colorful wildflowers, created a picture-perfect setting that felt like something out of a fairytale.
The serenity and tranquility of Paithalmala Viewpoint are unmatched. It's a place where you can truly disconnect from the chaos of daily life and find solace in nature's embrace. I spent hours simply gazing at the beauty that surrounded me, feeling a sense of calm wash over my entire being.
For photography enthusiasts, Paithalmala Viewpoint is a paradise. The lighting conditions were excellent during my visit, allowing me to capture some stunning shots of the landscape. Whether you're an amateur or a professional, you'll be spoiled for choice with the countless picture-perfect moments waiting to be framed.
I would advise visitors to carry water and some snacks, as there aren't many options available in terms of refreshments. Additionally, wearing comfortable footwear is essential due to the hilly terrain and occasional...
Read moreSimply just can't describe the beauty of this place. For those who are on a budget trip : Reach Thaliparamba. There are a lot of buses from Kannur railway station. Reaching Thaliparamba,take ksrtc bus to kudiyanmala. There are a few ksrtc buses which take you directly to Pottenplave from Thaliparamba. Orelse just reach kudiyanmala, then to Pottenplave. You can take auto taxi after reaching kudiyanmala to Pottenplave. They will take you to the starting point of trekking at a fare of 300 Rs. I suggest you to don't take the risk of walking to the spot from kudiyanmala or even from Pottenplave because it's kindaf a tough task. Entry fee for adults is 30 rs. Try not to bring plastic items. They allow to take water bottles, but there are narrow streams of cold pure water on the way to top, so no need to take water bottle. They warned about leeches, but we didn't saw any, but it's better to keep some salt with ya. Reaching the top the view is beautiful with chilling wind and fog. You can actually touch the fog on climbing to the top. You can trek down to another view point and there are some other ways to trekk to nearby points. As I said don't contaminate the place. Visit, experience, go home. For whatever help, there'll be forrest officer Antony sir. He will give you detailed history about the place if he's not busy. Try to visit in June, July, August time...to experience in the best...
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