Padagiri, Nelliyampathy
Padagiri is considered as
the tallest peak of the Nelliyampathy Hills and is at a height of around 1500 m
above sea level. It is also known as Nellikota and is considered among the
famous picnic spots around Nelliyampathy. It is famous for its beautiful teak
plantations.
The most striking feature
of the peak is the gorgeous teak plantation.
The sceneries and the
weather there are very beautiful. It is easily accessible from the south Indian
states Tamilnadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Padagiri, at a height of
nearly 1500 meters above sea level is the highest peak; the others are
Vellchimudi, Valiyavana, Vela Vanchan and Mayanmudi.
Padagiri is a quaint place
located in the Nelliyampathy Panchayat of Palakkad District in Kerala. A
driving of around 50 km south to Palakkad will get you here.
Another attraction of the
Padagiri is the huge teak trees growing here. Kollengode lies to the north,
while Parambikulam is in east, Kallana at south and Pothundi at west borders
the village. The place is ideal for a quaint weekend getaway. Kaikatty is only
5 km away from this place. The geographical coordinates are 10° 29' 0"
North, 76° 42' 0" East.
The nearby cities are
Kuttampuzha, Valiyapara Kutti, Karinthiriyaar - Melacheri.
Controversy
The Padagiri police in
Nelliampathy was part of the forest land encroachment due to complaints from
the Forest Department in 2010 about the encroachment and sale of large areas of
forest land in Nelliampathy. The scam also involved pledging of leased forest
area by private parties and pulling Rs.15-crore loan from the Kerala State
Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and other nationalized banks.