Mangalam Dam and Nelliampathy. Review on Nelliampathy

28th February 2010, Sunday

I met my cousin Jeijo at my Uncle’s house. After lunch we both decided to drive away. In Google Maps we saw Mangalam Dam – the Dam which I haven’t visited till date. During my college days I used to go with my friends and swim in near by dams around Thrissur. Plan was to go and see Mangalam Dam; find a place to stay at Night; have some pegs together; come back next day morning.

We both started at 5 pm. This time mode of Transportation was 4 wheeler – WagonR. Being my workplace in Bangalore, it was difficult to survive hot and humid weather in Kerala for short visits. AC drive will help the situation a bit. We entered NH 47 again after filling the petrol for 1000/-; there shouldn't be an issue of drained petrol tank. After one hour(at 6 pm) we reached at Vadakkanchery(in Palaghat – Thrissur highway) and asked the route to Managalam dam to a localite. After 30 mins drive we reached at Managalam Dam. There were no crowd – only a couple of families. Rainy season is the best time when you should go and visit dams. We enjoyed the walk and view; I clicked a couple of snaps using my mobile phone.

7 pm: Next thing was to find a route to Nelliampathy and get settled in a hotel room. After having a chat with localites about shortest routes, from Managlam Dam we took a right turn towards Nenmara; Nelliampathy route was via Nenmara. This place was famous for fireworks during “Nenmara Vela”; Vela is a kind of celebration happens in temple. Managlam Dam – Nenmara shortcut Road was not that bad as we expected. From Nenmara we confirmed with localites that accomodation would be available at Nelliampathy

Starting from Nenmara, geography changed drastically to forest. Very soon we saw a forest check post. We had to register our vehicle number there. Proceeding further, we saw Pothundi Dam on the way. A lot of hair pin bends were awaiting us. We saw many vehicles which were going down. They must be families / groups who have already enjoyed Nelliampathy Stay. At around 8.00 pm we reached at a Y junction. Localites informed that road towards right goes to AVT tea plantation; Left road goes to Nelliampathy and Green Land Resorts. Localites suggested to find our accomodation at ITC resorts nearby. We inquired and found that double room at ITC is 850/-. We proceed to Greenland resorts to find better rates which was 7 kms further. Road towards the end was pretty bad. At last we managed to find Green Land Resorts. Room rate negotiated to 600(but they charged 100 Rs extra as taxes). We ordered chappatis and non veg curries for dinner. Food served was good and service was better. They didn’t have much varieties because they prepare food as per the booking orders.

Room was not that great. Cable connection / Dish TV was not working. It was not an AC room(AC was not really required). We had long discussion and family talks till 12 am. It was a pleasant break for me from tiring office hours.

Morning @ Nelliampathy

We wake up pretty early at 8 am. We had a small walk outside and took some snaps. Mobile camera became handy again. Puttu and Kadala curry was served as breakfast. We vacated the place at 9 am. Total sum including Dinner and breakfast was 1000(300 for food). It was pretty economical. They have double room for 800/, two double rooms for family at 2500/-, cottage / suits for 3500/-.

First we went to AVT tea plantations and took some snaps. Then we started our drive to Thrissur. On the way we had close encounters with a lot of monkeys. In addition to that nice views of Pothundi Dam was mind blowing. We enjoyed the drive, and reached back home at 12 pm.

Summary:

Route: Thrissur – Wadakkenchery – Mangalam Dam – Nenmara – Nelliampathy –

Wadakkenchery – Thrissur

Distance:

80 kms(Nelliampathy - Thrissur)

70 kms(Mangalam Dam - Thrissur)