Paithalmala is foggy and the cloud capped hill station in the Kannur district of Kerala. This is one of the famous hill stations in South India for the nature aficionados, photographers, trekkers and leisurely visitors.
Location of Paithalmala
Paithalmala is located near Pottenplave village, at a height of 1371.6 m above sea level. This is the highest geographic peak in Kannur District of Kerala. It is located 65 kilometers from Kannur District. Paithalmala is nestled in the Kerala-Karnataka border near to Kodagu forests, which is situated in the Western Ghats Mountain Range in India.
Climate of Paithalmala
Paithalmala is enjoyable for the adventure lovers in the months of monsoon and summer. The monsoon falls from June to October, trekking to Paithalmala is a photographer`s delight as the mist blankets the hills and forest. Here one can pamper into the verdant foliage amidst the showers throughout the day, especially in the month of July. 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.
Observatory in Paithalmala
There is an observatory tower made by the Department of Tourism under the Government of Kerala, at the hilltop which can be reached after a 45 min walk from the Paithal valley. The trekking starts through the dense forest followed by the plain grass land on the hill top.
Trekking in Paithalmala
Most of the visitors end their trek having time spent around the tower, but much of the excitement of the Paithalmala is located elsewhere. 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.
