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About Paithalmala

Opening hours- 9:00 am to 4:00 pm  

Prime days and hours- Weekends, Early morning 

Suggested Duration- 3-4 hours

Tickets- Online & Offline

Nearest Bus Stand- Pottenplave Bus Stand, about 4 km

Nearest Railway Station- Kannur Railway Station, about 54 km 

Nearest Airport- Kannur International Airport, about 41 km 

One of the highest peaks in Kannur, at about 4500 ft, is the Paithalmala Hill Station. Lying in the lap of the Western Ghats from the Pythal Valley, this trek undoubtedly makes it one of the most exciting places to visit in Kannur. As you move forward, the trek takes you through dense forests and opens up to beautiful views of the Paithalmala peak. The hillock also has the remains of the Palace of Vaithalkon King, which adds to its historical significance.

From the peak, one side offers breathtaking views of Coorg’s valleys, while the other reveals the vast plains of Kannur city, with distant houses visible far away. There are two routes from which trekkers may choose here, while both are 6 km each and offer picturesque views, the first one starts at Kappimala (Alakkodu), and the second starts at Pottenplave near Kudianmala. Being a secluded spot, it is ideal for those who seek to escape the chaotic life and to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Kerala.

Paithalmala Highlights

• Visit the beautiful Paithalmala hill station, with the stunning views of Coorg’s lush valleys on one side and the sprawling plains of Kannur on the other.
• Trek to this hill located 4500 ft above sea level, one of the highest peaks in Kerala, with a hiking trail leading to a watch tower.
• Enjoy the scenic views of the valleys of Coorg on one side and the plains of Kannur on the other.
• Witness a rich flora and fauna with over 100 varieties of butterflies and numerous rare trees and plants.
• Take a refreshing dip in the cool waters of Ezharakundu Waterfalls on your way.
• Explore the dense semi-evergreen forests, where spotting elephants is a common sight.
• Visit the remains of the Vaithalkon King’s Palace, hidden among the dense jungles of Kodagu.

How To Reach Paithalmala

By Car/Cab- Paithalmala is about a 53 km drive from Kannur city, and you can easily reach there in approx. 2 hours to reach via Taliparamba - Manakadavu - Coorg Rd.

Best Time To Visit Paithalmala

Peak Season (January to May)

  • Weather Insights- Temperature ranging from 33°C to 20°C, bright sunny days, clear views, no humidity, rare rainfalls.
  • Things to do- Trekking, enjoy the waterfalls, explore the flora and fauna, and tour around the nearby attractions.

Moderate Season (October to December)

  • Weather Insights- Temperature ranging from 20°C to 31°C, post-monsoon with less humidity.
  • Things to do- Sightseeing, enjoy the wildlife, and waterfalls.

Low Season (June-September)

  • Weather Insights- Temperature ranging from 22°C to 29°C, heavy monsoon, constant showers. 
  • Things to do- Enjoy the never-ending greenery, mist-covered mountains, and tall green grasses. 

Paithalmala Other Essential Information

Know Before You Go-

  • It’s best to start the trek early in the morning after breakfast from the valley and complete it by evening.
  • Consider reaching the site before 3 pm, as visitors are allowed in till 3 pm only. 
  • Carry snacks and water as the hike is of a decent length without any shops or eateries in between.
  • Avoid littering as the region is a designated plastic-free zone. 
  • Be mindful and cautious near steep valley edges locally known as “suicide points”.
  • Wear leech protective clothing as the forest is a heaven for leeches, especially in the Monsoon months from June to October. 
  • Consider checking the timings and status before making your visit, as there is a chance that both hiking trails are closed due to extreme weather.
Day Wise Timings
Open Today
mo
Normal Timings:
09:00 AM to 04:00 PM
tu
Normal Timings:
09:00 AM to 04:00 PM
we
Normal Timings:
09:00 AM to 04:00 PM
th
Normal Timings:
09:00 AM to 04:00 PM
fr
Normal Timings:
09:00 AM to 04:00 PM
sa
Normal Timings:
09:00 AM to 04:00 PM
su
Normal Timings:
09:00 AM to 04:00 PM
Point of Interest for Paithalmala
Enjoy the scenic views
1

Enjoy the scenic views

As you reach the hilltop, you will be able to see more than half of the Kannur area from an observation point. On a clear day, you can even see Thadiyantemol Peak, the highest peak in Karnataka state, from Paithalmala.

Take a hiking trail
2

Take a hiking trail

While trekking, you can enjoy a peaceful walk through the forest along the trail. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as elephants and other animals are often seen here. Spending time in this natural setting makes the trek even more exciting and full of memorable experiences.

Enjoy the waterfalls
3

Enjoy the waterfalls

Visitors can stop to rest at the seasonal waterfalls or the Ezharakundu Waterfalls along the trek. These cool, refreshing waters offer a perfect way to relax and recharge before continuing the journey, making the trek more enjoyable and giving travellers a chance to connect with nature.

Witness the rich flora and fauna
4

Witness the rich flora and fauna

This place offers more than just beautiful landscapes. It is home to a wide variety of plants, butterflies, and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy exploring the rich flora and fauna, making it a great spot for nature lovers and those interested in wildlife.

Tourism Board Alliances

Paithalmala FAQs

What is Paithalmala famous for?

Paithalmala, a 6 km trek, is famous for its rare endemic species, beautiful waterfalls, and a stunning panoramic view of the neighbouring state of Karnataka. It covers over 300 acres of land with picture-perfect views, making this a trekker's paradise. Paithalmala offers several tourism possibilities like heritage tourism, wildlife trekking, and forest trails. 

How much time would it take to visit Paithalmala?

A comfortable visit to Paithalmala would take about 2-3 hours. This place is best described as a jungle trekking destination. With no time restrictions, visitors can explore for as long as they like and return by evening. The dense forests and thick grasslands make it a paradise for trekkers, with many trails to choose from.

How many ways are there to reach Paithalmala?

Paithalmala can be reached from two different routes- Pottenplave and Kappimala. While both are 6 km each and offer picturesque views, one is more adventurous than the other. The first one that is considered more difficult starts at Kappimala (Alakkodu)- more suited for seasoned trekkers. The second, the easier route, starts at Pottenplave near Kudianmala.

What is the best time to visit Paithalmala?

The best time to travel to Paithalmala is between January to May. However, if you want to avoid the heat, the monsoon is also a great time to take this trek. As for the timings, 9:00 am is the best time to start your trek. Though the hill trek is open till 4 pm, they don’t allow visitors in after 3 pm.

Which district of Kerala is Paithalamala located in?

Paithalmala is a hill station in the Kannur district of Kerala in India, located near Pottenplave. At a height of 4500 ft above sea level, it is the highest geographic peak in Kannur. It is located 40 km from Taliparamba and 65 km from Kannur. Nestled in the Kerala-Karnataka border near Kodagu forests, it lies in the Western Ghats.

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