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.
• 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.
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.
Peak Season (January to May)
Moderate Season (October to December)
Low Season (June-September)
Know Before You Go-
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.