Located high up among the foggy hills of Kannur, Paithalmala is a tranquil hill station that attracts adventurers, nature lovers, and people who want to get away from the noisy city life. It is the highest peak in the district of Kannur, standing at an altitude of 1,372 meters. This magical place is in the Western Ghats, around 40 km from Thaliparambu and 65 km from Kannur, at the border of Kerala and Karnataka, close to the green Kodagu forests.
Only a 6 km trek through the wild nature will take you to the top of the mountain a path that is vibrant with rare species that are native to the region, water that falls from high rocks, and a view that spreads to the next state of Karnataka. It is this thrilling way that makes Paithalmala a real heaven for people who love trekking.
There exist two major footpaths leading to the summit, of which one is quite difficult and the other is easier, both equally stunning. If you want to take a hard, steep path from Kappimala (Alakkodu), the first trail is for you and you are most probably an experienced trekker. The second easy trail that connects Pottenplave to Kudianmala is a popular footpath that goes through some villages and is more comfortable and convenient. No matter which way you go, walking through the forest that later turns into grassland is very gratifying.
On your way, the charming Ezharakundu Waterfalls will be an excellent place to take a break and refresh yourself before continuing your ascent.
There are wonderful views from Paithalmala of the surrounding world—the fog-covered valleys of Coorg, the wide-open plains of Kannur, and small houses that shine like dots of light far down. The attraction of the place is added by the fact that it is hard to find and hence, a perfect spot to stay away from the maddening crowd and connect with nature.
Also, the distance of the place has helped in saving the area from pollution and letting the landscape stay fresh and beautiful.
Piled with thick, semi-evergreen shola forests, Paithalmala flora and fauna are very diverse, and it boasts of more than 100 species of butterflies and quite a few rare plants. Besides, mounds of mysterious wreck of Vaithalkon King's palaces are there in these forests, adding the allure of history and giving an interesting contrast to the majestic nature.
The ideal time to come here is the monsoon season, when the place is not only drenched by a refreshing rain but also turns into a bright green-colored verdure, and the fog plays gracefully with the fields and valleys.
Going for a walk here is a bit more than just an excursion of the body it is also a spiritual journey. When you are in the woods, with fresh mountain air, you'll discover in yourself clear and calm thoughts that really relax your spirit.
Come, let go of everything that is complex and complicated with life, & learn again what it means to be simple. The breathing of cool mountain wind, the splash from a jungle stream, the glow of a star-lit sky, and the tight hold of drifting mists all are ways of connecting with you. At Paithalmala, everything you do brings you closer to the pace of nature and the quiet happiness of simply existing.
How to Reach
Taliparamba Bus Station is approximately 37 km from Paithalmala. From Taliparamba Bus Station, you can take a bus to reach Paithalmala, which will get you to Kudiyanmala.
Kannur International Airport is approximately 59 km from Paithalmala.
Kannur Railway Station is about 57 km from Paithalmala.
Contact Information
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC),
DTPC Office Complex, Taluk Office Compound,
Near Collectorate, Kannur-670002
+91 497 270 6336
info@dtpckannur.com