The Mountain.
Destination
Palode town is a small hamlet on the foothills of the Western Ghats covered by Rubber plantations and Forest. Vamanapuram river passes through Palode. Palode is surrounded by Peringammala, Nanniyode and Pangode Panchayath.
Palode was once a stronghold of the Venad empire, a medieval kingdom that exerted much dominance in the region. However, the onset of the colonial era saw the once-mighty empire splinter into four provinces, namely Chirava, Tripappor, Ilayidam (Kottarakara), and Perakam (also called Nedumangad).
Palode is surrounded by the Western Ghats and is a gateway for tourism destinations in this area. Places of interest and tourism near Palode include Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Mankayam Ecotourism, Brimore Tourism, and Lower Meenmutty Hydel Tourism Centre, Nanniyode.
Mankayam Ecotourism
Mankayam is a popular eco-tourism spot in Kerala. From the hill ranges of Chemunchi, the Chittar River flows down through the forest, creating a tributary in the form of the Mankayam River. The picturesque milky cascades are the major tourist attractions at Mankayam. Among the two waterfalls are the Kalakayam and Kurissadi which are among the biggest waterfalls in southern Kerala. The state forest department offers exclusive trekking options.
Brimore Tourism
Brimore Marigold Estate is a 900-acre tea, rubber and coffee estate 13 km from Palode established by the British in 1880.
Brimore is one of the best trekking spots in Kerala and lies at a height of 300 metres (980 ft) above sea level. The forest checkpost at Mankayam waterfalls requires a payment of Rs 25 per vehicle.
Attractions near Brimore include:
- Ayyappa temple – An old termite mound converted into a granite temple
- Brimore Tea Factory – One of the oldest tea factories in Kerala
- Madame Falls – 2 km inside the Brimore estate
- Ramayana Cave – A stream originates from the cave.
- Seetha waterfalls – Safe for bathing a natural bathtub
- Braemore Estate Bungalow
- Braemore Palace
- Braemore Hills
Lower Meenmutty Hydel Tourism Centre, Nanniyode
The lower Meenmutty Hydel Tourism centre is 4 km from Palode in Meenmutty and is related to Lower Meenmutty dam. The lower Meenmutty Hydel Tourism project is the only project working under KSEB in southern Kerala.
The centre is surrounded by forest, on the shores of the Vamanapuram river. Boating is a common activity here. Another attraction is the garden. Lower Meenmutty Hydel tourism centre has an amusement zone for children, pedal boats and slow boats. There is a small dam in lower Meenmutty.