Pythalmala
| Vaithalmala വൈതൽമല | |
|---|---|
Vaithalmala
|
|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 1,371.6 m (4,500 ft) |
| Naming | |
| Translation | വൈതൽമല (Malayalam) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Kerala, India |
| Parent range | Western Ghats |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Tourism |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | From Potenplave, via Kudiyanmala |
Vaithalmala (Malayalam: വൈതൽമല ) or Paithalmala is a hill station in the Kannur district of Kerala in India. Located near Pottenplave village, at a height of 1372 m above sea level, this is the highest geographic peak in Kannur. It is located at 40 km from Taliparamba and 65 km from Kannur. Nestled in the Kerala Karnataka border near to Kodagu forests, it lies in the Western Ghats. It has become a favourite spot for the nature enthusiasts, photographers, trekkers and leisurely visitors.
There are two trekking seasons at Vaithalmala, falling in monsoon and summer. Monsoon (June to October) trekking to Vaithalmala is a photographer's delight as the mist blankets the hills and forest. One can indulge into the lush greenery amidst the showers throughout the day, especially in July. Practically, trekking is not as easy as in the summer because of the extreme climate. Watch out for leeches and occasional elephant visits.
Monsoon is followed by a cool climate in Vaithalmala 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 January to March though the sun might be harsh.
There is an observatory tower made by the department of tourism at the hilltop which can be reached after a 45 min walk from the Paithal valley. Trekking starts through the dense forest followed by the plain grass land on the hill top.
View of the valley from the observatory tower is breathtaking and the observer’s eyes can hover over more than half the area of Kannur district.
Most of the visitors end their trek having time spent around the tower, but much of the excitement of the Paithalmala is located elsewhere.
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Wikipedia