Hills & Nature
Paithalmala
Kannur's highest peak, a trek through forest and grassland to a view over two states.
- 42.3 km from Nesma Palace
- 49 min drive
- Best: January to March for the clearest views
- Ideal for trekkers and fit travellers who want a real climb
- Distance from Nesma Palace
- 42.3 km
- Drive time
- 49 min
- Best time
- January to March for the clearest views
- Time to allow
- A full day, allow 4 to 5 hours on the trail
- Category
- Hills & Nature
- Ideal for
- Trekkers and fit travellers who want a real climb
About Paithalmala
Paithalmala is the highest point in Kannur district, on the Kerala-Karnataka border in the Western Ghats. From the trail head at Pottenplave, a walk of about 45 minutes to an hour climbs through dense forest and open grassland to an observatory tower at the top.
From there you look over the forests of Coorg on one side and the plains of Kannur on the other. It is a real trek rather than a drive-up viewpoint, and the reward is the quiet and the long view.
Things to see and do
The trek
A 45-minute to one-hour climb from Pottenplave through forest and grassland to the summit.
The summit view
An observatory tower at the top looks over Coorg's forests and the Kannur plains.
Mist and wildlife
The trail can be misty and passes through rich forest, with butterflies and, rarely, larger wildlife.
Best time and tips
January to March for the clearest views. The monsoon brings mist and greenery but also leeches.
- Wear proper shoes, it is a forest trek not a stroll.
- Start early to beat the heat and have time at the top.
- Only the BSNL mobile network works in the area, so plan for no signal.
- Carry water and snacks, there are no shops at the top.
Local tip
Start the trek before 9am. Carry water; there is nothing to buy past the base.
Getting there
The drive from Nesma Palace
Road route and geography © OpenStreetMap contributors
By road from the hotel
42.3 km · about 49 min
- Time to allow there
- A full day, allow 4 to 5 hours on the trail
- Starting point
- Nesma Palace, Mattannur
- Flying in
- Kannur International Airport is 7.8 km from the hotel, about 10 minutes by road
Plan your stay
Stay 49 min away at Nesma Palace
Paithalmala is about 49 minutes from Nesma Palace, close enough to start the trek early and be back by afternoon.
Nesma Palace is a 4-star hotel in Mattannur, 7.8 km from Kannur International Airport, and an easy base for exploring Kannur.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Paithalmala trek?
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The walk from the Pottenplave trail head to the summit takes about 45 minutes to an hour, through forest and grassland.
What is the best time to trek Paithalmala?
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January to March gives the clearest views. The monsoon is green and misty but brings leeches, so most trekkers avoid it.
Where to stay near Paithalmala?
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Nesma Palace in Mattannur is about 49 minutes away, which lets you start the trek early in the day.