Hills & Nature
Palakkayam Thattu
A misty hilltop at around 3,500 feet where clouds drift across the meadow, with ziplining and camping.
- 39.8 km from Nesma Palace
- 43 min drive
- Best: October to February
- Ideal for couples, friends and light adventure seekers
- Distance from Nesma Palace
- 39.8 km
- Drive time
- 43 min
- Best time
- October to February
- Time to allow
- Half a day
- Category
- Hills & Nature
- Ideal for
- Couples, friends and light adventure seekers
About Palakkayam Thattu
Palakkayam Thattu is a hill viewpoint at about 3,500 feet in the Western Ghats, where low clouds often roll straight across the open meadow at the top. On a clear morning you look out over ranges of green hills.
You can trek up or take a jeep the last stretch, and the site has added a zipline across the valley and tent stays for people who want to spend the night on the hill. It has become one of the most popular short hill trips out of Kannur.
Things to see and do
Clouds and the view
At this height, clouds drift across the meadow and the view over the hills is the main reward. Mornings are clearest.
Zipline and adventure
A long zipline runs across the valley for those who want a thrill with the view.
Jeep or trek and camping
Reach the top on foot or by jeep, and stay overnight in tents if you book ahead.
Best time and tips
October to February, early morning for clear views before the cloud and crowds build.
- Go early, mornings are clearest and quietest.
- A jeep covers the rough last stretch if you would rather not trek it.
- Carry a light jacket, it gets cool and windy at the top.
- Small entry and parking fees apply.
Local tip
Go in the morning, the viewpoint often closes to visitors by late afternoon and the mist thickens.
Getting there
The drive from Nesma Palace
Road route and geography © OpenStreetMap contributors
By road from the hotel
39.8 km · about 43 min
- Time to allow there
- Half a day
- 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 43 min away at Nesma Palace
Palakkayam Thattu is about 43 minutes from Nesma Palace, close enough for an early start to catch the morning clouds.
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
What is the best time to visit Palakkayam Thattu?
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October to February, and early in the morning. That is when the air is clearest and the clouds over the meadow are at their best, before crowds arrive.
Can you camp at Palakkayam Thattu?
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Yes. Tent stays are available on the hill if you book ahead, and there is a zipline for adventure seekers.
How far is Palakkayam Thattu from Nesma Palace?
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About 43 minutes by road from Mattannur, which makes an early-morning visit practical.