Kottancheri Hills is an eccentric hill station located at a height of 152 meters above sea level, near Malom town in Kasaragod district, Kerala, India. Encircled with the Western Ghats, the Kottancheri Hills even extends to the Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary. It is around 50 km North-East of Kanhangad. Kottancheri is also regarded as Trekkers paradise in the entire North Kerala, the forests also enthrall many species of rare medicinal plants and vast variety of wildlife such as wild elephants, wild dogs, wild boar, wild pigs, deer, sambars, horn bills, rare birds, butterflies are all in abundant here. This place also resembles the same scenic beauty as that of Kodaikanal.
The best time to visit this place is between August and February. The nearby attraction includes Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri mountain range.
Places to visit:
Konnakkadu:
This is the place from where a possible trekking journey to Kottancheri Hills starts, the green vegetation and beautiful surroundings gives a heaven like feeling to the visitor. Trekkers can lay their base camps in this locality.
The route to the Kottancheri Hills passes through Kerala-Karnataka borderline, which is one of the most unique feature of the trek. Coorg forests surrounds the boundary region of this place.
Kumpanmala:
This hill is known for its panoramic views of the surrounding valleys to the Kottancheri Hills. The stone wall dividing the adjacent states of Karnataka and Kerala appears very mesmerizing from here. A garden that marks entry point into Karnataka State can be viewed from here, if the weather is not foggy. Best place for trekking, it is also covered by the Television Channel – Lonely Planet in one of its documentary. Wind mills of Thalakkaveri can also be viewed up from the top.
Panniyarmala:
Unlike the dense forests in the other part of the hills, this region is covered with lush green grass all over. Ranging across 4 km in spread, wild animals can be easily sighted here.
Nearest railway station: Kanhangad (KZE) about 51 km away.
Nearest airport: Mangaluru International Airport, about 128 km away.