Palakkayam Thattu - the second highest viewpoint in Kannur

Date: 21 December 2019

I had been longing to visit Paithalmala, the highest peak in Kannur, for quite some time. But one of my cousins told me that there is another hilltop destination that is worth visiting. Palakkayam Thattu is 50 kms from Kannur city center and actually along the same route one would take to get to Paithalmala. Elevated at 3500 feet above sea level, I figured that is high enough to get some great shots using my newly acquired drone.

Brown grass Kannur Kerala — We were a group of 8 and we hired a van to take us to Palakkayam Thattu and back

Kannur highway Kerala — We left from our homes at around 7:30am

Palakkayam Thattu is open from 5AM to 9PM so it’s a popular choice to come watch the sunrise and during sunset. But none of us in the group wanted to wake up that early and for me, if the hills got too foggy, then I would not have been to able to capture the height of the hills.

It took us around 40 to 45 minutes to get to the parking area near Palakkayam Thattu. Use this location on Google Maps to find your way to the parking area. The van parked and from there, we had to hire a jeep to take us to the top. Jeeps cost Rs. 700 and can accommodate 7 adults or 8 to 9 children.

By the way, you do not have to hire a jeep to take you up here. It’s just that the roads at many sections are very bad and unless you have a proper 4-wheel drive vehicle, like a really good SUV, it’s dangerous to try and go uphill yourself. I mostly saw bikers try and go up there on their own. You can also hike your way to the top. It would take maybe 30 minutes on foot?

Jeep uphill ride Kannur — Don’t expect any roadside assistance if your vehicle gets stuck up here

Mandalam hill Kannur — I was shooting all my photos and videos on the OnePlus7T. So excuse the poor quality of the photos.

Hill station Kannur Kerala — The roads do get slightly better — and so do the views

Palakkayam Thattu ticket entrance — There is an entry ticket once you reach the top. Rs. 40 for adults, Rs. 10 for children.

Palakkayam Thattu parking — This is the parking area at Palakkayam Thattu. The jeeps that take you up here park at the lower section while two wheelers can be parked at the upper section.

Rocky hill Palakkayam Thattu Kannur — Once past the gates, you have to climb a few metres to get to the peak

Palakkayam Thattu tent stay Kannur — You have a camp up here

Palakkayam Thattu tents Kannur — You can rent tents and spend the night up here. To reserve a tent, call 6238 203 883 or 9496 421 208

View from Palakkayam Thattu Kannur — Palakkaym Thattu is after all a great place to catch a sunrise

Moon Palakkayam Thattu Kannur — You can even see the moon from up here during the day. So I imagine the night sky is clearer.

Toilets Palakkayam Thattu Kannur — But if you wish to use the toilets here, only the female porta-potty comes with privacy 🙂

Frames Palakkayam Thattu Kannur — You have these frames at scenic spots on the hill. You can sit or stand inside them to pose for photos.

Solar light post hilltop Kannur — The lamp posts are powered using solar panels

Top Palakkayam Thattu Kannur Kerala — This is the peak. If you are thirsty, you have a small store that sells snacks and water/juices. But PLEASE do not litter the place!

I was looking forward to taking my drone out now and fly it as it was not as windy as I thought it would be. There were a few police officers stationed at the top, so just to be safe, I asked them if I could fly my drone here. Unfortunately, they said it is not permitted :/ They said I would need special permission from the superintendent of Kannur police. One said, even when a team from Kerala Tourism came to do some filming, they were denied permission to fly the drone up here.

Ridiculous. -_-