Paithalmala Trek - Kerala
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All About It
- Difficulty - Easy Moderate
- For 7+ years
Gorged by the plains of Kannur on one side and Coorg Valley on the other, Paithalmala is a hill station that gives Kerala a distinct recognition. The refreshing concoction of misty valleys, semi-evergreen shola forests and daubed grasslands further intensifies the feeling of novelty in this region. Moreover, an Observation Tower watches all visitors as they arrive to get a bird’s eye view of the place. In this, it would be a crime not to follow the Paithalmala trekking trail that lays bare for beginners and seasoned trekkers.
Paithalmala or Vaithalmala is a hill station in the Kannur region in Kerala. The whole trek mazes initially from dense forests and opens into grasslands that lay as far as the eyes can see. It is a 5 km uphill trek. Since Paithalmala lies a little east of the West Coast, the forests found here are semi-evergreen. Also, standing tall at 1342 m, the Paithalmala peak is the highest in the Kannur region.
You must have heard about the beauty of Kerala in its beaches and backwaters; this time, give its woods a chance and you will leave mesmerised. On this two-day journey, we will go on two small but beautiful treks: the Paithalmala trek and a trek to the Secret Falls. We have carved an offbeat trek to Paithalmala because we wanted to provide you with the knowledge of the Western ghats, show you the Observatory Tower, and walk you on the animal trails. Additionally, you will taste the waters of a Secret Falls and the meals of Kerala. Here is the complete itinerary of the Paithalmala Trek for the two days; take a look and book your seat at the earliest.
Trip Highlights
- Offbeat experiential trek to Paithalmala.
- A trek to Secret Waterfalls.
- Taste the meals of Kerala.
- Get a heavenly view of Paithal Valley from the Observatory Tower.
- Cover two sections on the trail: Semi-evergreen forests and grasslands.
- Photography amidst natural setting.
Highlights
Day 0
- Depart from Bangalore by 9 PM
Day 1
Reach campsite
Freshen Up Breakfast
Start the Trek
- Reach the peak
Packed Lunch
Descend
- High tea and Snacks ( self-sponsored at the restaurant)
- Dinner and Bonfire ( if weather permits )
Day 2
Wake Up early morning
Freshen up
Head to Secret falls
- Kerala Meals for lunch at the resort
- Return to Bangalore by 10:30 PM (approx)
Day 1 - Depart for Paithalmala
Private Vehicle
Stay Not Applicable
An overnight bus journey of 317 km commences from Bangalore to the resort in Paithalmala. We shall have a brief orientation followed by a fun-filled ice-breaking session where you will get to know your fellow trippers better.
Depart to Paithalmala from Bangalore at around 9:00 PM (approx)
Day 2 - Trek to Paithalmala
Trek
Homestay
All Meals (Evening Snacks ( Self-sponsored ))
We will freshen up and have a fulfilling breakfast upon reaching the stay. You can leave your bag here and carry a small backpack containing two water bottles, a raincoat, and other essentials.
There are two routes: one starts from Kappimala and the other starts from Pottenplave near Kudiyanmala. We will take the second easier way, i.e., from Pottenplave, studded with human settlements.
A short walk, in the beginning, takes you to the forest check post. Once you reach the check post, your bags will be thoroughly checked. Any plastic or littering material would be submitted here. Following the check post, there is majorly a forest section. One needs to trek uphill for another 2 km to finally reach the top of the Paithalmala hill.
A grassland section follows the forest section. Words can’t explain the views from the top. The magic will arrest you, and you are bound to surrender if there is mist. Once you reach the top, you need to walk till you reach the viewpoint guarded by metal railings for safety purposes.
You can see the Observatory Tower built by the Department of Tourism. Spend time here and immerse yourself in the natural aura. Packed lunch will be served.
Later, we will follow the same route to reach our base. From here, we return to the resort. There is a swimming pool in the arena. You can relax and chill. Return for some warm tea and snacks (self-sponsored) in the evening.
We end our day near the bonfire sharing the day’s best memories and moments. You can then have dinner and retire for the night.
Day 3 - Trek to Secret Falls
Private Vehicle
Stay Not Applicable
Breakfast, Lunch
Day 2 starts with freshening up and breakfast. We will pack our bags. Then we will go to a Secret Waterfall: let it be a surprise for now; just know it is a tranquil place.
After spending some good hours, we will come back to the resort. We will have Kerala meals for lunch. Then we will pack up and depart for Bengaluru.
We will reach Bengaluru by 10:30 pm. We are glad you chose us to host you. If there is any feedback, let us know; we work on suggestions lovingly. From Kerala, you are taking back refreshing memories and a new family. Be in touch, share pictures, and keep calling as and when a memory from the trip brings a smile to your face; we will know we are doing something good. We would love to see you again—check out our other itineraries and ring us soon. It would be a pleasure to see you again. Till then, take care and love life.
Meet your host
Plan The Unplanned
- Verified Host
- Logout's Trusted
- Traveler's Choice
What’s life without adventure? Isn’t the real purpose of life to travel, to experience new places, and witness the sunrise from new mountaintops? This thought is what united Jatin and Tarun over a cup of chai, in spite of being from two unrelated backgrounds (CA and IT). They knew each other since the time Jatin was helping Tarun learn the ways of the wilderness through weekend treks and outings with another traveling group. Their love for traveling and trekking together motivated them to start something of their own. Thus was born “Plan The Unplanned”, where travel goals come true. Under the Companies Act, Plan The Unplanned is incorporated as Unplanned Journeys Private Limited They started their journey on unsteady ground, much like any other company, but they shared an infatuation for travel and adventure with their customers, which amplified their determination, and thus, Plan the Unplanned family keeps getting bigger every day! Just about any travel idea can come alive with Plan The Unplanned…treks, adventure activities like rock climbing, kayaking, rafting, backpacking trips across the country, cultural outings, photo walks; everything that fellow travelers need, to explore the great outdoors together. Well now that the wanderlust has kicked in and you can already see a vacation in your nearest future, here’s what we have to offer!
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Inclusions
Accommodation in tents/homestay on multiple sharing basis
2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunch, 1 Dinner Non A/C Tempo Traveller or Mini-bus with push back seats depending on group size Interstate taxes,
Driver allowances and Tolls Campfire ( only if weather permits )
Jeep ride Entry fees to all locations Local Guide & Outdoor Leader from Plan The Unplanned Experience that you gain
Exclusions
Any thing not included above Any kind of personal expenses Any orders at the restaurant in resort Any meals not included above Any expenses arising due to Vehicle breakdown, emergencies, etc
Things to carry
- Small backpack to carry your essentials during the trek
- Power Bank
- Warm Layer
- Water bottles – 2 (1 litre each)
- Lunch Box & Spoon to carry your packed lunch
- Raincoat/Bag covers in case of rains
- A comfortable pair of shoes with good grip for trekking
- Flip-flops for lazing around the campsite
- Torch/Headlamp to be used at night
- Portable chargers for your electronics
- Extra pair of clothes to change into once wet
- Polybags to pack your wet clothes
- Extra cash for meals not included in the itinerary
PICKUP LOCATIONS
Udupi Grand HSR Layout
House of Licious, Domlur
St Marks Cathedral Bus Stop
Nayanadahalli Metro
Policy and more
For Departures from Bangalore: In the event that YOU cancel your trek, this is the cancellation policy we follow
- If you cancel before 7 days – 90% of the amount will be refunded
- If you cancel between 3 – 6 days – 50 % of the amount will be refunded
- If you cancel between 0-3 days – No Refund
For all the above points you can transfer your ticket to anyone so that you could save your hard-earned money
“Transfer to a future date is only possible only if you cancel between 3-6 days before the trek date and not on the day of departure or a day before”
For other trips and travels with us, and detailed terms and conditions check the following link : https://www.plantheunplanned.com/refund-cancellation-policy
Frequently Asked Questionss
Q: I have booked the trek when will I get further updates regarding the trek?
A: Well, most of our treks are usually confirmed by Thursday and you would receive a BON VOYAGE mail that would contain details as regards Pickup Points ( Location and Timings ), Outdoor Leader ( Point of Contact ), Do’s and Don’ts. You’ll be added to Whatsapp Group for all further updates.
Q: Would I be added to a WhatsApp Group once the trek is confirmed?
A: Yes, the Bon Voyage mail would contain a link for Whatsapp Group through which one can join and interact with fellow travellers and outdoor leaders.
Q: I'm a solo traveller, Can I join?
A: The interesting thing about travelling alone is that you get to meet new people from diverse backgrounds, and towards the end, you are no longer strangers. Hence solo travellers are always welcome to join us on our trips.
Read more about solo travelling here and get inspired! https://www.plantheunplanned.com/solo-yet-accompanied/
Q: Is it safe for Women/Girls?
A: Safety and security are our priority at all times. Hence it is safe for women/girls to join us on our treks and travels. Our trek leaders accompany the team at all times, and our campsites are secured and safe for accommodation. We also have female trek leaders who accompany us on most of our treks.
Q: Do I have to carry luggage during trekking?
A: Not at all. You could keep all the extra luggage back at the campsite/homestay and carry only the necessary stuff for the trek (Raincoats, Torchlight, Waterbottle, lunchbox, and your valuable)
Q: Do you have Washrooms during the trek?
A: Well, you are in the mountains and none of our trails has a washroom facility during the trek.
Q: Do I have any other boarding points apart from the ones mentioned?
A: Yes, we do have options for picking a traveller on board with a few locations provided they are on the route to our destination. The following are the same:
- Croma Store, Sony World Signal
- Trinity Circle Metro Station
- Yeshwanthpur Metro Station
- Goraguntepalya Metro Station
- Nayanadahalli Metro Station
Q: How do I avail discounts?
A: Details for availing discounts are mentioned in the following link, https://www.plantheunplanned.com/membership/
Q: What is the "Without Travel" option during my booking process?
A: Well, if you select this option, all the travel arrangements for your entire itinerary must be managed by yourself, and Plan the Unplanned crew will not be managing anything related to your travel. We recommend you come via car for a smooth travel experience to, from and within the destination.
Q: Would I be able to postpone to the future in case I do not attend the trek/trip on the day of departure?
A: We are extremely sorry, you cannot postpone to any future date in case you fail to attend the trek on the mentioned date for any reasons whatsoever (family/health/work emergencies). You can write to us at [email protected] as regards and our team will get in touch with you on the same.
Q: I've never been on a hike, so can I do this one?
A: Yes. A simple trip like Paithalmala Kannur may be completed in 2 hours of walking each way. We encourage some preparation before tackling a hike for persons who live a very sedentary lifestyle.
Q: Can we leave the luggage at the homestay/tents?
A: Yes, you can leave the luggage at the homestay/tents.
Q: What about Paithalmala Trek’s cellphone network and connectivity?
A: Only up to the base will you have access to a mobile network for practically all major providers, including Airtel, Vodafone, Jio, and others. Only at isolated areas along the trail will you find the network.
Q: Is the trail filled with leeches?
A: No, it is not filled with leeches.
Q: What is the best time for the Paithalmala Trek?
A: The Paithalmala Trek is best done between the months of July, August and September
Q: Is it possible to camp anywhere along the trail?
A: No, you cannot camp anywhere along the trail.
Q: Is it possible to trek Paithalmala during the monsoon season?
A: Yes! It is possible to trek Paithalmala during the monsoon season.
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