The unseen beauty of Manjapull mountains | Kannur, Kerala

Manjapull is a mountain range located within close proximity to paithalmala. At the valley of Manjapullu is Kappimala - a small agricultural based village in kannur. I was told that Manjapull trekking was started by the Kerala Forest Department about a year back and hence it is just gaining momentum, whereas Paithalmala is a well know tourist destination in Kannur. Paithalmala comes into this picture because it is located in the other side of Manjapull, and the only way to reach Paithalmala from Manjapull is by foot. Yes, a long trekking route through mist covered forests. On my visit to Manjapul few passerby trekking the mountains have seen elephants, so if your lucky, you could get to see some wild animals. Also, be cautious because there could be a lot of leeches in this route. If you dont know what leeches are; they are blood sucking worms which are actually good for your body. I'll give you more details about leeches and how to prepare for it towards the end of this article.

Bus services are available from Kannur town to Kappimala. Will have to catch an auto or jump onto a jeep from Kappimala to Manjapull, which would be around 3 km. The best route to reach this place from the city would be, Kannur - Taliparamba - Alakode - Kappimala - Manjapull. When searching on the maps - look for Kappimala because Manjapul is still not updated on Google maps. Make sure you get all essentials required before at kappimala junction or before. After this point only a small hotel is available at the entrance to Manjapull trekking route (it was closed the day we visited). 

Entrance tickets are charged at Rs 30/- for adults and Rs 15/- for children. Like any other destination foreigners are charged higher for entrance - Rs 100/- per person. The climb starts from the ticket counter and in about 6 km you would reach Paithalmala Watch Tower. There are few diversions and turns to take if you would like to walk a little longer and get to see different views. Make sure you got plenty of water with you when you start the climb.

If you are visiting the place during monsoon season, make sure that you have got long pants and shoes on. Leeches could easily get on to your body through your leg. There's nothing to panic, in case it gets on to you. It does only good to your body - it sucks bad blood and it is medically proven that in cleans blood veins. If you ever find one on your body; never try to pull it off. It will leave behind its teeth in your skin and would cause an infection plus not to forget the pain. Leeches can easily removed by heat or salt. So, make sure you carry a lighter or a small packet of table salt. All you have to do is light the lighter close to it for few seconds, or apply some salt over it and it will come off on its own.

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