Visiting Kerala for a vacation and looking for a perfect itinerary to explore the most beautiful and unique places of the state? Seethargundu Viewpoint is one of the most scenic viewpoints in Palakkad district of Kerala that should be on top of your list of the must-visit places. From this viewpoint, you get to see the stunning scenery of the surrounding dense tropical forests that are the part of Western Ghats along with lush green plantations of tea, coffee, and cardamom. In this blog, you will read about Seethargundu Viewpoint and why it is amongst the top tourist destinations in Palakkad, Kerala.
About Seethargundu Viewpoint
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If you want to witness a breathtaking wonder of nature, you should visit Seethargundu Viewpoint which is also renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This scenic place is located in a small yet beautiful village of Kollengode, surrounded by the beautiful Nelliyampathy Hills of Palakkad.
This picture-perfect tourist spot in Palakkad features varied topography with majestic waterfalls cascading down the cliffs and surrounded by lush greenery. All these are reasons why this place attracts tourists in large numbers especially those who are seeking tranquillity and natural beauty. From this viewpoint, you get to gaze at the panoramic view of one-third of Palakkad town and its neighbouring areas.
You need to trek through the scenic trails of the valley to reach Seethargundu viewpoint. While trekking through the dense forests, you will find solace in the surroundings. With all these attractions, there is no doubt why this place is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, leaving a mark on every traveller’s memory.
Must Read: Nelliampathi In Kerala
History Of Seethargundu Viewpoint
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Seethargundu Viewpoint, located in Nelliyampathy town in the district of Palakkad, is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in Kerala which is historically significant as well as naturally beautiful. So, if you are a nature lover or a fan of historical places then this place is like heaven for you as this viewpoint is not only famous for its breathtaking scenery but also for its association with the epic Ramayana. According to the legend, Lord Rama, along with his wife Goddess Sita and brother Lord Lakshman, during their exile of 14 years rested at this very place. Hence, this place got named ‘Seetharkundu,’ which means ‘Sita’s rock.’ The beauty of Seethargundu Viewpoint is exemplary that any number of words cannot describe, hence you experience it by yourself.
Top Places To See Near Seethargundu Viewpoint
There are a multitude of amazing tourist destinations near Seethargundu Viewpoint that are worth visiting. Some of the top places to see near Seethargundu Viewpoint are mentioned below:
1. Nelliyampathy Hills
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A charming hill station located near Palakkad in the state of Kerala, Nelliyampathy Hills is the must-visit tourist place near Seethargundu Viewpoint. Often referred to as the ‘Poor man’s Ooty’, this place is home to various flora and fauna, making it a perfect place for nature lovers. Nestled amidst the verdant Western Ghats, Nelliyampathy Hills features sprawling tea gardens and coffee, cardamom, and orange plantations. A great escape from the chaotic life of the city, this place is best enjoyed between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing, trekking and other outdoor activities.
Location: 5.4 km away from Seethargundu Viewpoint
Timings: Open for visitors throughout the day
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Palakkad
2. Pothundy Dam
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Built on the Meenchadyppuzha and Padippuzha streams, Pothundy Dam is an earthen dam located in the Nelliyampathy region near Palakkad. This is one of the most beautiful dams in Kerala, and you should visit it to witness the engineering marvel of the 19th century. One of the interesting facts about this dam is that it was constructed using a mixture of jaggery and quick lime instead of cement or concrete. You can also enjoy boating in the Pothundy reservoir at the bottom of the dam. Along with this, the surrounding gardens make this place a popular picnic spot in Palakkad to spend some quality time with family and friends.
Location: 27 km away from Seethargundu Viewpoint
Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
3. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
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Though a little far from Seethargundu Viewpoint, the varied topography of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary featuring hills, valleys, marshes, and streams makes it worth the visit. Located in the Palakkad district, this wildlife sanctuary is sprawled across an area of around 285 square km stretching from Tamil Nadu to Anamalai Tiger Reserve.
You can spot some of the rare wild species in this sanctuary like Bengal tiger, Indian bison, Indian elephant, Indian leopard, along with some primate species, birds, and reptiles. There are also three man-made reservoirs in this forest named as Thunacadavu, Parambikulam, and Peruvaripallam.
Location: 95 km away from Seethargundu Viewpoint
Timings: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Kerala
Best Time To Visit Seethargundu Viewpoint
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The Seethargundu Viewpoint in Palakkad, Kerala is one of the most scenic viewpoints in Nelliyampathy. This place offers breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys, waterfalls, and forests, along with tea, coffee, and cardamom plantations. Surrounded by the dense tropical forests that are typical of the Western Ghats, this viewpoint is a sought-after destination for nature lovers and trekkers. To get all these amazing panoramic views from the viewpoint, the weather has to be clear and therefore, the best time to visit Seethargundu Viewpoint is during the post-monsoon and winter seasons, which span from September to February when the sky is clear. During this time, you get pleasant weather to enjoy the trek, with minimum chances of rainfall, so you can see clear and uninterrupted views. After monsoon, the landscape becomes lush green and the waterfalls cascade down with full flow, adding to the charm and beauty of this place.
The next best time to visit Seethargundu Viewpoint is between December and February if you want comfortable weather, as during this period, the climate is cool, and the humidity is low. If you are a photographer and looking for the best time to click stunning pictures then this would be the perfect time for you to visit this viewpoint as you would get to the panorama in its full glory, with the possibility of early morning mist adding a magical touch to the scenery. Another advantage of visiting Seethargundu Viewpoint in December and February is that this period coincides with several local festivals, providing an excellent opportunity for you to participate in Kerala’s vibrant culture.
Tips To Consider
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- The weather can get chilly during the mornings and late evenings, hence it is advisable to carry woollen clothes
- If you want to avoid crowds and witness the beautiful sunrise from this viewpoint, make sure you visit early in the morning
- Make sure you are comfortable shoes for the trek to the viewpoint
- Carry your camera to capture some stunning views from the viewpoint
- Check the weather beforehand as the viewpoint gets cloudy
- There is not entry fee for Seethargundu Viewpoint
- The timings of Seethargundu Viewpoint is from 6:00 am to 7:00 pm on all days of the week
Further Read: Offbeat Places In Kerala
Seetharkundu Viewpoint is an ideal attraction in Kerala as it caters to tourists with varying interests, whether you are a nature lover, fan of history, or an adventure seeker, this place has it all to meet your needs. There is so much to do at Seethargundu Viewpoint like you enjoy the scenic beauty of the surroundings, take leisurely walks while exploring the waterfalls, and vibrant tapestry of nature, and capture stunning pictures of beautiful sunrises and sunsets. So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to Kerala soon to spend some quality time at this scenic location.
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Cover Image credit : By Veera.sj for Wikimedia Commons.
Frequently Asked Questions About Seethargundu Viewpoint
How to reach Seethargundu Viewpoint?
Seethargundu Viewpoint is well-connected to other parts of the city by road. The closest major town to Seethargundu is Nenmara, from where you can hire a cab or taxi towards the Nelliyampathy hills which is around 8 km far from the town center.
Is Seethargundu Viewpoint accessible by public transport?
Public transport facility to Seethargundu Viewpoint may be limited, hence, the best way to reach Seethargundu Viewpoint is by private vehicle or hired taxi.
Which district is Seetharkundu in?
Seetharkundu is popular tourist destination that is located in the Palakkad district of Kerala, India.
What are the facilities available at Seethargundu Viewpoint?
Some basic facilities are available at Seethargundu Viewpoint for the convenience of visitors such as a parking area, local vendors selling refreshments.
What is the most suitable time to visit Seethargundu Viewpoint?
The best time to visit Seethargundu Viewpoint is in winter, especially from October to March. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the views from this place are clear. If you want to witness some stunning sunrise views, you should visit this viewpoint in the early mornings.
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