If you’re hunting for the best monsoon destination in Kerala, look no further than Kollengode. Just 25 km from Palakkad town, this emerald-green village explodes on camera with neon paddy fields, mist-draped Nelliyampathy peaks and rain-chasing waterfalls.
Why Kollengode Is Trending
- Regularly listed among India’s Top 10 Most Beautiful Villages by travel creators
- A 3 000-acre rice bowl that delivers the classic drone-shot checkerboard
- Seasonal waterfalls such as Seetharkundu that roar to life in June–September
- Filming location for Malayalam blockbusters like Odiyan, Kooman, Vettam and Megham
- The hashtags #kollengode and #palakkaddiaries have crossed two million views on Instagram
How to Reach Kollengode
By car – Drive Thrissur → Kuthiran → Alathur → Nenmara → Kollengode (about 90 minutes). The rain-washed ghats are a joy in themselves.
By train – Get off at Palakkad Junction (25 km away) or the nearer Muthalamada Station (6 km), then take a rickshaw or taxi.
By air – Fly into Cochin International Airport (COK). A prepaid cab reaches Kollengode in roughly 2 hours 40 minutes.
Travel hack: Combine Kollengode with a weekend at Valparai or Athirappilly Falls to build the ultimate Western Ghats circuit.
Best Time to Visit
- Monsoon (June – September) – Waterfalls thunder, paddies glow electric green and the mercury hovers near 22 °C; perfect for photography.
- Post-monsoon (October – January) – Harvest scenes, clear skies and Onam-season festivals add cultural colour.
- Summer (February – May) – Hotter and drier but great for mango orchards and budget homestays.
Top Places to Visit in Kollengode
Peringottucherikalam Viewpoint
A five-minute spin past Chellan Bro’s tea shack serves up a sweeping, drone-worthy panorama of the Nelliyampathy ranges—no flying permit needed.
Chinganchira & Sri Karuppuswamy Nature Temple
Farmers tie clay houses or cradles to a banyan, praying for a new home or a child. A vintage toddy shop nearby preserves the old-Kerala vibe.
Seetharkundu Waterfalls
Park for ₹ 50, walk five shady minutes and let the spray hit your lens. Climb halfway for the best slo-mo reels before the 6 p.m. forest-guard whistle.
Viral Paddy Fields
This is the money shot: mirror-still paddies stretching to the horizon, bordered by mist-soaked hills and ribbon waterfalls. Visit on weekdays for crowd-free frames.
Muthalamada Railway Station
A colonial-era platform wrapped in mango orchards and rain-polished tracks. No wonder film crews keep coming back.
One-Day Itinerary (Sample)
- 07:30 a.m. – Breakfast at Chellan Bro’s (foamy chaya and crackling parippu vada).
- 09:00 a.m. – Sunrise shoot at Peringottucherikalam Viewpoint.
- 10:30 a.m. – Explore Chinganchira Temple and sip fresh toddy.
- 01:00 p.m. – Banana-leaf lunch at Ayyappan Bro’s Mess: unlimited rice, sambar and famous chicken fry for ₹ 50 (arrive before 3 p.m.).
- 03:00 p.m. – Capture golden-hour reflections in the paddy fields.
- 04:30 p.m. – Trek to Seetharkundu Waterfalls.
- 06:00 p.m. – Sunset portraits at Muthalamada Station, then head back via the Pollachi road.
Where to Eat Local Food
- Chellan Bro’s Leaf-Thatched Café – Idli, dosa and that iconic tea-vada combo.
- Ayyappan Bro’s Mess – Budget banana-leaf feast plus fiery beef fry.
- Alathur Market Street-Stalls – Pick up Palakkadan Matta murukku, jackfruit chips and fresh mango pickle.
Essential Travel Tips
- Stick to levee paths and ask farmers before launching drones.
- Carry cash; small cafés and tuk-tuks often prefer it over UPI.
- Pack a rain jacket, quick-dry layers and a microfiber towel—monsoon showers pop up without warning.
- Weekdays mean fewer tourists, easier parking and cleaner compositions.
- Consider an eco-homestay in Nenmara for a night of tiled roofs, bullock carts and cicada symphonies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kollengode safe for solo female travellers?
Yes. Locals are friendly and main roads stay active until late evening; as always, stick to lit areas after dark.
Do I need a permit for drone photography?
Register on India’s Digital Sky portal if you plan to fly above 120 m or near temple zones; hobby-level shots at lower altitudes are usually fine with verbal farmer permission.
Which mobile network works best?
Jio and Airtel deliver reliable 4G across most fields; BSNL may drop in dense forest patches.
What else can I combine with Kollengode?
Trek up Nelliyampathy Hill Station, book a rainforest safari in Silent Valley National Park, or chase the cinematic roar of Athirappilly Falls.
Kollengode isn’t a mere pin on Kerala’s map—it’s a living postcard where farmers wave from emerald fields, tea tastes sweeter in the rain and every bend sketches a new frame-worthy scene. Pack a camera, lace up your rain shoes and let the monsoon write your story.
