Panniyarmani Meadow
near, athiyadullam church,thayyeni, Maloth, Kerala 671533, India
About Panniyarmani Meadow
A large, highly untouched meadow on Western ghats mountain, situating on the Kerala-Karnataka border. The meadow, situated in the middle of the forest and accessible by hiking a steep hill for about an hour comes with amazing views of the forest canopy, 360-degree view of the Western Ghat mountain ranges. The meadow is home for various kinds of honey bees and butterflies, and you will see a lot of uniqie, wildflowers.
A large, highly untouched meadow on Western ghats mountain, situating on the Kerala-Karnataka border. The meadow, situated in the middle of the forest and accessible by hiking a steep hill for about an hour comes with amazing views of the forest canopy, 360-degree view of the Western Ghat mountain ranges. The meadow is home for various kinds of honey bees and butterflies, and you will see a lot of unique, wildflowers. The meadow also has a small waterhole that elephants make use of throughout the year.
How to reach Panniyarmani Meadow?
You will have to reach the village of Thayyeni in order to access Panniyarmani. From any of the nearby airports, you should travel to Payyannur and from there you can get direct buses to Thayyeni. From Thayyeni you will have to further travel by private vehicles for about 20 minutes to reach the starting point of the hiking trail. Note that the meadow is a well-hidden spot, with tall grasses covering the hiking trails most times of the year. So you will definitely have to get a local from Thayyeni to guide you to the meadow.
What to see at Panniyarmani Meadow?
The hike to the meadow starts through an areca nut plantation and then gradually progress into a steep climb through the forest. At the beginning of the trail through the forest, built between a waterfall you will be able to see a cottage. If you are there during the monsoon season, you will be able to see the waterfall in its prime. You will also have to cross this waterfall to continue the trail.
Once the forest part of the trail is over, the meadow begins. The trail will be usually covered in tall grasses, with a narrow opening which is the only indicator that the trail exists. The grasses have sharp edges, so it can cut your skin (not deep cuts, small skin cuts). After continuing for about three hundred meters through the steep hill, you will start to see the beginning of the meadow. The meadow sits on a plateau-like area, so from the top, you will be able to see the forest canopy down below. The many mountain chains of Western Ghats also will be visible from the top.
The meadow will have many kinds of wildflowers and honey bees and butterflies that you normally won't see. You can take a walk through the entire area immersed in the untouched beauty of the place. The meadow and the forest near to it is part of wildlife reserve so be mindful of elephants and other animals. There is a waterhole in the meadow that is used regularly by elephants.
Best time to visit Panniyarmani Meadow
The best time is anywhere from August to January. Covered in mist, in August and September grasses turn dark green owing to the monsoon rains. From November onwards, the grasses turn to a lighter green, flowers will start to bloom. In February/ March, controlled forest burning will be happening here in order to prevent larger forest fires. The grasses start to dry up by then due to the heat which can easily become a catalyst for large forest fires.
Attractions near Panniyarmani Meadow
Part of majestic Western ghats, carpeted by a lush rain forest canopy. A trekker's paradise with numerous trails.
Hike through jungle, stand on top of the tallest peak in the vicinity, enjoy a breathtaking sunset if you are lucky.
An amazing adventure through the fresh waters of Tejaswini river.
The peak changes its colour depending on the season. From reddish orange in the summer months to dark green in the rainy months.
A hill station and a temple located on the slopes of the Brahmagiri hills which was the birthplace of Sacred river Kaveri.
Located 900 meters above sea level, Mount Kottathalachi is accessible either by a 3 km hike or by off road vehicles. The peak is filled with tall green grasses which dances with the cool breeze, and amazing 360 degree views of thousands of Western Ghat Mountain peaks. This is also a local Christian pilgrim site.
Where is Panniyarmani Meadow
Discover more attractions in Kasaragod, where Panniyarmani Meadow is located
The land of twelve rivers, of forts and "Theyyam"
What visitors say about Panniyarmani Meadow
Mar 2021
Jul 2020
Feb 2018
Second time here and the view was so different. The hills were all black, the meadows fully burned, no more grasses or flowers or insects. The forest guards burns the hill in January to prevent accidental forest fires (From Jan to May, the grasses in the meadows get too dry and easy to catch forest fires).
As usual, just like the previous time the hike was very difficult due to the climb but in the meadows it became less harder this time due to the absense of the tall grasses that prevent hikers from seeing the ground and the rocks beneath.
Two different months, absolutely different views. Still both gorgeous though.
Nov 2017
First of all- there are no proper trails to the place only a local can get you here. Look for someone from Thayyeni town if you want to visit.
The hike to the meadows of Panniyarmani starts from a plantation, then takes to deep, dark forest and then to valleys filled with tall green grasses that shame you of your height. This is a very difficult hike, mostly because there are no trails and you wont be able to see where you are stepping as the ground is covered in thick layer of grass. Even with proper hiking shoes and all I found myself twisting and turning my ankles, luckily I wasn't injured though.
The views are amazing. The thick cover of forests down below a 90 degree drop, the maze of Western Ghat mountains going around, the numerous varieties of flowering plants, honeybees and insects. The place is clearly untouched by humans most of the time. You can roam around the meadows and have snacks in there (make sure you dont drop any waste materials- plastics or paper or bottles, whatsoever). This is a very peaceful place with the sounds of the forests and that of the birds chirping.
The meadows goes on and on, just be mindful of the way back if you plan to explore more of the grasslands. Apart from the beauty of the nature, be wary of elephants. This place is a grassing spot and you can easily see the presence of elephants from the amount of dungs present in the area. Also, there is a waterhole which is frequented by elephants. As it is mostly covered in grass at the top portions, it is fairly easy to spot elephants from a distance but dont make any prior noice that will attract them to you. Also, wear something that has dull colours, which goes well with the colours of the meadows and the forests.