Paithalmala is the highest hill in Kannur district, about 1,370 metres above sea level near the Kerala–Karnataka border. It's known for its forest trek and the watchtower at the summit, and it's a must-do for nature lovers in North Kerala. Thushara Homestay is 15 km away, an easy base for an early-morning start.
The trek
The usual starting point is near Pottenplave. Trails of roughly 5–6 km wind up through shola forest and grassland to the summit, where a tourism-department watchtower looks out over the valleys. On clear days you can see deep into Coorg. Carry water, wear good shoes and start early.
Best time to visit
Start early in the morning, when it's cool and the hills are often wrapped in mist. Avoid the afternoon heat.
September to February is the most comfortable season for trekking. Light monsoon days are beautiful, with green slopes and drifting clouds, but trails are wet. During very heavy rain the area can be closed. March to May is the hottest and least pleasant time to go.
Paithalmala weather by season
- March–May (summer): hot afternoons; trek early in the morning
- June–September (monsoon): green and misty, with wet trails and leeches; heaviest rain is usually June–July, when it can close
- October–February (cool season): clear, pleasant days and misty mornings, the most comfortable time to trek
Paithalmala or Ranipuram: which is better?
Both are forest-and-grassland hill treks in North Kerala, so it depends where you're based. Paithalmala, in Kannur district, is the higher of the two at about 1,370 m, with a watchtower at the top, and it's the easier choice if you're staying around Alakode, Karuvanchal or Taliparamba. Ranipuram is in Kasaragod district, with a summit of about 1,048 m, a shorter climb and a forest checkpoint at the start. It's a separate trip further north, about 43 km from Kanhangad.
If you're staying with us, Paithalmala is the natural pick, and you can pair it with sunset at Palakkayam Thattu on the same day.
How to reach
Paithalmala is about 65 km from Kannur town, in the Pottenplave area, reached via the Taliparamba–Alakode roads. From Thushara Homestay in Karuvanchal it's roughly 15 km to the base, about a 45-minute drive. We can help arrange a jeep and share route tips when you stay with us.
Stay 15 km from Paithalmala
Thushara Homestay in Karuvanchal, Alakode is an independent 1BHK cottage with AC, a living room, kitchenette, private bathroom and free parking. It's comfortable for up to 3 guests, from ₹2,000/night, with traditional Kerala meals available.
- Paithalmala hill station: 15 km
- Palakkayam Thattu: 8 km
- Kuttippullu viewpoint: 8 km
- Convenient for Alakode, Karuvanchal, Naduvil and Vayattuparamb
Stay 15 km away at Thushara Homestay
Independent 1BHK AC cottage in Karuvanchal, Alakode · 4.9★ from 32 Google reviews · from ₹2,000/night