Teak, Temples, and Timelessness — A Day in Nilambur
Overview: Sometimes, the most rewarding journeys happen in places that don’t scream for your attention. Nilambur, a quiet town at the foothills of the Nilgiris in Kerala, is one such gem—rich in history, soaked in greenery, and humming with stories that date back centuries. My journey began in Bengaluru. I boarded a night bus and woke up to the lush landscape of Nilambur, where mist-laced hills welcomed me with a kind of calm you rarely find in city life. The town is best known for something unique— the world’s oldest teak plantation . But as I’d discover, there’s a lot more tucked away in its trails and temples. Stop 1: Nilambur Kovilakam – A Palace by the River After a quick breakfast, I headed to the Nilambur Kovilakam , a majestic structure about 30 km from Malappuram. Once home to the local royal family appointed by the Zamorin of Kozhikode, this palace sits peacefully on the banks of the Chaliyar River . Walking into the Kovilakam feels like stepping into a living museum. T...