A bird-watcher’s dream destination, Bellikkal’s scenic locales and solitude make it one of the best places to visit for a short trip. Located in Nilgiri Mountain Range in Tamil Nadu, Bellikkal is slowly being patronized by honeymooners since it is high on scenic splendour and provides privacy.
The main attraction of Bellikkal is its lake, which is the prime source of drinking water. The lake remains surrounded by lush greenery. It is not uncommon to find elephants frequenting the lake. The lake and its shores are ideal for long walks.
Tigers, bison, bear and deer are some of the other prominent animals that can be spotted near the lake. Shrikes, bulbuls, morning doves, drongos, crow pheasants and woodpeckers are spotted quite often, making it a popular spot for bird watching.
Ayurvedic massages of the destination are very popular and are a must try. Bellikkal is also popular for the adventure activities options it offers. Mountain biking and trekking can be enjoyed to the fullest at Bellikkal.
The reserve forests of Mudumalai and Bandipur are situated close to Bellikkal. The cardamom plantations and Neelakurinji flowers in the village shouldn’t be missed. Neelakurinji, found mainly in the Nilgiri hills, are very popular as it flowers once in 12 years.
Best Time To Visit Bellikkal Hill Station
Monsoon (July-September) is the best time to visit Bellikkal, however Bellikkal could be visited throughout the year as the weather is always pleasant. Bellikkal, true to its form, experiences fantastic weather nearly throughout the year. The summers are on the warmer side but the mountain climate never gets hot or humid. The winters are equally beautiful, but there isn't any snowfall. Monsoons are just as euphoric but some people prefer not to travel to the hills in the monsoons. So, it's best if you pick a non-rainy month for your visit.
Winter Season in Bellikkal- In the winter season, the temperature lies between 13-30°Celcius. Winter is quite pleasant and it is the season to enjoy Bellikkal at its best, it's breezy all day and provides you with a refreshing feeling.
Summer Season in Bellikkal- Generally, summer temperatures in the town vary from 23-37°Celsius but most of the time the temperature is moderate. It is not a very humid area and one can enjoy a lot of activities here in the region even in summers as well.
Monsoon Season in Bellikkal- In the months of June through September, the weather is quite cool and most of the visitors like to visit the region in the season of monsoon.
Places Around Bellikkal
Kalhatti Falls - Kalhatti Falls, well-known as Kalahasti Falls, in a decent surroundings create it an excellent picnic spot at an average elevation of around 400 ft in the Sigur Plateau of Tamil Nadu.
Bison Valley - Bison Valley attained its name from the Indian bison that roam throughout the area. The lush green forest is home to many birds like woodpeckers, drongos, bulbuls etc and animals like bear, deer, monkey, leopard, elephant.
Bellikkal Lake - The Bellikkal Lake is an attractive lake surrounded by appealing surroundings. The lake is a great place to see and Elephants can be frequently seen getting a drink early in the morning or at sunset.
Things To Do In Bellikal
Bellikkal is the place for long ambles along the ghats, or a quiet afternoon by Bellikkal Lake. Pack some outdoorsy clothes that’ll blend in with the surroundings and some sturdy walking shoes. This is an unseen and relatively unexplored section of the over-exploited Nilgiris.
Wildlife Spotting- Walk down to Bison Valley, which takes its name from the innumerable gaur (Indian bison) that roam around the Sigur area. If you have binoculars, you can see the delightful sight of herds of gaur moving around languorously, grazing in the lush undergrowth. The silver Kalhatti Falls shimmer and glint as they cascade down a valley. And from this height and range, the waters seem to come down dreamily in slow motion. The Nilgiri peaks at Bellikkal beckon the intrepid trekker. And those who climb one of them through a series of thin trails passing through the foliage, will be astounded by the remarkable splendour of the vast and varied landscape, and the views that accompany the walk.
Bellikkal’s other attraction is the kurinji bush, covered with purplish blue flowers of delicate beauty. When in full bloom, the flowers lend a bluish haze to the area. But these bushes bloom only once in 12 years.
To be in Bellikkal during the monsoon is a truly romantic experience, one that will remain etched in memory. For when it rains, the whole area takes on a hazy magnificence. With umbrella in hand, make your way to the vantage point at the end of the estate and behold the sight in front of you. The mountains that gently wrap the verdant valleys in green gossamer look like they are being showered with a billion tiny, speckled diamonds.
Peace and Quiet- And then there is Bellikkal Lake up on the estate, cocooned within the foliage. And as you part the leaves of a small tree near it, you’ll see ducks in the waters. The birdsong in the trees envelope your being with the same effect as the soothing musical strains created by a cultured assemblage of musicians. Though there’s fish in the water, angling is forbidden at Bellikkal Lake.
How to reach Bellikkal
By flight- Travelling by air to Tamil nadu is not a problem. The nearest Airport is Coimbatore International Airport. It is about 100 kms away from Bellikkal and takes about 2 and a half hours, owing to the bumpy ride.
By road- Driving up to Bellikkal can be quite a hassle, if you plan to do it on your own. It's best if you take a bus or a taxi. The nearest major hub, Coimbatore has regular buses to Bellikkal. Also buses can be taken from all major hubs of Tamil nadu. If a direct bus is not available, then you may have to first travel to Coimbatore.
By train- The nearest station to Bellikkal is again situated in Coimbatore. The Coimbatore Junction is about 90 kms away and takes just about the same time by car as it does from the airport. Getting a taxi from the airport and station is possible but if that option becomes scarce, then you can travel to the nearby bus stop on Patel road, Ram Nagar and easily take a bus.
