Nelliyampathy is a well-known tourist spot in Palakkad. Kerala’s state bird Hornbill is the major attraction here now as its mating season began. The place is witnessing rush of birdwatchers and wildlife photographers to get a snap of the majestic beauty.
Among the hornbills, the Great Hornbill is the most beautiful. The flapping of their wings can be heard from a distance. The sound attracts onlookers. Though a large number of people reach the hill station, the birds prefer to perch atop large trees.
Neliyampathy, Valpara and Parambikkulam are the main habitats of hornbill. Their numbers are considerably decreasing in the Western Ghats.
In 1930, the famous ornithologist Dr Salim Ali conducted a survey and found around 60 hornbills in Parakkal. Deforestation and concrete construction have paved way for the decrease in their numbers.
