Exploring Atla Waterfalls and the Moonnekkar Hills: History, Trekking Routes & Climate

Historical Background: British Estates from Nilambur to Moonnekkar

The old man's story about a vast estate stretching from Nilambur (Malappuram) to Moonnekkar (Palakkad) during British times is plausible. In fact, Nilambur was famous for its colonial-era teak plantations – the world's oldest teak plantation, Conolly’s Plot, was established there in 1846 by the British. Besides teak, the British also experimented with other plantations in the Malabar region. Notably, in the early 20th century one of the first rubber estates in Kerala was started at Karuvarakundu (Nilambur Taluk) under British administration, and it was literally named “Kerala Estate” because it was an estate in (British) Kerala. This estate’s name lives on today – the locality is still called Kerala (near Karuvarakundu) and even a nearby waterfall is known as Keralamkundu Falls, after the estate.

It's very likely that the British “Kerala Estate” and associated plantations extended eastward or had satellite properties closer to Palakkad. The old man mentioned the estate reached Moonnekkar, which is a hamlet in Karimba Panchayat of Palakkad (near the Meenvallam/Atla falls region). This suggests the estate owner or company managed multiple plantations across Malappuram-Palakkad, even if the lands were not one contiguous plot. Such scenarios were common – a single British planter or company (for example, Commonwealth Trust or other colonial firms) often owned estates in different locations. We don’t have the exact estate name for Moonnekkar’s plantation from records, but the description aligns with the Kerala Estate history. During British rule, plantations of rubber, tea, coffee, or cardamom were introduced on the slopes of the Western Ghats in this region. For instance, the British established orange and cardamom estates in the Palakkad highlands (e.g. at Dhoni hills near Palakkad) as early as the 1850s. An old British bungalow (Kavarakunnu bungalow, built ~1850s) still stands in the Dhoni forests as a relic, overlooking what were once thriving colonial plantations. This shows that British planters actively developed estates in the Palakkad ranges as well, lending credibility to the old man’s tale of a British-era estate near Moonnekkar.

In summary, archival evidence confirms British plantation activity in both Nilambur and Palakkad regions. The Kerala Estate in Nilambur (Karuvarakundu) was one such British rubber estate, and it possibly had extensions or sister estates toward Moonnekkar. While we couldn’t find a document explicitly linking Moonnekkar to a specific estate name, the region’s colonial history of plantations is well attested. The old man likely worked for a post-colonial continuation of those estates (many British planters stayed on or sold estates after Independence in 1947). By the time he was in his 20s (perhaps the 1970s), the estate might still have been operational under the same management, covering pockets of land from Nilambur side to the Palakkad side.

The Legend of the Broken Helicopter on the Hill

One fascinating (if somewhat mysterious) element of the story is the “broken helicopter” atop a high hill near Atla Waterfalls. According to the old man, this helicopter dated from the British era and was used to spray pesticides on the estate’s crops. We should clarify the timeline: helicopters were not in use in Kerala during the classic British Raj period (before 1947), as practical helicopters only emerged in the 1940s. It’s more likely that if a helicopter was used for crop-spraying in this area, it happened in the post-Independence decades (perhaps 1960s–1980s), possibly by a plantation company that had British origins or advisors. Such aerial pesticide spraying in estates was uncommon but not impossible – for example, planes/helicopters were used in some parts of India for pest control (the infamous Endosulfan spraying in Kerala’s cashew plantations was done by small aircraft in later years). A plantation estate with sufficient funds might have hired a helicopter to spray fungicides or insecticides over a large, hard-to-reach area of crops (perhaps rubber or coffee trees spread across the hilly terrain).

No documented crash reports or official records of a helicopter accident in the Atla/Moonnekkar area turned up in our research. This doesn’t rule it out – given the remoteness, a minor helicopter crash in the 1970s might not have made national news, especially if it was a private estate operation and there were no fatalities (or it was hushed up). It’s quite possible the wreck was simply abandoned due to the difficulty of salvage. Local lore and hearsay often preserve such stories. Without written records, we have to treat this as a local legend – but one grounded in details that make sense (estate operations, British involvement, etc.).

If the helicopter wreck is indeed on the hill at coordinates ~10.9481, 76.5866, it could still be there, heavily weathered. High-altitude aerial imagery of the area doesn’t clearly show any man-made object – the hill is covered in dense green canopy and rocky outcrops, so any rusting metal debris might be obscured. (We scanned satellite maps for telltale signs like unnatural clearings or metallic glint but nothing definitive is visible, which isn’t surprising given the thick forest cover.) The old man mentioned steel/iron bars embedded in the rock face of the hill, presumably installed by the British to aid in climbing. This is intriguing – it suggests the British (or later estate staff) had reason to regularly scale that particular peak. Perhaps they installed rungs or ladders to access an observation point, a flagpole, or even to reach the helicopter crash site itself. Such mountaineering aids aren’t unheard of; colonial surveyors and planters sometimes fixed ladders or steps on difficult rock faces. For example, the Dhoni estate bungalow area had bridle paths and infrastructure set up by the British, and one could imagine similar efforts in the Moonnekkar hills.

Possible Crash Sites & Logical Deductions: The coordinates (10.9481342, 76.5865547) point to one of the taller hills in the Kalladikode range (Western Ghats). The hill is just northwest of Atla (Aaral) Waterfalls and indeed appears higher than the waterfall’s source hill. If a helicopter was spraying estates, a likely flight path might have been along the valley and slopes; a crash could occur if the craft hit a tall tree or encountered a gust near the ridge. The summit is rocky and relatively open, which might have forced an emergency landing attempt on solid ground. A wreck on an open rock summit would be conspicuous, but since decades have passed, it could have broken apart and become overgrown by vegetation or rusted to a dull color blending with rocks. One might look for “geographical defects” like a clearing, scorched trees (initially), or pieces of metal. If you scan Google Earth’s satellite images from different dates, check for any unnaturally straight lines or glinting spots on that hilltop. Another clue could be local knowledge: villagers or trekking enthusiasts in the Kalladikode/Moonnekkar area might know of “the old helicopter” if it’s a known curiosity. Given that the old man himself had seen it decades ago, it’s worth asking local guides or forest officials – they might confirm if any wreckage remains.

To sum up, no official evidence of the helicopter crash is available in our sources, but logically, if it happened it was likely a post-1950s private helicopter. The tale fits the pattern of colonial estates leaving behind unusual relics. Until someone physically treks up and documents it, the “broken helicopter on the hill” remains part of local legend – albeit one that you and your friend might be able to verify firsthand on your trek!

Trekking to Atla Waterfalls and Beyond (Moonnekkar Hill)

Atla Waterfalls (Aaral Falls) is a relatively hidden gem in Palakkad district, so reaching it already involves an adventure. The falls is located in the Kalladikode mountains, near Meenvallam Falls (both are in the same general range of forested hills). Here’s a breakdown of the route and trek:

1. Drive to Kalladikode: From Palakkad city, head north on the Palakkad–Mannarkkad road (NH966). About 30 km from Palakkad, you reach Kalladikode town. (If coming from Mannarkkad side, Kalladikode will be about 20 km south of Mannarkkad.)

2. Turn at Thuppanad Junction: Roughly 2 km past Kalladikode (toward Palakkad->Mannarkkad direction), look for Thuppanad junction. There should be signage or locals can point out the turn for Meenvallam/Atla falls.

3. Approach Road to the Falls: From Thuppanad, take the narrow rural road heading east toward the forest. You will travel ~8 km on a jeepable road through plantations and forest patches. This road leads to the Meenvallam waterfalls area. It’s a rough road; locals often use jeeps/4x4 to go partway.

4. Forest Checkpost and Parking: There is a forest check-post where entry tickets are issued (Meenvallam is an eco-tourism spot). Vehicles are usually allowed up to a certain point (often near a small hydropower project’s gate). You may have to park here. Entry timing is typically 9 AM to 3 PM for the falls, and visitors are expected to exit by 5 PM.

5. Trek to Atla (Aaral) Waterfalls: The waterfall is around 4 km trek through forest from the end of the motorable track. The trail is not paved – it’s a footpath used by locals and visitors, going uphill alongside the stream. Be prepared for a moderately strenuous hike: it involves crossing streams, ducking under foliage, and navigating some slippery rocks. (One travel report mentions “leeches cling on to your feet every other step” in monsoon, so wear leech socks or high boots!) The trek can take 1 to 1.5 hours one-way for reasonably fit hikers. En route you might pass smaller cascades. Atla Waterfalls itself is a tall, breathtaking falls tumbling from a cliff, and is described as “way bigger than nearby Meenvallam Falls and more beautiful as well”. Enjoy the sight, but exercise caution near the pool – during monsoon the currents are strong.

6. Proceeding to the Hill (10.9481, 76.5866): The second hill of interest, where the helicopter allegedly rests, is not the same hill that feeds Atla falls, but an adjacent one to the northwest (roughly 1 km away). There is no officially marked trail to that summit. Your trek here becomes an off-trail expedition. From Atla falls area, you will likely need to traverse through dense forest and steep rocky terrain to reach the base of the rocky hill. It may be wise to ascend along a ridge if you find one, or skirt the hill to find the side with the iron bars the old man mentioned. Keep an eye out for anything that looks like an old ladder rung or hole in the rock where a bar could have been – these could guide you up. The final stretch might involve rock climbing. If the iron rods are still in place, they could significantly aid the ascent of the sheer rock face. If not, you’ll need proper gear or to find a natural climbable route. Due to the challenging nature, consider taking a local guide or at least inform forest officials of your plan (they might object since it’s off the permitted path, but it’s important for safety).

Navigation Note: The coordinates 10.9481342, 76.5865547 can be plugged into an offline GPS app. However, in the jungle you may lose signal. Traditional navigation (compass, map) and marking waypoints (or tying ribbons) for your return are advisable to avoid getting lost. The terrain is basically Western Ghat rainforest: expect thick undergrowth, hidden rocks, and possibly wildlife (more on that below).

Wildlife & Safety: The area, being part of the Western Ghats, is habitat to elephants, wild boar, deer, and even predators like leopards or the odd tiger (Silent Valley National Park is not far). The Meenvallam/Atla falls eco-zone is considered a “sensitive” forest area, though day visitors on the main trail are usually safe. If you venture off-trail to the hill, be extra cautious. Elephants are the biggest concern – encountering one on foot in dense forest can be dangerous. Signs of elephants (dung, trampled plants) mean you should turn back. Leeches are virtually guaranteed in wet months – carry salt or a light spray of diluted dettol on your shoes to deter them. Also, monsoon weather means the rocks are slick and there are frequent downpours; start early so you have time to return before any afternoon rain (which can cause flash floods in streams). And as always in Kerala forests, watch for snakes when stepping over logs or rocks.

Geography and Terrain of the Moonnekkar Hills

The hill country around Atla/Moonnekkar is part of the Western Ghats (Nilgiri Biosphere), characterized by rugged terrain, thick evergreen forests, and numerous streams. The Atla Waterfall drops from a cliff on one hill, and just north-west stands another prominent monolithic hill – likely a hard granite outcrop rising above the forest. The elevation of these hills is roughly on the order of 600–800 meters (estimated). They are not as high as the tallest peaks of Kerala (which are 2000m+ in far north or Idukki), but they are still significant and very steep in places (the presence of a waterfall and need for iron bars confirm the steepness).

Geologically, such hills often have near-vertical rock faces on one side and a somewhat gentler slope on the other. If the British installed iron pegs on a rock face, that face must have been near-vertical and perhaps on the side facing the estate (for quick access). The summit might be a relatively small area with sparse vegetation (grass, shrubs) due to exposed rock. It would offer commanding views of the surroundings – possibly why the British went up there (to survey their estate lands or simply for a vantage point). From the top on a clear day, you would likely see Palakkad plains to the west and the continuous Ghats stretching north and south. To the east, the hills roll into the Attappadi forests and Silent Valley (though those might be out of direct sight due to other intervening ridges).

One notable aspect: the local folklore mentions the “Kalladikode Karineeli”, a forest goddess said to inhabit these hills. This indicates the area has tribal legends and perhaps sacred spots in the wilderness. Respect any signs of local worship (like small stone cairns or prayer ribbons tied to trees) – these are part of the indigenous culture of the Western Ghats.

Regarding satellite imagery/Google Earth observation: The terrain’s natural features include large rock exposures that can appear light grey on imagery, and dense tree cover which appears deep green. A “geographical defect” that might hint at wreckage could be a patch of different-colored vegetation (if metal toxins affected soil, or if the crash cleared an area that later regrew with different plants). Given the time passed, the forest likely reclaimed everything. We did not find any obvious clearings at the exact coordinates – the hilltop looks mostly natural. One can notice, however, some linear scars which could be old foot trails or game trails on the hill slopes, but nothing clearly man-made from a top-down view.

In summary, expect a very challenging terrain: steep slopes, slippery laterite/rock, and thick forest with no human settlements in the immediate vicinity. The valley below (Moonnekkar area) has some villages and farmlands, but once you are a few hundred meters up, it’s wild Ghats landscape.

Monsoon Climate (July/August) in Atla – Moonnekkar Area

You are planning this trek in July/August, which is right in the middle of Kerala’s Southwest Monsoon season. This has several implications for weather and trekking conditions:

Heavy Rainfall: The Palakkad-Moonnekkar region receives torrential rains in monsoon. Mannarkkad (a nearby town) averages about 323 mm of rain in July (around 26 rainy days), and 451 mm in August (~25 rainy days). In other words, expect rain almost every day, ranging from light drizzle to thunderstorms. Downpours can be sudden and very intense. Ensure you have good waterproofing for your backpack (rain cover) and keep electronics/valuables in dry bags. River levels can surge during and after rains, so be cautious at stream crossings (they might become impassable temporarily).

Temperature & Humidity: Despite the rain, it’s still warm. Typical daytime highs are ~28–29 °C and nighttime lows around 20 °C in this season. Humidity hovers ~87%, so it will feel very muggy when it’s not raining. You’ll sweat a lot while trekking – wear moisture-wicking clothing. The nights in the valley are mild (not cold), but up on the hill if you get wet and windy conditions, it might feel chilly – carry a light poncho or windbreaker.

Leeches and Insects: Monsoon is peak leech season in Western Ghats forests. These tiny bloodsuckers thrive in wet leaf litter. As mentioned, trekkers to Atla falls frequently report leeches on their feet. Wear long socks (some apply anti-leech oil or salt water to them). Carry salt to flick them off. Mosquitoes and midges will also be around, especially in the evenings, though at higher elevation you mostly contend with leeches.

Trail Conditions: The 4 km trail to Atla will be muddy, slippery, and partially waterlogged in places. Exposed rocks near the falls will have moss – extremely slippery (a thin film of algae grows on wet rocks). The forest department note at Dhoni waterfall (south of this area) explicitly warns that monsoon makes trails slippery and treacherous. In our area, expect the same. Use footwear with good grip (non-slip trekking shoes). A trekking pole is helpful for balance. Also, start early in the day; in heavy rain, daylight is dim under forest canopy, and you want to have enough time to get out before 5–6 PM.

Visibility: July–Aug are often cloudy or misty in the Ghats. Don’t expect clear panoramic views – the hill may be shrouded in mist at times. On the flip side, the waterfalls will be in full spate and gorgeous due to the rain. If you’re lucky with a short dry spell, you might catch dramatic clouds and sun-rays scenery from the hilltop.

Climatic Data Snapshot: As a reference, Mannarkkad in August has an average temperature of ~23 °C, with highs of 28 °C and lows of 20 °C. It receives about 451 mm of rainfall in August and even July sees ~323 mm. Practically, this means you will be trekking in a rainforest downpour or its aftermath. Plan accordingly with quick-dry clothes, rain protection, and perhaps an extra pair of dry socks in your pack.

Final Tips and Conclusion

Venturing to find a lost British-era helicopter on a remote Kerala hill is the kind of expedition that blurs history and adventure. To recap key points and tips:

Historical context: The area was part of a British plantation estate system. The name Kerala Estate in Nilambur and the presence of colonial bungalows in Palakkad testify to that legacy. While no written record of a helicopter crash is found, local stories fill the gap and are often based on real events passed down orally.

Trek route: Reach Kalladikode, turn at Thuppanad toward Meenvallam/Atla. A jeep can go some distance, then it’s a 4 km forest trek to Atla/Aaral Waterfalls. From there, prepare for off-trail climbing to the second hill. Consider hiring a local guide at Kalladikode or Karimba if possible – they may know the terrain or even the helicopter legend.

Permissions: The falls area is under the forest department’s eco-tourism. Officially, you might not have permission to stray off the designated waterfall trail. You might approach the officials with curiosity about “old estate relics” to see if they acknowledge the helicopter story; or discreetly plan the climb. Be mindful of regulations – getting caught off-trail could lead to fines. Weekdays with fewer visitors might be easier to explore quietly, but always prioritize safety and ethics (do not disturb wildlife or leave litter).

Monsoon readiness: Pack for rain and leeches. Keep your trek group small and tight; visibility in forest can drop in rain/mist so don’t get separated.

Geographical clues: If looking for the helicopter, focus on the rocky summit areas. Perhaps use a metal detector if you’re very keen and allowed – but lugging it uphill might be impractical! Even if you don’t find the helicopter, the journey will reward you with pristine nature – roaring waterfalls, lush greenery, and a touch of mystery from the colonial past.

Lastly, July/August, though challenging weather-wise, is also when the Western Ghats are at their greenest and most beautiful. The waterfalls (Atla, Meenvallam) will be in full glory. The trek will be memorable. Just ensure you take all precautions and respect the environment. Who knows – you might come back not only having seen the elusive Atla Falls but perhaps even having spotted the remnants of a bygone helicopter tucked in the misty heights of Moonnekkar! Good luck on your adventure, and stay safe out there amidst the clouds and rain-soaked hills of Kerala.

Sources:

Mathrubhumi News – “Malappuram’s Kerala to retain its name even if State becomes Keralam” (history of British Kerala Estate rubber plantation)

Keralatravelpal – Dhoni Waterfall (mentions British bungalow, 1850s orange/cardamom estate in Palakkad hills)

Instagram/Tripuntold – Atla (Aaral) Waterfalls description (4 km forest trek from Kalladikode; near Meenvallam Falls)

Priya Menon Travel Blog – Meenvallam Waterfalls (directions via Thuppanad junction & 8 km forest road)

NomadSeason Climate – Mannarkkad July/August averages (~323 mm rain in July, ~451 mm in Aug; temp ~20–29 °C)

Reddit comment via Bing snippet (traveler’s remark on leeches and long walk at Atla) (implicitly referenced).