Conolly’s Plot

Located at Nilambur in the Malappuram district of Kerala, the Conolly’s Plot is the first and one of the world’s oldest surviving teak plantations. The plot is maintained by the Forest Department of Kerala and is a popular tourist attraction known for its serene ambiance and fresh air.

The plantation is named after H. V. Conolly, the district collector of Malabar under British rule, who wanted to plant teak to satisfy the growing demand for teak at the time. He successfully planted new teak trees and discouraged the felling of immature trees with the aid of a local sub-forest conservator, Chathu Menon.

History and Natural Beauty of Conolly’s Plot

The plot has rare and exotic species of birds, trees, and insects. The plantation is also a component of the Nilambur Teak Museum, which features the history and culture of teak farming and trade in Kerala.

The plantation is spread over 2.31 hectares of land beside the Chaliyar River and the year of the plantation is 1846. To get to the Conolly Plot, one must cross a beautiful hanging bridge, the longest in Kerala, constructed across the Chaliyar River. It provides a picturesque view of the river and the surrounding forest. In 1998, the Kerala Forest Department constructed the bridge to accommodate visitors.

There are 115 teak trees on the plantation and the main attraction is the Kannimari tree numbered 23 among them. It is the most massive and oldest teak tree in the plantation, with a girth of 429 c.m and a height of 49.2 meters. The tree is more than 170 years old and is named after a tribal woman who helped water the saplings.

How to Visit Conolly’s Plot

Conolly’s Plot can be visited throughout the year and is open to visitors on all days except Mondays from 9 AM to 5 PM. The entry fee is Rs. 40 per person and an additional fee is charged for cameras. Ample parking spaces are also available at the teak plantation and several eateries and vendors sell snacks and drinks.

Canolly’s plot can be reached easily by road as it’s located just 2 kilometers away from Nilambur town, in a place called Vadapuram nearer to the Government Timber depot of Nilambur. The nearest railway station is Nilambur which is 6 kilometers away from the plantation and the nearest airport is Calicut International Airport which is about 42 kilometers away.

FAQs