The viewpoint is situated on the Sholayar range, which forms part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The route passing through the viewpoint is one of the few forest-mountain passages connecting the Kerala lowlands to the Tamil Nadu hill stations.
The area serves as a vital corridor for the migration of large herbivores between the Parambikulam and Anamalai tiger reserves.
It marks the jurisdictional boundary between the Thrissur district of Kerala and the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu.
Malakkapara View Point is a scenic observation area situated on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, overlooking the Sholayar forest range. The site is located along the Chalakudy-Valparai state highway, a high-altitude road traversing the Vazhachal Forest Division. Visitors encounter a landscape dominated by evergreen forests, tea plantations, and the Sholayar Dam reservoir backwaters. The viewpoint acts as a transition point between the low-lying plains of central Kerala and the high-altitude hills of the Anaimalai range. Wildlife, including elephants and the Nilgiri langur, is frequently spotted in the surrounding buffer zones of the forest. The geography features dense canopy cover and significant elevation changes, making it a critical corridor for biodiversity. The area is prone to mist and low visibility during the monsoon season. Infrastructure is primarily limited to roadside viewing platforms and basic signage.
The edge of the roadside barrier facing the valley for an unobstructed view of the forest canopy and reservoir.
Carry warm clothing as the temperature drops significantly compared to the Kerala lowlands.
Maintain a strict no-littering policy, as this is a protected forest zone with active wildlife movement.
Check for road closures due to seasonal landslides or heavy rain before commencing the journey.
Attempting to exit your vehicle or walk into the forest undergrowth, as the area is known for elephant crossings.
Road access is often restricted during peak monsoon months; night travel is strictly prohibited by forest authorities.
Do not feed wildlife, maintain silence, and avoid honking to prevent distressing animals in the forest corridor.
