The oldest teak plantation here is Conolly’s Plot, two kilometres from Nilambur town. The plantation owes its name and origin to H. V. Conolly, the district collector of Malabar who, in 1846, had ordered the planting of teak plants in two acres in this area. This led to the large-scale planting of teak at a later stage. In course of time, a teak museum was also set up nearby. An interesting sight near Conolly’s Plot is the long hanging bridge constructed across River Chaliyar.
Nilambur Kovilakm, constructed in the traditional Kerala style of architecture, is the palace where the erstwhile rulers of Nilambur stayed.
The main deity of the palace temple is Vettakkorumakan, the son of Lord Shiva in Kiratha (The Hunter) form. Legends say that Lord Shiva disguised as Kiratha appeared before Arjuna. Arjuna, who was unable to recognize Shiva began fighting with him. At last, he realizes that his rival is Lord Shiva himself. When Arjuna identifies him, a pleased Lord Shiva blesses him with a powerful weapon.
Nedumkayam, about 15 km from Nilambur, is a little known tourist destination with beautiful, dense forests. It is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. These forests are rich in flora and fauna. During treks along the jungle trails, one can see charming little brooks and exotic wild flowers.
At Nedumkayam, you can also see iron bridges that were constructed by the British and the tomb of a British engineer who died here.
Four kilometres away from the town, on the Nilambur - Gudallur roadside stands the world's first Teak Museum. In the Teak Museum, a visitor can have a first hand information on all aspects of teak.
Established by the Kerala Forest Research Institute in collaboration with the Kerala Forest Department, it is thematic museum housing historical, cultural and aesthetic and scientific aspects of teak, all under one roof, arranged in the two storied building.
A collection of bamboo trees on the way to the museum imparts a special beauty to the place. The carved teak door at the entrance of the museum has a painting of the oldest living teak tree, the Kannimara teak.
Beyond Chaliyar river, 27 Km from Nilambur, is Valamthode, a hill top where a perennial waterfall attracts people. This too is a tribal settlement. Road accessibility is through Kozhikode district by Areekode-Mukkam Road.
Adyanpara in Kurmbalangod village of Nilambur Taluk is famous for its waterfalls and the splendor of the wooded jungle surrounding it. This cascade is a spectacle of unrivalled grandeur. The wild beauty of this place is a rare treat for the eyes and heart of the travellers.
Situated at a distance of 18 km from Nilambur town,Nedumkayam is noted specially for its rich rain forests. The wooden rest house built here by the British offers a panoramic view of the elephants and deers grazing in the forest near by . One has to get prior permission from the Forest Department to enter the forest zone. Heavy restrictions are imposed as a measure to save the existing forest land. An elephant taming center is also here.
This is one of the four central forest nurseries in Kerala and was established during the year 1997,at Valluvassery by the Kerala Forest Department. With a view to meet the requirements of good quality planting stock of important plantation species like teak, eucalypts, acacias, etc., the nursery is fully equipped to produce root trainer seedlings and rooted cuttings of these species in required quantities.
The average annual production of the nursery during the past three years was: 1.5 lakh teak root-trainer seedlings, 1.2 lakh of eucalypt seedlings, 0.5 lakh seedlings of acacias, and 0.9 lakh seedlings of miscellaneous species.
This hill is situated on the border of Kerala and Tamilnadu from where the river Chaliyar originates and is clothed in dense forests and bamboo woods that add beauty to the place. The region is a beloved homestead of innumerable birds and animals. For a lover of nature, a botanist or a naturalist, this region offers every charm in its forests, mountains ,valleys and cultivated plains. Elephants, bisons, deers, tigers, blue monkeys, bears, rabbits, wild cats and dogs are found in the forest along with an innumerable variety of birds and reptiles.
It is a small village near Nilambur that has become famous for the presence of its potters. With the influx of cheap industrial substitutes, these villagers had all but lost their interest in the traditional skills, but for a small movement led by activist-designer K B Jinan who , rekindled their hope. Together, they explored the possibilities of terra-cotta suited for the modern context and Kumbham was born.
Today Kumbham is hailed as a rare instance of a traditional artisan community rehabilitating itself through the very craft they have been alienated from. Over the last few years many a product has come out of their kilns which are notable for their form as well as function. Kumbham products now find wide acceptance in households, corporate offices, hotels and resorts
Nilambur town is also famous for housing a cluster of kovilakoms, the residences of the local rajas or rulers of earlier days. These structures are famous for their beautiful frescoes and artworks in wood.