Nestled in the verdant landscape of Nilambur, Kerala, Conolly’s Plot stands as a testament to India’s rich forestry heritage. Just two kilometers from Nilambur town in Vadapuram, near the Government Timber Depot, this site is recognized as the world’s oldest teak plantation. Established in 1846, the plantation was the brainchild of Shri Chathu Menon, and carried out under the direction of Mr H.V. Conolly, the Collector of Malabar from 1841 to 1855. Spanning 1,500 acres, this plantation marked the beginning of systematic forest management in India.

Conolly’s Plot was preserved in 1993 as a research area.  It now covers 5.7 acres after a portion was harvested during World War II to meet the timber demands of the Allies. The Kerala Forest Department has taken great care to maintain and protect this historic site, which is home to the oldest teak tree, known as Kannimari, and holds the remains of Chathu Menon.

The plantation is bordered by the Chaliyar and Kurinjipuzha rivers on two sides, by dense forests on the other two. Kurinjipuzha, known for its pure waters, merges with the Chaliyar at the edge of the plot, adding to the natural beauty of the area. Conolly’s Plot is more than just a plantation; it is a living monument to the history of forestry in India, where the legacy of teak as the ‘carpenter’s joy’ continues to thrive amidst the serene, natural surroundings.