Kerala Tourism - Palakkad

Palakkad is situated at the foot of the Western Ghats. It is the gateway to Kerala from the north. Palakkad district has its own special characteristics. Palakkad is known as the Granary of Kerala. The district has vast stretches of lush green paddy fields, with tributaries of Bharathapuzha river criss-crossing it. Palakkad was known as Palghat during British rule. The name was later changed from Palghat to Palakkad by the government of Kerala.

¤ Tourist Destinations in Palakkad

* Palakkad Fort
Palakkad Fort, the old granite fort situated in the town, is the most beautiful and best preserved fort of Kerala. Built in 1766 by Hyder Ali of Mysore was taken over and remodified by Britishin 1790. The fort is protected by Archeological Survey of India. The location to the west fort known by the name is Kottamaithanam, is where Tippu's cavalry once camped. Martyr's Column, Open Air Auditorium called "Rappadi" are there in the spacious Fort Maidan. There is also a Children's park on the side of the Fort.

* Malambuzha
The Malampuzha Dam and surrounding gardens have always remained the main attractions of Kerala. This famous picnic spot is situated on the lower hills of the western ghats. Within the Malampuzha garden compound, there are many more wonders which includes fish shaped aquarium, Snake Park, rock garden.

Malampuzha is also known as the Vrindavan of Kerala. It exudes the charm of the harmony of nature, a perfect synchronisation of the grandeur of the mountains blending with the serenity of rivers. It is 10 kms from Palakkad. There are lush green lawns, innumerable flower beds, glittering pools, fountains and avenues. There is a fresh water aquarium, snake park and a Children's park with a toy train which await the pleasure and delight of children.

Another item of interest in the park is the imposing concrete sculpture of YAKSHI , done by the renowned Kanai Kunhiraman. The passenger ROPEWAY, its first of its kind in South India, offers adventurous and delightful air journey of 20 minutes across the garden, giving a soul stirring view of gardens, the distant hills that kiss the heavens and the blue strip of the reservoir. There is a TELESCOPIC TOWER in the garden providing a terrestrial view upto 40 miles.

The first ROCK GARDEN emerged from the master creator Padmashree Nek Chand of Chandigarh, in South India is at Malampuzha. Modelled after Appu Ghar of Delhi and Essel World of Bombay, the first amusement park of Kerala named FANTASY PARK is at Malampuzha.

* Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley is 80 kms from Palakkad. It is also known as Sairandhri vanam. Ecologists desrcibe this area as the sole surviving bit of evergreen forests in the Sahya Ranges. This has been declared as a National Park recently. This ever green forest is home for several specious of trees and plants. It includes many varieties of reptiles. Over 100 species of butterflies and 400 species of moths were identified here.

Silent Valley covers about nine thousand hectares of land and the forest is devoid of the chirping cicedas. Kunthipuzha flows through the valley before merging with Bharatapuzha . There is a huge Wild tree of Kattuaiying variety. It is hollow within and can hide atleast 12 people in it.

* Parambikulam Wild life Sanctuary
This Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. It is 110 kms away from Palakkad offers a scintillating sight of rare wild animals. Boating facilitie is available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. A tree house in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu is another attraction.

There is an array of Dams / reservoirs in this area. Boat cruisers are provided in the PArambikulam reservoir. The rest houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Elanthode and a tree-house in Thoonakkadavu offer lodging facilities. The giant "Kannimari Teak" is a sight to dream of.

* Attappady
Attappady is home to many tribes like the Irulars and Mudugas, who are considered to be the descendants of the Negrito race. It is 80 kms from Palakkad. Attappady is of great interest to anthropologists. Attapadi is situated in an elevated picturesque mountainous plateau in Western Ghats. The plateau offers a scintillating sight of near by mountains.

* Sholayar
Highest place in Attappady. Cool climate and the enthralling natural beauty rejuvenates the body and soul. Tea and coffee plantations are another attraction.

* Nelliyampathy
Nelliyampathy Hills are extremely fascinating and offer an easy escape from the scorching summer of Palakkad. About 75 kms from Palakkad the height of this cool resort ranges from 467 meters to 1572 meters. Nelliyampathy has immense trekking potential. Seetharkundu at Nelliyampathy offers a fantastic view of the valley below, a wide angled panaromic picture of about one third of Palakkad, beautiful and resembling the Green valley of Kodaikanal.

* Dhoni
Dhoni, a reserve forest, is 15 kms from Palakkad. The forest has among other captivating sights, a small but splendid waterfall. The site can be reached after a fairly long climb of 3 hours from the base of the Dhoni Hills. Dhoni is also famous for its farm house, harbouring hundreds of cattles of Swiss variety. Its lush green surroundings is a pleasure to watch.

* Jain Temple of Jainmedu
The only existing Jain Temple in South India is situated at Jainmedu, 3 kms from Palakkad. Here you can find images of Jain THIRTHANKARAS and YAKSHINIS. Rituals are being held even now in this historic temple.

* Peacock Sanctuary
The National Bird of INDIA, peacock, has got a sanctuary of its own in this part of the country. Mayiladumpara, 30 kms from Palakkad, is well known for its grove abounding in Peacocks.

* Smriti Vanam
J.P. Smriti Vanam located at Walayar, on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, extends to about 100 acres. You can conduct a safari ride here and see deers, elephants and other animals moving freely. The park is located at a distance of 22 kms from Palakkad.

* Siruvani
Siruvani is 48 kms from Palakkad. The gateways on either side of the road across the dam bear the stamp of Kerala and Tamil Nadu Architectural Styles. Its thick reserved forest has all kinds of wild animals.

* Meenvallam
There are 10 steps of Water Falls at Meenvallam, the originating point of Thuppanadu river. The height of the fall varies from 5 to 45 meters. Meenvallam is located at a distance of 37 kms from Palakkad.

Kalpathi Ratholsavam, Kanniyarkali, Kaalapoottu, Pavakkooth, Pattambi Nercha etc... heralds the cultural heritage of Palakkad. Other palces of tourist interest in Palakkad are Meenkara, Thrithala, Ottappalam, Lakkidi, Poothundy etc