Kerala ›› Kerala Destinations ›› Palakkad [Palghat]

Palakkad is part of the erstwhile Malabar district of Madras Presidency. The district accounts for about 11.5 per cent of the total land area of Kerala, with the share of population is 8.22 per cent. The district has got two types of climates. Ottappalam, Alathur and Mannarkkad Taluks are having a climate similar to that of other districts of Kerala, whereas Palakkad and Chittur are having rather a dry climate similar to TamilNadu. However the average rainfall is good for cultivation. There are five taluks, 163 villages , four Municipal towns and ninety Panchayaths in the district. The district is divided into 13 community Development Blocks for the effective implementation of various development activities

Palakkad Fort: The old granite fort situated in the very heart of Palakkad town is one of the best preserved in Kerala. It was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766. The fort was taken over and modified by the British in 1790. It is now preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Pothundy (45 km from Palakkad): Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir Complex is a charming location for picnics and half-day trips.

Thiruvalathoor (10 km from Palakkad) : The ancient temple here has some fine wood work and stone sculptures.

Dhoni (15 km from Palakkad): It takes a three hour trek from the base of the Dhoni hills to reach this reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall.

Kottayi (15 km via Poodur from Palakkad): This tiny village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.

Malampuzha Garden (10 km from Palakkad): This famous picnic spot which comprises a dam and beautifully landscaped gardens, is situated on the lower hills of the Western Ghats. There are frequent buses to this place from Palakkad.

The garden: Ph: 815280 Lush green lawns Well laid-out flower beds Cool pools, fountains and pathways Rock garden
Ph: 815140 (Open 1000 - 1800 hrs) The rose garden has over a hundred varieties of the flower An aerial ropeway across the garden The dams and gardens are illuminated on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays from 1900 - 2000 hrs. On other days they are illuminated on request for a fee.

The reservoir: Boating and fishing facilities are available here. Pedalboats, rowboats, water scooters and motorboats can be hired from 1000 - 1800 hrs. A well maintained swimming pool (Tuesday holiday). a fresh water aquarium (open1200 - 2000 hrs & 1300 - 2100 hrs on holidays) a snake park (open 0800 - 1800 hrs) a children's park

The passenger ropeway: This is the first of its kind in South India  Ph: 815129 (Open 1000 - 1300 hrs & 1430 - 2000 hrs) Road train trips in the garden (0800 - 2000 hrs) Telescope tower (1000 - 1700 hrs)

Kollengode (19 km south of Palakkad) : Kollengode or the abode of blacksmiths enshrines the pristine beauty of rural Palakkad. The Kollengode Palace, the Vishnu Temple and the poet P. Kunhiraman Nair Memorial are worth visiting. Seethakundu and Govindamalai hills near Kaachankurichi are ideal for adventurous trekkers.

Lakkidi (30 km from Palakkad): Killikkurissimangalam at Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar, the 18th century satirist and exponent of the Tullal (classical art form). The poet's house has been preserved as a monument by the State Government.

Meenkara (32 km from Palakkad): This picnic spot is the site of a dam across the river Gayathri which flows into the Bharathapuzha.

Ottappalam (35 km from Palakkad): The town is known for its numerous places of worship and their colourful festivals. Durga Temple the Pooram at Chenakkathur the Nercha festival commemorating the Aulia.

Mangalam Dam (50 km from Palakkad): This dam is built across the Cherukunnath River, a tributary of the Mangalam River. The damsite is a popular picnic spot.

Thrithala (75 km from Palakkad): This place is noted for its monuments and historic ruins. The Siva Temple and the ruins of a mud fort near Thrithala on the Chalissery road are notable cultural monuments. The Kattilmadam Temple, a small granite Buddhist monument on the Pattambi-Guruvayoor road, is of great archaeological importance. It is believed to date back to the 9th/10th century AD. The Paakkanaar memorial, honouring the Pariah saint, stands near Thrithala Koottanad road. This is also the native place of renowned writer and social reformer VT Bhattathiripad.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary (110 km from Palakkad): Sprawled across 285 sq. km, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. Boating/cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Anappady offer accommodation. A tree house in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu has to be booked in advance. The oldest teak tree, kannimari is found here.

Siruvani (46 km north of Mannarkad and 48 km from Palakkad): The reservoir at Siruvani was built for Tamil Nadu by the Kerala Government to meet the drinking water requirements of Coimbatore. The gateways on either side of the road across the dam are typical of the Kerala and Tamil architectural styles. Siruvani is also home to certain tribals like the Mudugars and Irulars.

Nelliyampathy (40 km south of Nenmara): This fascinating hill station is at a height of 467 to 1572 m above sea level. At least 10 hair pin bends have to be negotiated on the Ghat road that passes through the breathtaking evergreen forests of the Sahya Ranges. Seethakundu at Nelliyampathy offers a panoramic view of about one third of Palakkad. This hill country is the delight of trekkers. The DTPC Palakkad offers accommodation in the tourist resort with all facilities (6 double rooms and 2 dormitories).

Chittur Garumadam (Thekkegramam near Arikkode): Located on the banks of the river Sokanasini (the destroyer of sorrows), this is a memorial to Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the author of Adhyatma Ramayana, who spent his last days here. A srichakra, some of the idols worshipped by him, a stylus, wooden slippers and a few old manuscripts are exhibited here.

Thenari: It is believed that the waters of this natural spring, located in front of the old Sree Rama Temple here, is as sacred as the waters of the Ganges.

Mayiladumpara: This grove takes its name from the large number of peacocks found here.

Jain Temple of Jainimedu: Situated on the western suburbs of Palakkad town, not far from the railway station, this historic 32 feet long, 20 feet wide granite temple displays images of the Jain Thirthankaras and Yakshinis. The region around the temple, known as Jainimedu, is one of the few places in Kerala where the vestiges of Jainism have survived. It is at a Jain house here that poet Kumaranasan wrote his monumental poem Veenapoovu (The fallen flower).

Attappady: (38 km north-east of Mannarkad) A beautiful synthesis of mountains, rivers and forests, Attappady is of great interest to anthropologists as this is the habitat of many tribes like the Irulas and Mudugars. The Malleeswaram peak is worshipped as a gigantic Sivalinga by the tribals who also celebrate the Sivarathri festival with great gusto. A PWD Rest House, and a few private hotels offer accommodation at Agali.

Thiruvegappura Sankaranarayana Temple: This temple in Palakkad district dates back to the 14th century while its koothambalam (temple theatre) was probably added in the 15th or 16th century.

The Ongallur Taliyil Shiva Temple: Situated near Pattambi, this temple has some of the most intricate laterite sculptures in Kerala.

Silent Valley National Park (40 km northwest of Mannarkad): The 89.52 sq. km national park is believed to be the sole surviving bit of evergreen forests in the Sahya Ranges. The peculiarity of the Silent Valley forest is that it is devoid even of the chirping of cicadas. Vehicular transport is possible only up to Mukkali, nearly 24 km from the park. The rest of the way has to be covered on foot up to the source of Kunthipuzha which flows through the valley before merging into the Bharathapuzha (Nila).

Permitting authority: Wildlife Warden, Silent Valley National Park, Mukkali

Kalpathi Ratholsavam: Annual chariot festival at Viswanatha Temple (November )

Vela at Manappulli Kavu: Annual festival at the Bhagavathy Temple (March)

Kanniyarkali: An art form exclusive to the Nair community of the district of Palakkad, Kanniyarkali is performed in temples as well as Nair centres (March/April)

Nenmara Vallengy Vela: Annual festival at the Bhagavathy Temple at Nellikkulangara near Nenmara, on the Pooram day of the Malayalam month of Meenam (February/March). Highlight: Fireworks displays

Pavakkoothu: This shadow play is performed at the Bhagavathy temples of Palakkad (March/April)

Kaalapoottu: This exciting ox race is an agrarian sport held in the Malayalam month of Makaram (January).

Konganpada of Chittur: Annual festival of ritual drama at the Chittur Kavu Bhagavathy temple (February /March)

Pattambi Nercha: The festival is conducted in memory of Aloor Valia Pookkunjikoya Thangal, noted Muslim saint of South Malabar (January - February)