Palakkad Tourism

Tourist Attractions of Palakkad

For those interested to know about the tourist attractions in Palakkad in Kerala state, I have compiled information from various sources and personal visits:

Palakkad is the granary of Kerala because of abundance of rice fields throughout the district. The town of Palakkad is approachable from the Railhead Palakkad Junction and Palakkad Town. Palakkad is also an entryway to Kerala from the eastern side of the Western Ghats. Palakkad beckons a traveler to revel in its opulent natural delights. Being at the border with Tamil Nadu, the culture here is a rich mix of both lands. 

A Typical Palakkad Landscape

Places To See 

Palakkad Fort: This strategic fort was built by Hyder Ali, the Sultan of Mysore, in 1766 AD. This fort, a witness to the history of Mysore invasions in Kerala and the advent of British rule, survives in its original glory and grandeur. This fort was in and out of control of the British and Mysore sultans till 1790 AD; when it was used by the British as a base for the final battle of Srirangapatnam which paved way for the complete annihilation of the Mysore Sultanate. The fort was renovated by the British in the European style with thick stone walls and strong bastions. The Fort offers panoramic views of the town of Palakkad. The Fort is currently a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. 

Palakkad Fort

Hanuman Temple in Fort

Malampuzha Dam and Gardens: Placid waters shimmering in golden sunlight, velvet green lawns, endless flower beds gently swaying in the cool breeze, magnificent mountains towering in the backdrop, sweet fragrance of roses in the air. These are just some of the snapshots that greet you in Natures own Malampuzha. Often referred as the Brindavan of Kerala, Malampuzha epitomizes a picture perfect scenic paradise. This exemplary display of natural splendor is a must see to revel in the myriad bounties of Mother Nature. 

The dam, built across river Bharatapuzha, has a vast catchment area flanked by beautifully landscaped gardens and beautiful scenery. The sparkling waters and gardens could be best enjoyed by taking boat rides through the reservoir. There is an aquarium, snake park, toy train, Japanese garden, ropeway, telescopic tower, thread garden, amusement park and rock garden located inside the main garden. 

Malampuzha Dam

Malampuzha Another View

Nelliyampathy: This hilly paradise at a distance of 52 km from Palakkad is well renowned for its tea gardens, cardamom plantations, orange orchards, sparkling silver waterfalls and dense forests. Situated on the Western Ghats High Ranges, Nelliyampathy offers dashing views of the plains, cliffs, valleys, rivers and the forests around. Its breathtaking natural opulence and salubrious climate draws hoards of visitors to enjoy this hill station. 

The waterfall at Seethakundu, tangerine orchards scattered around the landscape and fascinating jungles make Nelliyampathy an ideal spot for enjoying a quite vacation in the midst of natures abounding glory. For adventure lovers Nelliyampathy is an ideal spot for trekking. The hill ranges vary from a height of 467 meters to 1572 meters. 

Nelliyampathy

Silent Valley National Park: The Silent valley biosphere sprawls to a fascinating 90 sq. km area. It is acclaimed to be the only remaining evergreen forest in the Western Ghats This tropical forest still remains pristine primarily because of its remoteness and inaccessibility. Every year researchers identify new species of plants and birds in this untamed wilderness. The rolling mountains and verdant valleys crisscrossed with sparkling silver rivulets gurgling through the rocky terrains offer an ideal setting to enjoy nature in all its pristine glory. 

This paradise with undulating mountains and lush greenery is also an ideal place to spot some of the most rare and endangered animals and birds. The region is home to the rare Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Tigers, Leopards, Indian Bison, Elephants, Bears, Squirrels and a wide variety of deer. The breathtaking panoramic views of the valleys with silver cascades and perennial wild rivulets will stay etched in the minds of a visitor forever. 

Silent Valley - A View

Attappady: Some treasured moments, a true tribal experience, is what Attappady has in stock for a tourist. The three villages of Agaly, Sholayur and Puthur are located inside the remote jungles of Silent Valley National Park, at a distance of about 50 km from Palakkad. These small tribal hamlets nestled in the picturesque Western Ghats are one of the few areas still frozen in the olden times. 

The natural beauty of these small hamlets is further enhanced by the many frothy brooks that crisscross the mountainous terrains. This is where one can truly experience the tribal lifestyle untouched by urban developments. The inhabitants of the area make their livelihood by hunting and gathering honey, fruits and herbs from the dense forests around, pretty much the same way their ancestors have done from times immemorial. 

Attappady

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary: This sanctuary nestled in the tropical wilderness and spread over a 285 sq. km area, is a haven for many species of wild animals, reptiles and birds. Several wild rivulets gushing down the mountainous terrains and sandalwood and rosewood growing in profusion sets a picture perfect stage to revel in the many wonders of nature. The sanctuary is located in the Western Ghats in between the Nelliyampathy mountain range and the Nilgiris mountain range. 

The dense forests are sparsely populated with just a couple of tribal hamlets scattered across the wilderness. The prime attraction here is the 360 year old teak tree - the oldest and largest teak tree in the world. The park is home to Indian bison, crocodiles, tigers, leopards, sloth bears, snakes, deer and birds. The park is said to be an Ornithologists delight with a wide variety of birds in the region. The Western Ghats is one of the World’s 34 Acclaimed Bio Diversity Hotspots, which makes it a must visit destination to make your Kerala experience a truly complete one. The sanctuary is at a distance of 125 km from Palakkad town. 

Parambikulam

Dhoni Reserve Forests: This reserve forest is located at a distance of 15 km from Palakkad. There is a beautiful waterfall on top of the Dhoni hills, which could be reached by a three hour long trek from the bottom of the hills. Dhoni is a lush green tropical paradise elaborately draped in a splendid green carpet, guaranteed to hold you captivated in its rich natural beauty. Trekking is the best way to explore the splendor of this hilly terrain. Dhoni is famous for its farmhouse with exotic rare breeds of cattle. 

Dhoni Waterfalls

Kavassery Temple: This is our family shrine. The presiding deity is Parakkattu Bhagavathy. The village of Kavassery is near Alathur in Palakkad District. The temple conducts Pooram Festival one month before Thrissur Pooram and this festival is considered second only to the grandeur of Thrissur Pooram. This year the festival date falls on March 24.

Kavassery Pooram

Kavassery Temple