Palakkad

Area: 4480 Sq. Km. Population: 2,376,160  Altitude: Above Sea level

The district of Palakkad is known as the granary of Kerala, is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects. Situated at the foot of the Western Ghats, this is the gateway to Kerala from the north. Palakkad derives its name from the Malayalam words Pala (Alsteria Scholaris) and Kadu (forest) which goes to prove that this place was once a beautiful stretch of forests covered with the sweet scented flowers of the Pala trees.

Malampuzha: This famous picnic spot which comprises a dam and a beautiful landscaped garden is situated on the lower hills of the Western Ghats. There are frequent buses to this place from Palakkad.

The Garden: .Lush green lawns .Well laid out flower beds. pools  .Fountains and Pathways .Rock Garden .The Rose Garden has over a hundred varieties of roses .An aerial ropeway across the garden. .The dams and gardens are illuminated on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm .On other days they are illuminated on request for a fee.

The Reservoir: Boating and fishing facilities are available here, Pedal boats, water scooters and motor boats can be hired from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

.Well appointed Swimming Pool .Fresh Water Aquarium .Snake Park .Children's Park are main attractions

The Passenger Ropeway: this is the first time of its kind in south India (Accessible to visitors from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm & 2:30 pm to 8:00 pm) .Road train trips in the garden (8 am to 8 pm) .Telescope tower (10 am to 5 pm) .Fantasy on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays.

Nelliyampathy: 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.

Attappady: A beautiful synthesis of mountains, rivers and forests, Attappady is of great interest to anthropologists. This is the habitat of many tribes like the Irulars and Mudugas. The Malleeswaran peak is worshipped as a gigantic Sivalinga by the Adivasis who also celebrate the Sivarathri festival with great fervour. A PWD Rest House, a VIP Guest House and a few private hotels offers accommodation at Agali.

Wildlife Sanctuaries:
Silent Valley National Park: This 9000 hectare national park is believed to be the sole surviving bit of evergreen forest in the Sahya Ranges. The peculiarity of the Silent Valley forest is that it is devoid of the chirping of cicadas. Vehicular transport is 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 with the Bharathapuzha (Nila). There is huge, hollow tree in the park which can hide at least 12 people in it.

Parambikulam: Sprawled across 285 Sq. Km. the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. It is also inhabited by quite a few hill tribes like the Malayars, Kadars and Muthuvans. Boating / cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Elathode offer accommodation. A tree-house in the reserved forest area in Thoonakkadavu has to be booked in advance.

Dhoni: it takes a three hour trek from the base of the Dhoni hills, to reach this reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall. This hill country is the delight of trekkers. The community hall at Kalikatty is used as a camping base for trekkers.

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

Pothundy: Situated on the way to Nelliyampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir Complex is a charming location for picnics and half-day trips.

Chittur Gurumadam (Thekkegramam near Arikkode on the Palakkad-Chittur road): Located on the banks of the river Sokanasini (the destroyer of sorrows), this is a memorial to Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the author of Adhyatma Ramayanam and the father figure of Malayalam poetry who spend his last days here. A Srichakra and a few idols worshipped by him, the stylus, wooden slippers and a few old manuscripts are exhibited here.

Thenaruvi: It is believed as that waters of this natural spring, located in front of the old Sree Rama Temple here are as sacred as the water of the Ganga.

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

Thiruvalathoor: The ancient temple here has some fine wood work and stone sculptures.

Kollengode: Kollengode or the abode of blacksmiths enshrines the pristine beauty of rural Palakkad. the Kollengode Palace, the Vishnu Temple, poet P. Kunhiraman Nair Memorial are worth visiting. Seethakundu and Government hills near Kaachankurchi are ideal for adventurous trekking.

Lakkidi: Killikkirussimangalam at Lakkidi is the birth place of Kunchan Nambiar, the 18th century satirist and exponent of the Tullal pattu. The poet's house has been preserved as a monument by the State Government.

Kottayi: This tiny village is the native place of the Late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Karnatic Music.

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

Thrithala: 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 monuments on the Patambi-Guruvayoor road is of great archaeological importance. It is believed to date back to the 9th/10th century A.D. The Paakkanaar memorial, honoring the Pariah saint, stands near Thrithala Koottanad road. this is also the native place of renowned writer and social reformer V.T. Bhattathiripad.