Palakkad

Palakkad district provides the passage to the state of Kerala from the other parts of India through a natural gap at the Western Ghats. In the 960 km long Western Ghats, this gap forms the most influential factor in the unique characteristics of this district. It has contributed immensely to the cultural and commercial exchanges between Kerala and the neighboring states. The plains in the district are so fertile and productive that it is called the granary of the state. The second longest river of Kerala, Bharathapuzha flows through the state. Unlike the state’s longest river Periyar, it is shallow and rocky, but holds a unique place in the cultural psyche of the state.

PALAKKAD TOWN

This is the Headquarters of the district. The most important attraction in the town is the Fort, which dates back to 1766, built by Hyder Ali of Mysore. In 1784 after a siege which lasted for eleven days, the British Colonel Fullerton stormed the Fort. Later it fell into the hands of the Zamorin’s troops, but was recaptured by the British in 1790. This well-preserved Fort is also known as Tipu's Fort.

SILENT VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

This National Park is 80 km. from Palakkad. It is popularly known as the evergreen forest and noted for its eerie silence because of the lack of cicadas. It is an important biosphere reserve in the Western Ghats and Home of the tribal people. The Valley known for the rare lion-tailed macaque. This National Park is a protected area for tigers also.

KILLIKURUSSIMANGALAM

Killikurissimangalam at Lakkidi is the birth palce of Kunjan Nambiar. This famous Malayalam poet was the exponent of Ottanthullal, a traditional solo dance.

MANGALAM DAM

The Mangalam Dam is constructed on the Cherukunnapuzha, a tributary of the river Mangalam. The reservoir fringes on the forest area where there are wildlife like deer, elephants and a variety of birds. The entire area is quite fascinating with beautiful parks, lawns and statues.

ATTAPPADY

Attappady is an extensive mountain valley above the crest of the Ghat ranges with several rivulets of the river Bhavani. The area is dominated by the tribal people.

NELLIAMPATHY

Nelliampathy, about 80 km from Palakkad, is a hill station in the Nelliampathy forest ranges. This forest range constitutes a series of ridges cut off from one another by valleys of dark evergreen forests

PARAMBIKULAM WILD LIFE SANCTUARY

The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, sprawling over 285 sq. km., is 135 km from Palakkad and adjacent to the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Besides being an abode of elephants, wild boar, sambar, bison, guar, crocodiles, and a few tigers and panthers, it has rich diversity of flora and fauna. Treking in the forest is allowed with prior permission. Boating can be done at the lake. The Cannimare Teak Tree, which is said to be Asia’s largest, is here near Thunakadavu.

MALAMPUZHA DAM

It is a large irrigation dam built on the river, Bharathapuzha at the base of the hills of the Western Ghats. The beautiful gardens, the amusement Park for the children, the boating facility on the reservoir etc. make Malampuzha a paradise for the tourists. This important tourist spot is easily accessible from Palakkad.

PUNARJANI GUHA

The Punarjani Guha is a natural tunnel 15 meters long in the rocky cliff. It is situated 2 km from the Thiruvilwamala Temple and the chief presiding deity is Sri Rama. The idol is believed to be ‘swayamboo’ ie. born on its own. It is believed that by performing ‘noozhal’ or crawling through the tunnel from one end to the other will wash away all of one’s sins and thus attain rebirth. Only men are allowed to do the ‘noozhal’ and women can only visit the cave. This ritual is practised only one day in a year on Guruvayur Ekadashi.