WELCOME TO PALAKKAD

Palakkad  pronunciation  (Malayalam: പാലക്കാട്‌), previously known as Palghat, is a large town and municipality in the state of Kerala in southern India, spread over an area of 26.60 km2 and is the administrative headquarters of the Palakkad District. Palakkad is the seventh most populous town in Kerala and lies near the Palghat Gap, a pass or natural depression through the Western Ghats ranges, and connects Kerala to the plains of the state of Tamil Nadu to the east.Malayalam is the generally spoken language in Palakkad but Tamil is also widely spoken and understood, as it is very close to the Tamil Nadu border. The city is situated about 350 kilometres (217 mi) (342.1 km to be precise; Source Google Map) north of state capital Thiruvananthapuram and 42 kilometres (26 mi) south west of Coimbatore, on the Salem-Kanyakumari National Highway NH 47.Kerala would have an IIT in Palakkad under the 12th five-year plan. The land belonging to the Instrumentation Limited in Palakkad was finally chosen for the project. Since the IITs are set up by an act of Parliament, the whole process is the centre's prerogative, and the state government has only a limited role.In February 2010, Palakkad became the first district in India to be declared as a fully Electrified District. There is no house in this district without electricity. Palakkad has one of the coldest climates in Kerala.

PILGRIM CENTRES IN PALAKKAD

 JAIN TEMPLE

One of its types in Kerala, also known as Chandranatha temple the Jain temple is located on the western side of Palakkad. This historic temple is of 32ft long and 20ft wide made of granite. It displays images of the thirthankara Jain and Yakshinis. It is the one of the few places in Kerala where Jainism still prevails. The location of the temple is accordingly known as jainimedu. The legendary poet Kumarananshan believed to be created his epic poem veenapoovu here. This temple is built about 500 years by Inchanna Satur, for the jain sage Chandranathaswamy. This area was once occupied by more than 400 jain families whose number is very scarce now. There is four division sin the temple, 1st of an idol of Chandranthan, 2nd of Vijayalakshmi Nathan 3rd of Rish abha and 4th of Padmavathi.Location: Southern bank of the Kalpathy River in Jainmedu, just beyond the Chunnam buthara area, 3km from the epicenter of Palakkad.

KALPATHY VISWANATHASWAMY TEMPLE

One of the oldest Shiva temple in Malabar, Kalpathy Viswanathswamy temple was built in A.D.1425. It was built by the then Palakkad raja Kombi Achan. There is a saying about the temple is that “Kasiyil Pakuthi Kalpathi” Means half of Kasi is kalpathy may be because of it resemblance to the Kasi Mahadeva temple on the banks of Ganga. The temple is also known as Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanathaswamy temple. The major festival occation here is the annual Kalpathy Ratholsavam or locally known as kalpathy theru. During which a highly decorated wooden chariot is being moved by a crod of devotees. Taking part in the chariot movement is believed to be bringing goodness. The temple is surrounded by 4 Tamil Brahmin traditional villages.Apart from Viswanadhaswamy, there are several other deities consecrated in the temple which includes Subrahmanyaswamy, Nataraja, Vinayaka, Dakshinayana Murthy, Nandeeswaran, etc.Location: Just 3 km from the Palakkad city towards the Palakkad junction railway station (Olavakode).

HOLY TRINITY CHURCH 

The C.S.I Holy Trinity Church is under the Church of South India, Diocese of North Kerala i Palakkad. A missionary school is also built near the church.Every Sunday mass prayers are held that is attended by a number of devotees

PATTAMBI MOSQUE AND PATTAMBI NERCHA

Pattambi, about 55km from Palakkad is famous for the Pattambi Nercha, the annual feast at the Pattambi Mosque. The feast is held in memory of Aloor Valiya Pookunjikoya Thangal, a Muslim saint of Malabar.During the day of the festival, the town is illuminated with colourful electric bulbs and people from various places come to Pattambi to take part in the rituals and celebrations.Many rituals and offerings are carried out as part of the festival. A colourful procession comprising 100 caparisoned elephants, colourful floats and traditional musical ensembles like the thayambaka and the panchavadyam are the major attractions of the festival.Various folk art forms like Duffumuttu and Kolkali are performed as part of the festival and the procession ends on the banks of the Bharatapuzha at night, with the concerts rising to a crescendo.

PLACES TO VISIT IN PALAKKAD

ATTAPPADY

Situated in the Attappady block of Mannarkkad taluk in Palakkad district, Attapady is a unique culmination of nature’s pictorial beauty and an ethnic human culture. It is reported to be the largest patch of tribal settlement in Kerala constituted of Irular, Mudugar and Kurumbar groups. With Scenic greenery all round Attappady offers a mind blogging experience to the visitors. As a part of the Biodiversity hot spot Western Ghats, Attapady offers diverse plant and animal life forms to the enthusiasts. Here one can experience the true tribal lifestyle untouched by modernism. Most of the tribal groups here make their living by the primitive ways like hunting, collecting forest products like honey, fruits and herbs from the forests. Attappady is wild during the monsoon season and which is the best season to enjoy Monsoon in the ghats. Those who love monsoon will certainly love it more here. The Malleeswaran peak, one of the highest peak in Palakkad is a unique mountain beauty here. The locals worship it as a Giant shiva linga especially during shivarathri.

How to Reach: Get to Mannarkkad by bus from Palakkad city (30 km)  and you can catch a bus or can rent a Jeep or taxi.

CHINGANCHIRA

Located at 6 km from Kollengode which is located at 20 km from Palakkad city is picturistic small temple. The main attraction of this area is a banyan tree with its canopy that spreads to an area of 2 acres. The deity is known as karuppuswamy is worshiped for good health to both humans and domestic animals. People used to go there an d sacrifice animals before deity and worships the god. The view of seetharkundu and palakappandy from here is magnificent.

CHITTUR GURUMADAM

After being banished from his homeland due to the Zamorian encroachment of his then country the father of Malayalam language, Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhithachan belived to spent his last days in the banks of Sokanashini River (a tributary of Bharathapuzha) at chittur, Palakkad. It is from here that he completed his most faimous “Adhyathma Ramayanam”.  In this memorial house his wooden sandals, Metal Stylus, Palm leaf manuscripts and few idols that have been worshiped by him were also kept. A trip to this sacred memorial us a real pilgrimage to the Malayalam language lovers. Children who were going to school for the first time are brought here during the Vidhyarambham Day.

How to Reach: Reach Chittur from Palakkad (20 km) or from Thrissur by Bus (65 Km) get down at Anicode, Pick up an Auto to Thekke gramam.

CHULANNUR PEACOCK PROTECTION CENTRE

The only sanctuary exclusively for the national bird peacock in Kerala.  Located in a true village inside Palakkad, this sanctuary offers a patch of tropical forest preserved inside a village. This place harbors many species of plants and butterflies endemic to this area. The iconic Mayiladum paara and Kunjan nambiyan memorial forest is also located here. Bharathapuzha is located just few kilometers from here. Pambadi Sree Krishna swami temple is also located nearby.

How to Reach: Reach Thiruvilwamala from Palakkad either via Alathur or via Kuzhalmannam, Chulannur is located just few kilometers from Thiruvilwamala.

CHULLIYAR DAM

Chulliyar dam and its catchment area which is a part of the elegant Western Ghats gives you a real visual treat. Chulliyar River is one of the tributaries of the river Gayathripuzha. The work on this dam across Chulliyar, was completed in the year 1960. A miniature park was created along the bridge which is now in a pathetic state without maintenance. A new project to flood the dam from the palakappandy falls was underway.

KANJIRAPUZHA DAM

Just 25 km from Palakkad, Kanjirapuzha dam is surrounded by the hills of western ghats. It is surrounded by the evergreen forest which is locally known as vettichola. This forest and the surrounding hilly areas provide the catchment area of the dam. The magnificent visuals created by the dam and a backdrop of the cloud crowding mountains during rainy season is worth watching.

KILLIKURISSI MANGALAM

One among the ancient Malayalam poetic Trio Kunjan nambiar is the founder of a separate art form called ‘Thullal’. It was regarded as a temple of Malayalam literature by many and hence been visited by a large number of Malayalam language lovers. Visitors used to here to pay homage to the ever burning lamp and the narayam (Metallic Pen used to write on palm leaves). May fifth of every year is observed as Kunchan Day and award is given to the best thullal artist of the State.  The Kunjan Memorial Committee under the State Cultural Department that gives initiative to the activities here.

Location: Killikkurissi Mangalam of Lakkidi Perur panchayat in Palakkad district 35 kms from Palakkad town

MALAMPUZHA DAM

The largest Irrigation reservoir in Kerala, Malampuzha is located 15km due north to Palakkad city. It is a combination of a masonry dam with a length of 1,849 meters and an earthen dam with a length of 220 meters.] The dam is 6,066 feet high and crosses the Malampuzha River, a tributary of Bharathappuzha. The dam provides irrigation to half of the agricultural fields of Palakkad which is regarded as the granary of Kerala. The dam project was begun in 1949 and completed in 1955. The total catchments area is 145 square kilometres, while the reservoir has a capacity of 8000 square meters of water. The canal systems serve to irrigate farm land while the reservoir provides drinking water to Palakkad and surrounding villages.A view of the dam with the backdrop of hilly western ghat ranges is worth watching. The circular road that encircles the dam provides another scenic experience to the travellers.

FANTASY PARK AND ROCK GARDEN

The first Amusement park in Kerala Fantasy Park is located near the Malampuzha dam. It covers an an area of 8 acres and is being Managed by Neotech Amusements and Resorts Ltd., the park has a fabulous landscape with gardens and fountains and about 20 fun-filled thrilling rides. It provides a special section with games and rides specially designed for kids. Baby Train, Water Kiddy Ride, Mini Tele Compact, Battery Car are some of them.

The main attraction of Malampuzha garden is an imposing concrete sculpture of 'Yakshi' done by the renowned artiste Kanai Kunhiraman. The water reservoir in the middle of the lush green garden is ideal for boating and fishing. There is a hanging bridge which can be walked over across the main Canal. The ropeway which provides a unique bird’s eye view of the entire garden and dam is a unique attraction here. The other attractions include a road train for amusement ride on wheels, telescope tower that provides a terrestrial view up to 40 miles, fresh water aquarium rose garden and snake park.Boating and fishing facilities are available here. Pedalboats, rowboats, water scooters and motorboats can be hired. A well maintained swimming pool, a fresh water are also major attractions here.

Rock garden is another unique attraction here, inaugurated in 1996, is described as a unique cultural and artistic resource. It is the first rock garden in South India and the second one in the country after the Chandigarh Rock Garden. Though not built under the direct supervision of Indian sculptor and environmental builder, Nek Chand, it has many features similar to the artist's original rock garden in Chandigarh. The garden is made of unwanted and broken pieces of bangles, tiles, used plastic cans, tins and other waste materials.

MANGALAM DAM

This irrigation dam is constructed across the Cherukunnupuzha river. It was primarily meant for irrigation purpose for the agricultural fields. The dam have completed construction in 1956 and opened in 1966. The scenic beauty of the dam and its catchment are is worth watching. The catchment area of the dam is a dense forest with inhabiting elephants, deers and other wild animals.

MEENVALLAM WATERFALL

Meenvallam is a small waterfall located just 8 km from Thuppanad on Palakkad-Mannarkad route. A combination of enchanting beauty and scenic splendor. The water falls from nearly 20 to 25 feet and the depth is around 15-20 feet. There are 10 steps for the waterfalls of which only 2 are accessible to the visitor the rest is located deep inside.The visitors can hire jeep service available at Koomankund junction and can walk through the dense forest for about 2 km. on the way one have to cross the Thumbanad river.

NELLIYAMPATHY HILLS

Nelliyampathi also known as the Ooty of poor people. Located at a distance of 60 km from Palakkad town it is a hilly mountain cliff. We can visit the Pothundi dam on the way to Nelliyampathi. The beautifully winding hilly road towards Nelliyampathi itself is a fascinating. The picturistic scene of Palakkad pass on a sunny day is mind blogging. There is solitary goose berry tree (Nelli) which itself at the back drop of blue sky is another scenic attraction here. The Seetharkund waterfalls is a few kilometers away from here and can be reach there by a trekking. Acres of tea and coffee plantations, Orange farms etc are other attractions of this area. This area ranges from 460-1570 m above sea level.The classic greenery of Palakkad rice fields, view of Chullyar and Meenkara dams from above etc are unforgettable.This mountain range is decorated with a large number of water falls of different sizes during rainy seasons.

PALAKKAD FORT

Also known as tippu’s fort was built by Haider ali father of Tippu and ruler of Mysore. It was built during 1766 AD and are preserved in its best from. Historically, the ruler of Palakkad Palakkad Achchan, was a tributary of the Zamorin of Calicut, but had become independent before the beginning of the eighteenth century. In 1757 he sent a deputation to Haider Ali seeking help against an invasion threatened by the Zamorin. Haider Ali seized upon the opportunity to gain possession of a strategically important location such as Palghat, and from that time until 1790 the fort was continually in the hands of the Mysore Sultans or the British.

It was first taken by the latter in 1768 when Colonel Wood captured it during his raid on Haider Alis's fortresses, but it was retaken by Haider a few months later. It was recaptured by Colonel Fullarton in 1783, after a siege that lasted eleven days but was abandoned the following year. It later fell into the hands of the Zamorin’s troops. In 1790 it was finally captured by the British under Colonel Stuart. It was renovated and was used as a base for operations that ended with the storming of Srirangapatnam. The fort continued to be garrisoned until the middle of 19th century. In the early 1900s it was converted into a taluk office.

There is a large ground between the Fort and the Palakkad Town hall, known as Kottamaidanam (Fort Grounds). This ground, which had once served as a stable for the elephants and horses of Tipu's army, is now used cricket stadium. An open air auditorium called "Rappadi", currently under the preservation of the Archaeological Survey of India, is also located within the spacious grounds of the Fort. Additionally, there is a children's park on one side of the Fort.The large trenches dug during tippu’s period to wardoff encroachment towards the fort it now renovated and filled with water and adds to scenic beauty of the fort.There is a small Anjaneya (Lord Hanuman) temple inside the fort that attracts a number of devotees. The Palakkad Sub Jail is also located within the fort.

PARAMBIKULAM WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected forest area of about 285km2 at an altitude of 300m to 1438m and is adjacent to Anamalai wildlife sanctuary. It is now under the consideration of UNESCO to consider as world heritage site. There are different indigenous tribal colonies belonging to Kadar, Muthuvar, Malasar and Mala Malasar. Its home to a large number of wild animals which include large herds of elephants, deers, lion tailed macaques, Tigers and many species of orchids and other plants which adds to the  rich diversity of flora and fauna. It has large population of Gaur (Bison), Nilgiri languor, jungle cat, Sloth bear, Sambar and spotted deer, along with some tigers and leopards. The Cannimari Teak Tree, said to be Asia's largest, stands about 5 kms from Thuna-kadavu, the headquarters of Parambikulam.

  

Boating and cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Anappady offers accommodation for tourists. There are tree houses in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu. Trekking in the sanctuary is also possible, with prior permission of the forest officials. Geologically it have hornblende, biotite, gneiss and charnockite. Parambikulam can be accssd through nelliyampathi or through anamali – Valpara or via Chalakkudi – Athirapalli. Whichever is the way the path adds an enthralling journey towards it.

The sanctuary has 3 reservoirs viz. Parambikulam, Thunacadavu and Peruvaripallam, with a combined area of 20.66 km². The Thuvaiar water falls goes into one of the reservoirs. There are 7 major valleys and 3 major rivers, the Parambikulam, the Sholayar and the Thekkedy. The Karappara River and Kuriarkutty river also drain the area. For providing a better view of the sanctuary, two watch towers are located at Anappadi, 8km from Thunakadavu, and Sungam, 5km from Thunakadavu. Boating facilities are available at the reservoir. The best season to visit the sanctuary is from September to May.

POTHUNDI DAM

Pothundi dam is an irrigation project to provide water to the hilly areas of Nenmara. The dam is unusual in being constructed without a conventional concrete core, which is employed in most earth dams to counteract the force exerted by high water pressure. The core is made up of a mixture of jaggery and quick lime and Surki and was constructed during 1800 AD.  The dam is located about 8 km from Nemmara and 42 km from Palakkad; Nelliampathi, around 17 km away, is known for its Nemmara Vallengi Vela festival.The dam provides a scenic beauty to the visitors with a aback drop of hilly mountain ranges of Nelliyampathi on one side and acres of never ending horizon of green rice fields on the other side. This dam is constructed across Padipuzha and Meenchadipuzha, the two sub tributaries of Ayilurpuzha, which is the tributary of Bharathapuzha.It is a small dam set in a picturesque surrounding, making it a perfect place to enjoy the beauty of nature and to unwind yourself. This dam is located at a distance of 42 km from Palakkad at the foot of Nelliyampathy hills. The Dam constructed in is braced with a unique jaggery and quicklime mortar. It is an ideal place to make a stopover on your way to Nelliyampathy.

SEETHARKUNDU

Seetharkundu is a small waterfalls starting from Nelliyampathi and reaches the valley below and form a tributary of Gayathripuzha. The water falls from a height of 1000m and is a scenic view. During their period of forest dwelling It is believed that Rama, Lakshmana and Sita of the famous Hindu epic Ramayana lived in this place and Sita used to offer worship with the water from a small stream. Seetharkundu got its name from the legend that Sita Devi during the vanavasa period with Rama, took a bath here. The dams at Chulliyar and Meenkara and the town of Kollengode can be viewed from here, at a distance which adds to the scenic beauty of this place. The trekking route towards Nelliyampathi along the banks of seetharkundu river is enthralling and thrilling.

SILENT VALLEY NATIONAL PARK

Home to a large number of plant and animal species, silent valley national park got its name due to the absence of the sound of crickets which is present in almost all forest ranges. The famous Kuntipuzha run through this national park and was the site for a hydroelectric power dam by Kerala state electricity board. After the strong agitations against the project by environmentalists and social activists the forest range was declared as National park  The core zone of the year 1984. It is believed that the forest area coming under this national park has un disturbed virgin lands un touched by humans. The Core zone of the national park has 236.74 square kilometres of dense forest range. Contiguous with the proposed Karimpuzha National Park (225 km²) to the north and Mukurthi National Park (78.46 km²) to the north-east, it is the core of the Nilgiri International Biosphere Reserve (1,455.4 km²), and is part of The Western Ghats World Heritage Site, Nilgiri Sub-Cluster (6,000+ km²) under consideration by UNESCO. The dense forest in the valley called 'Sairandhri Vanam' and the river Kunthi give a mythological dimension to the National Park. Vehicular transport is possible only up to Mukkali, nearly 24 kms from the park. 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 National Park located around 40 kms from Mannarkkad in the Palakkad district.

SIRUVANI RESERVOIR AND SIRUVANI WATERFALLS

Siruvani Waterfalls and the dam named after them are located 37 km west of Coimbatore in the Western Ghats; the road to the falls leads past the historical villages of Perur, Mathampatty and Alandurai. Water from Siruvani river is renowned for its taste and mineral properties, and the view from the falls and the dam is a great tourist attraction. It is one of the main drinking water sources of Coimbatore city. The dam is the common reservoir of Kerala and Tamilnadu. It is 80 kms away from Palakkad town, and 22 kms interior from Edakkurissi which  is in Palakkad Mannarkad route. The dam is constructed across Siruvanipuzha which is the tributary of Bhavanipuzha. It supplies drinking water to Coimbatore municipality. There is a water fall from 2000 feet height on the eastern side of the dam. Siruvani is also the home to certain tribes like Mudugars and Irulars.

THRITHALA

About 75 km from Palakkad on the banks of the River Bharathapuzha near Thrissur, Palakkad district, north Kerala.Thrithala is noted for its monuments and historic ruins and hence, has great archaeological importance. The ruins of a large mud fort with a deep moat hewn from laterite and the Siva temple are notable cultural monuments.The Kattil Madom Temple, a domed structure made of granite slabs, on the Pattambi-Guruvayoor road is a Buddhist monument believed to date back to the 9th or 10th century. The temple probably marks the transition from the Chola to the Pandya style of architecture.The Paakkanaar memorial, a tribute to the Pariah saint, stands near the Thrithala-Koottanad road. This is also the native place of renowned writer and social worker V. T. Bhattathiripad.

MEENKARA DAM 

Meenkara dam in Palakkad district of Kerala, which is built in the river Meenkara a tributary of Bharathapuzha river. Meenkara dam is termed under Gayathri river projects which has a group of tributaries and irrigation Dams. River Gayathri is a group of 5 tributary rivers to Bharathapuzha like Vandazhipuzha, Mangalam puzha, Meenkara Puzha, Ayalur Puzha and Chulliyar .Quite calm and serene surrounding makes it a great place for small vacation or a trip.

DHONI HILLS AND WATERFALLS

Dhoni is a reserve forest area comprising a pleasant combination of scenic waterfalls, exciting hilly terrains and captivating waterfalls. Visitors to Dhoni are spoilt for choices- they may either choose trekking on the exciting 3 km trek from the base of Dhoni hills, enjoy the beauty of splendid waterfalls or just relax and spend some soothing moments amongst its lush green surroundings.Situated at a distance of 15 Km from Palakkad, it is visited by a large number of enthusiasts all through the year. Other attractions near Dhoni incude the farmhouse harboring several species of Swiss variety cattle. The sacred Vishwanatha Swamy shrine is situated just 3 km from Palakkad.

MAYILADUMPARA 

Mayiladumpara is at Nedungathpara, about 25 km south of Palakkad. A right turn from Nedungathpara will lead you to these woodlands that is home to hundreds of peacocks. While you’re on the winding road, bordered by tall trees and scattered rocks, which leads to this peacock country, you will be able to hear the piercing squawks of these beautiful creatures.It is estimated that the number of peacocks in the sanctuary is about 200. The birds can be seen mostly during dawn and dusk. The dance of these free, wild birds during overcast days is breathtaking.There is a forest outpost five kilometres inside the sanctuary. The sanctuary, which is not fenced or gated, allows free access to all.

PUNARJANI GUHA 

Punarjani Guha is a natural tunnel 150 meters long in a rocky cliff in Thrissur district of Kerala state, south India. Punarjani Guha is situated 2 kilometres from the Thiruvilwamala Temple where the chief presiding deity is Sri Rama. The idol is believed to be ‘swayamboo’ i.e. born on its own. It is believed that performing ‘noozhal’ or crawling through the tunnel from one end to the other will wash away all of one’s sins and thus attain freedom from rebirth or moksha. Only men are allowed to do the ‘noozhal’ and women can only visit the cave. The legend is that sage Parasurama once observed this ritual 101 times in a row to atone the sin of annihilating the kshatriyas.

This ritual is practised only one day in a year on Guruvayur Ekadasi day, in the malayalam month of vrichikam. The "noozhal" is a challenging task and not all can perform this ritual. There is utteany times need about half an hour to finish the ritual. The movement through the cave demands all kinds of bodily postures like standing, sitting, creeping, crawling etc. yet every year thousands of men flock to this place on Ekadasi day to avail themselves of a chance to be not reborn.