The district of Palakkad is known as the granary of Kerala. Palakkad is a land of valleys, hillocks, river forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation. It is situated in the foot of Western Ghats, and the gateway to Kerala form north. Palakkad district is blessed with irrigation facilities. Dams have been constructed across almost all the important tributaries of the Bharathapuzha to provide irrigation facilities to the district. Six out of the ten completed irrigation projects of Kerala are in Palakkad district. They are Walayar, Malampuzha, Cheerakuzhi, Gayathri (Meenkara, Chulliar), Malnagalam and Pothundy.
Due to the proximity to the Western Ghats, Palakkad becomes the point of entry for the north east monsoon into Kerala.Palakkad The ‘rice bowl of Kerala’, has vast stretches of lush green paddy fields, with tributaries of Bharathapuzha river (Kunthipuzha etc), and fishponds (Meenkara) forming sliver streaks in between. The high ranges and the weather of the place has also gifted the place with not just velvet carpets of several tea and coffee estates (Sholayar, Attappadi etc), but also orange estates- probably the only ones in the state. Silent Valley, the dense green natural forest, belongs to this district. There is also a well maintained wildlife sanctuary at Parambikulam. The amusement park at Malampuzha, with its beautiful gardens, children’s park, aquarium and ropeway is a fabulous place for family entertainment.
Palakkad Fort
This is the landmark of Palakkad, the rice bowl of Kerala. The magnificent fort that has changed hands many times (the Mysore rajahs, the East India Company, the Zamorins etc.) along the course of history is one of the must see historical places of Kerala. The structure that dates back to the 1700’s is also a brilliant case of architectural brilliance.
The location to the West of the fort, known by the name Kottamaithanam, is where Tippu’s cavalry once camped. The vast ground in the area is usually the venue for many exhibitions, fairs and conventions. The children’s park in the area is a major amusement. There is also a vast open air stadium called ‘Rappadi’ in the locality.
Kottayi
– 15 kms from the district headquarters
Kottayi became a popular place chiefly after Chembai Village, the birthplace of the celebrated maestro of Carnatic music, Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavather, the maestro of Karnatic music. Ever since, this has been a pilgrim centre for those who enjoy and follow Carnatic singing. This is also the birth place of guru Kunju Kurup, a noted Kathakali artist. Kottayi’s Kandethan temple is a beautiful structure that is now gaining popularity.
Nelliampathy
– 52 kms from Palakkad town and about 9 km from Nenmara
The great heights at which Nelliampathy is located (ie an altitude of 467m – 1572m above sea level)Palakkad makes it the best spots to devour the lovely sight of the Sholayar mountain pass, waterfalls, valleys, dense forests and tea gardens of the nearby locations. The altitude has also gifted the place with an enjoyable chill climate where one can find vegetation quite different from those in most parts of the state. The high ranges and luxurious forests here offer trekkers several attractive spots to take off on challenging treks. The many rivers and streams that run through the thick woods and mighty mountains, paint a marvelous picture of the district.
Parambikulam
-125 kms from Palakkad
The place is synonymous with the wild life sanctuary here. Located in Western Ghats, the place is a ideal home for the thriving animals and bird life. There is also a national park in the location. At the park, that is named after the noted ornithologist Salim Ali, visitors can observe several amazing varieties of birds. There is also a reservoir at Parambikulam
Chulannur Peacock Protection Centre
– 22 kms away from Palakkad town and 5 kms from Peringothukrish
Mailadumpara comprises of vast area of land maintained as the protected region to rear and preserve the national bird- peacock. There is also the dense tropical forest- Kunjan Nambiar Smrudhi forest, in the Chulannur area.
Malampuzha
-13 kms from Palakkad town
The famous Malampuzha dam (that dates back to 1955) and the surrounding gardens have always remained the main attractions of Kerala. One section of the gorgeous garden has been modeled in the Mughal style and another in the Japanese style. There is also a brilliantly sculpted colossal ‘Yakshi’ or the witch. Within the Malampuzha gardens’ compound, there are many more wonders including a fish-shaped aquarium, a snake park, a rock garden. The amusement park and the fancy park here makes Malampuzha quite popular with young tourists as well.
Seetharkundu
Seetharkundu at Nelliampathy lures visitors with the offer of fabulous views of the beautiful valley below. Lord Rama was believed to have spent his days here during the “vanavaasa”. Nearby is a dazzling stream of clear water that falls from great heights (1000m). This is a chief tourist spot.
Silent Valley National Park
– 40 kms from Mannarkkad
The 90sq kms area that falls under the park is considered the best patch of evergreen forest in the state. The forest at Silent valley is also credited as being the major cause of summer rains in the state. The Kunthi river cuts through the vast area of the park. The park is home for several exotic species of trees and plants. Visitors can spot vivid wildlife (Great Indian Hornbill, the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush and the Lion-tailed Macaque etc) at the park, including many varieties of reptiles. Over 100 species of butterflies and 400 species of moths (including Ceylon Frog Moth) were identified here.
JP Smirthivanam & Deer Park
– 22 kms away from Palakkad
The forest and park that covers many acres come under the Walayar reserve forest. The protected area under the deer park provides opportunities to visitors to observe the graceful animals at close quarters. There are also several other animals including elephants that reside in the forest area. And the park also has arrangements for elephant rides.
