PALAKKAD - THE GRANARY OF INDIA
Palakkad, the land, which is one of the most fertile and thickly forested districts of Kerala is supposed to have derived its name from the 'Pala' tree and 'Kadu' meaning forest. The whole area is said to have been covered by 'Pala' trees, in the past.
The district of Palakkad, which lies at the foot of the colossal Western Ghats, has only midland and highland areas. Much of the area is made up of plains, scattered with a few hillocks. The plains are so fertile and productive that the district is considered the "Granary of Kerala".
Along with Idukki, Palghat is the other district in Kerala, which has the rare distinguishing characteristic of not having a seacoast. Kerala's longest river Bharathapuzha flows through the district.
During the hot season, its wide sandy bed is dry except for some miles from its origin. Being too shallow and rocky for water transport, the Bharathapuzha has little commercial significance but holds a special place in the cultural psyche of the State.
Palakkad Fort: The old granite fort situated in the very heart of Palakkad town is one of the best preserved in Kerala. It was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766. The fort was taken over and modified by the British in 1790. It is now preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Fantasy Park: (1400 - 2100 hrs on week days and 1100 - 2100 hrs on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays). Ph: 815122 815124 Entrance fee: Adults Rs. 20 Children Rs. 10. Separate charges for rides and computer games. Block tickets: Adults Rs. 80 Children Rs. 60
Pothundy (45 km from Palakkad): Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir Complex is a charming location for picnics and half-day trips.tourism in palakkad, palakkad travel tours, palakkad in kerala
Thiruvalathoor (10 km from Palakkad): The ancient temple here has some fine wood work and stone sculptures.
Dhoni (15 km from Palakkad): It takes a three hour trek from the base of the Dhoni hills to reach this reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall.
Kottayi (15 km via Poodur from Palakkad): This tiny village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.
Malampuzha Garden, Palakkad Travel GuideMalanpuzha Garden(10 km from Palakkad): This famous picnic spot, which comprises a dam and beautifully landscaped gardens, is situated on the lower hills of the Western Ghats. There are frequent buses to this place from Palakkad.
tourism in palakkad, palakkad travel tours, palakkad in keralaKollengode (19 km south of Palakkad): Kollengode or the abode of blacksmiths enshrines the pristine beauty of rural Palakkad. The Kollengode Palace, the Vishnu Temple and the poet P. Kunhiraman Nair Memorial are worth visiting. Seethakundu and Govindamalai hills near Kaachankurichi are ideal for adventurous trekkers.
Lakkidi (30 km from Palakkad): Killikkurissimangalam at Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar, the 18th century satirist and exponent of the Tullal (classical art form). The State Government has preserved the poet's house as a monument.
Meenkara (32 km from Palakkad): This picnic spot is the site of a dam across the river Gayathri that flows into the Bharathapuzha.
Ottappalam(35 km from Palakkad) : The town is known for its numerous places of worship and their colorful festivals. Durga Temple the Pooram at Chenakkathur the Nercha festival commemorating the Aulia.
Thrithala, Palakkad Travel Guide Thrithala (75 km from Palakkad): This place 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 monument on the Pattambi-Guruvayoor road, is of great archaeological importance. It is believed to date back to the 9th/10th century AD. The Paakkanaar memorial, honouring the Pariah saint, stands near Thrithala Kuttanad road. This is also the native place of renowned writer and social reformer VT Bhattathiripad.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary (110 km from Palakkad): Sprawled across 285 sq. km, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. Boating/cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Anappady offer accommodation. A tree house in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu has to be booked in advance. The oldest teak tree, kannimari is found here.
How to Reach
Air: Nearest airport: Coimbatore (55 km)
Rail: Palakkad Junction Railway Station (5 km from the city) is a major railhead of the Southern Railways.
Road: Palakkad Junction Railway Station (5 km from the city) is a major railhead of the Southern Railways.