Palakkad or Palghat lies at the foot of the gigantic western ghats, on the border of Kerala and Tamilnadu. It is situated 80 Km. north east of trichur and 50 Km south west of Coimbatore. This district is desicribed as the granary of the state of Kerala. This district with mountains , forests and fertile valleys, rivers and mountain streams are rich in flora and fauna. There are many dams and irrigation projects such as Walayar, Malampuzha, Pothundy, Parambikulam, etc. in Palakkad.
Places To VisitPalakkad FortThe 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.
Ottappalam
(35 km from Palakkad): The town is known for its numerous places of worship and their colourful festivals. Durga Temple the Pooram at Chenakkathur the Nercha festival commemorating the Aulia.
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.
Malampuzha 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.The rose garden has over a hundred varieties of the flower An aerial ropeway across the garden The dams and gardens are illuminated on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays from 1900 - 2000 hrs. On other days they are illuminated on request for a fee.
The reservoir: Boating and fishing facilities are available here. Pedalboats, rowboats, water scooters and motorboats can be hired from 1000 - 1800 hrs. A well maintained swimming pool (Tuesday holiday). a fresh water aquarium (open1200 - 2000 hrs & 1300 - 2100 hrs on holidays) a snake park (open 0800 - 1800 hrs) a children's park
The passenger ropeway: This is the first of its kind in South India Ph: 815129 (Open 1000 - 1300 hrs & 1430 - 2000 hrs) Road train trips in the garden (0800 - 2000 hrs) Telescope tower (1000 - 1700 hrs)
Kollengode
(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.
Mangalam Dam
(50 km from Palakkad): This dam is built across the Cherukunnath River, a tributary of the Mangalam River. The damsite is a popular picnic spot.
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.
Nelliyampathy
(40 km south of Nenmara): 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. This hill country is the delight of trekkers. The DTPC Palakkad offers accommodation in the tourist resort with all facilities (6 double rooms and 2 dormitories).
Silent Valley National Park (40 km northwest of Mannarkad): The 89.52 sq. km national park is believed to be the sole surviving bit of evergreen forests in the Sahya Ranges. The peculiarity of the Silent Valley forest is that it is devoid even of the chirping of cicadas. Vehicular transport is possible 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 into the Bharathapuzha (Nila).
Attappady
(38 km north-east of Mannarkad)A beautiful synthesis of mountains, rivers and forests, Attappady is of great interest to anthropologists as this is the habitat of many tribes like the Irulas and Mudugars. The Malleeswaram peak is worshipped as a gigantic Sivalinga by the tribals who also celebrate the Sivarathri festival with great gusto. A PWD Rest House, and a few private hotels offer accommodation at Agali.
