Tourist places in and around Palakkad
Tirunelly
Here is a Vishnu temple on the banks of Papanasini river.It is revered as the kasi of south. The image of Vishnu was installed byBrahma himself.Tiruvangad
The temple is dedicated to Siva and Vshnu. Legend says that two hunters, Sweta and Neela, were cursed by sage Agastya for their atrocities in the forests. They did pen ance and were blessed by lord Siva. At Tiruvangad, Sweta installed deities of Siva and Vishnu.Lord Vishnu is worshipped as Rama. The shrine is considered as one of the three popular Rama temples in kerala, the other two being at Triprayar and Tiruvilvamala. There are sub for Hanuma, Subramanya and Ganapathi.Attapadi
On an extensive mountain valley above the crest of the ghat ranges, with numerous rivulets of the Bhavani river draining it, is Attapadi. Attapadi is populated mainly by tribes (mostly Irulas) and some settlers from Tamil Nadu. Hardly affected by `development' work, Attapadi offers forests in their elemental grandeur. It is about 38 km from Mannarkkad , erstwhile Mannarghat, from where there are frequent buses to Anakkat Location - 38 km from Mannarkkad, Palakkad district, north Kerala. Situated on the northeastern side of the district and spread over an area of 827 Sq km.Palakkad Fort
The majestic granite fort set in the heart of the town was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766. It was taken over by the British in 1790 and is one of the best preserved forts of the state. There is an open air auditorium and a museum inside the fort.The old granite fort situated in the very heart of Palakkad town was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766.
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.Kalpathy Siva Temple
The famous temple on the banks of river Kalopathy is known for the annual car festival held in November.Chittur Garumadam - This memorial to Thunchath Ezhuthachan the author of Adhyatma Ramayana is located on the banks of the river Sokanasini Dhoni - 15 K.M - It is a 3 hour trek from the base on the Dhoni Hills to this reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall.
Fantasy Park
Location - Malampuzha, 10 km from Palakkad town,. Fantasy Park is the only theme park of its kind in the State. (1400 -2100 hrs on weekdays and 1100-2100 hrs on Saturdays, Sundays and National holidays) Attractions: Rides and video games.Jain Temple of Jainimedu
Situated on the western suburbs of Palakkad town, not far from the railway station, this historic 32 feet long, 20 feet wide granite temple displays images of the Jain Thirthankaras and Yakshinis.Kollengode
Location - About 19 km from Palakkad town, north Kerala. Attractions: Endless green paddy fields, an ancient Vishnu temple and the Kollengode Palace.Kottayi (15 km) - (via Poodur)
This village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.Kollengode (19 km)
The Kollengode Palace, the Vishnu Temple and the Poet P.Kunhiraman Nair Memorial are worth visiting.Lakkidi (30 km)
Killikkurissimangalam at Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar,. The State Govt preserves the poet's house as a monument.Malampuzha Garden (10 km)
This famous picnic spot, which comprises of a dam and beautifully, landscaped gardens. Aerial ropeway across the garden. Telescope tower. Rock Garden, Boating and fishing facilities. Swimming pool. Fresh water aquarium. Snake park.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 forest of sahaya ranges.The Ongallur Taliyil Shiva Temple
Situated near Pattambi, this temple has some of the most intricate laterite sculptures in Kerala Mayiladumpara This grove takes its name from the large number of peacocks found here.Around Palakkad
Malampuzha (12 km)
Malampuzha, a scenic spot just a short (14 km) drive from Palakkad, is the site of a large irrigation dam built across the Bharathapuzha. The town is set at the base of the hills of the hills of the Western Ghats and around the large reservoir are beautifully landscaped rose gardens and amusements. Illuminated on Saturdays and Sundays, the gardens and the fountains offer a picturesque sight. Also on display in the gardens is Yakshi, a well known work of art by the illustrious Kerala sculptor, Kanai Kunhiraman. (Timings: 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon; 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Entry fee: Rs 8 per head.) Malampuzha also features a passenger rope way designed to carry 400 passengers per hour in each direction from Hermit's End near the Guest House to the KTDC hotel over a distance of 625 meter's at a height of about 60 feet above the gardens.The charming town amidst picturesque surroundings is famous for the Malampuzha Dam. Around the reservoir are beautiful rose gardens and amusement park for the children. ‘Yakshi', the work of Kerala's famous sculpor Kanai Kunfiraman is displayed in the garden. Boating, fishing and various watersports facilities are alos available here.
Parambilkulam Wildlife Sanctuary (110 km)
Another sanctuary, one of the best in Kerala, sprawling over 285 sq. km, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is part of the neighboring Anamalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. It has a rich diversity of flora and fauna. It has a large population of gaur (bison), sambar, and spotted deer, Nilgiri langur, jungle cat, lion-tailed macaque, sloth bear, and otter along with some tigers and leopards. The Cannimare teak tree, said to Asia's largest, stands about 5 km from Thunakadavu , the headquarters of Parambikulam. Boating can be done at the lake at Parambikulam. Trekking in the sanctuary is possible with the permission of forest officials. Parambikulam can be visited throughout the year except during June - August when the monsoons are on. The sanctuary can be reached by bus from Pollachi (40 km from Coimbatore and 49 km from Palakkad). All vehicles (except two-wheelers) are allowed entry into the sanctuary between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm. None are allowed after 6:30 pm.Forest rest houses and inspection bungalows are available at Thunakadavu , Thellikkal, and Elathode . There are two watch towers in the sanctuary, one at Anappadi and the other at Zungam.
It coves an area of 285 Sq.km around the Parambikulam, thunacadavu and Peruvaripallan dams and is part of the neighbouring Anaimalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Key fauna - gaur (bison), sambar, spotted deer, Nilgiri langur, liom tailed macaque, sloth bear etc. Thunakadavu is the sanctuary headquarters, which can be reached by road from Pollachi (40km from Coimbatore and 49kms from Palakkad). Boat cruises are available at the Parambikulam reservoir. Best season Feb - April.
Sprawled across 285 sq. km. this Sanctuary is home to rare fauna. The oldest teak tree, Kannimari stands tall here. Boating/cruising facilities are available at the Reservoir . Ph.04253-67233/ 67228 permitting authority: Divitional Forest Officer.
Pothundy (45 km from Palakkad) Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir Complex is a charm.
Silent Valley National Park (80 km)
About 86 km from Palghat (46 km north-east of Mannarghat), is the Silent Valley National Park.The Silent Valley was saved from destruction and made world-famous by a sustained campaign to protect its unique natural environment. It contains India's last substantial stretch of tropical evergreen rain forests. Spread over 90 Sq. km, it is also perhaps the closest to a near virgin forest in the Western Ghats. Among the animals found here are the lion-tailed macaque, elephants, tigers, wild boars, flying squirrels, and wild dogs. There are frequent buses from Palakkad to Mannarkad (40 km). From Mannarkad vehicles are allowed to Mukkali from where one has to walk at least 24 km reach the source of the river Kuntipuzha which flows throughout the valley. Mannarkad has a PWD Rest House and a few small lodges. Admissions to Silent Valley is restricted and prior permission to visit the park. For details, contact the Divisional Forest Officer, Palakkad.
The park is located in the lush Kundai Hills which has perhaps the last substantial stretch of evergreen rain forests in the country. Vehicular transport is only up to Mukkali, about 24 km from the park it is a safe haven for the rare lion tailed macaque, tiger and elephant. Best season Sept - Mar.