Palakkad

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About the city

The picturesque tourist destination, Palakkad alias Palghat is a dreamy land of misty mountains with its ever green tropical forests, dams, wild life sanctuaries, rivers, rare birds and animals. Branded as the chief granary and gate way to Kerala, this district lies at the foot of the 960 km long Western Ghats on the Kerala- Tamil Nadu border. The place derives its name from Pala (an indigenous tree which once densely occupied the land) and Kadu (forest). Known for its historical background, it once housed the capitals of two Kingdoms such as Palakkad and Kollengode. The district is bordered by the Sahya Ranges of weshtern ghats and on either side of the 32 km. long Palakkad Gap are the vast Nilgiri Hills and the colossal Anamalai ranges.

Picturesque Palakkad set in the foot of westen Ghats is the ‘Gateway to Kerala' from the north. It played a significant role in the cultural history of Southern India and is dotted with number of temple, mosques and churches.

Festivals

Kalpathy Ratholsavam

Annual chariot festival at Viswanatha Temple (Nov)

Manappulli Kavu Vela - Annual festival at the Bhagavathy Temple (Mar)

Kanniyarkali - An art form exclusive to the Nair Community of the district is performed in temples as well as Nair centers (Mar/Apr)

Nemmara Vallengy Vela - Annual Pooram festival at the Nellikkulangara Bhagavathy Temple near Nemmara (Feb/Mar) Highlight: Fireworks, Elephant pageants

Pavakkoothu - Shadow play is performed at tehe Bhagavathy temples of Palakkad (Mar/Apr)

Kaalapoottu - This exciting ox race is an agrarian sport (Jan)

Konganpada of Chittur - Annual festival of ritual drama at the Chittur Kavu Bhagavathy Temple (Feb/Mar)

Pattambi Nercha - The festival in memory of the noted Muslim saint of South Malabar, Aloor Valia Pookkunjikoya Thangal ( Jan – Feb)

Chinakathoor Pooram - One of the main pooram festivals of Kerala, it is held at the Sree Chinakathoor Bhagavathy Temple at Palappuram and features a pageant of 33 tuskers. (Feb – March)
Pooleri Sankranthi - A festival celebrated in this village temple of Thrithala (in Pattambi Taluka, 82 Kms from Palakkad town) gives a unique perspective of village celebrations. Usually held in the month of October, it is believed that the river Ganges flows into the temple pond on this particular day and thousands gather to take a holy dip. The devotees then proceed to climb the Rayirallur hill (around 20 kms away) by foot and pray at the ancient temple on the hill top.