About Palakkad
Celebrated as the granary of Kerala, Palakkad is a vast expanse of verdant plains interspersed with hills, rivers, mountain streams and forests. The gateway to Kerala from the north, a 40 kilometre break in the mountains known as the Palakkad Gap gives access to this land situated at the foot of the Western Ghats. The pass acts as a corridor between Kerala and neighbouring Tamil Nadu and played a major role in the trade contacts between east and west coasts of peninsular India. Deriving its name from the Malayalam words Pala (Alsteria scholaris) and Kadu (forest), this place was once a beautiful stretch of forest covered with the sweet-scented flowers of the Pala tree. A potpourri of Tamil and Kerala culture, some of the finest Carnatic musicians hail from this region which continues to be a largely agrarian society.
Telephone Access Code: +91 491
Altitude: Sea level
Area: 4480 sq. km
Population: 2,617,482 (2011 census)
major tourism attractions
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary is situated in Chittur taluk of Palakkad district and is about 100 km away from Palakkad. The challenging hill ranges here are placed at an altitude of 300 to 1438 m above sea level and the place offers a good climate with temperatures ranging from 15 degree Celsius to 32 degree Celsius. Sprawling over an area of 285 sq km, Parambikkulam can boast of the first scientifically managed teak plantations of the world and also houses the world�s tallest and oldest teak tree.
Malampuzha Dam and Garden
Malampuzha, a little township on the foothills of the Western Ghats takes its name from the River Malampuzha. Nurtured by this tributary of Kerala's longest river, the Bharathapuzha, Malampuzha is a lush green town is a major tourist attraction for its trekking trails and the large irrigation dam.Around the reservoir of the dam are beautiful gardens and amusement parks. Boating facilities are available on the lake. Other attractions in the Malampuzha garden are the beautiful rock garden, the fish-shaped aquarium
Silent Valley National Park
The Silent Valley National Park with an area of 237. 52 sq km is located in the Northeastern corner of Palakkad district. It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the North and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the South. Extremely fragile, a unique preserve of tropical evergreen rain forests which is a veritable nursery of flora and fauna, some of which are found nowhere else in the world. The core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is the Silent Valley National Park. Despite its name
Tipu's Fort, Palakkad
The Tipu's Fort, also known as Palakkad Fort, stands in the heart of Palakkad town. Palakkad is a small town on the lower edges of the Sahyadri ranges of the Western Ghats, with patches of dense forests and crisscrossed with rivers. One of the well preserved forts in south India, Tipu's Fort was constructed in 1766 AD and is today a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. The sober majesty of the laterite walls of the fort reminds one of the old tales of valour and courage.
Nelliyampathy Hills
On the way up, those interested in bio farming can take a close look at the privately managed farms and also vast expanses of tea estates managed by different plantation companies. The hills of Nelliyampathy are also well known for its orange cultivation.
Attappadi
Many tribals like the Irulas, Mudugas and Kurumbar live here, though the density of their population is very low. The tribals worship the mountain peak 'Malleeswaran' as a huge 'Siva-linga' and Sivarathri at the Malleeswaran
Chittur Gurumadom
Located on the banks of the river Sokanasini in Chittur, this is a memorial to Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the author of Adhyatma Ramayana, who spent his last days here. A srichakra, some of the idols worshipped by him, a stylus,
Kollengode
Palakkad, known as the granary of Kerala, is a land of palms and paddy fields. And Kollengode enshrines the pristine beauty of rural Palakkad. The village gets its name from the blacksmith (Kollen) community who live here.
Kottai
Kottai, the small village situated about 15 km from Palakkad district is known as the birthplace of the great Carnatic musician Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar. The place hosts the annual Chembai Parthasarathy Ekadasi Music festival in memory of the great singer in February/March and renowned singers perform music concerts here during the festival.
Kunchan Nambiar Smarakam
The Kunchan Nambiar Smarakam, the memorial at his birthplace incorporating his ancestral Kalakkath house in Killikkurissiimangalam, Lakkidi, was opened in 1976. The memorial, which is an initiative of the Government of Kerala, includes a kalithattu (stage) for staging Thullal and other art forms, a library and a museum.
Mangalam Dam
Mangalam Dam, built across the Cherukunnath River, a tributary of the Mangalam River is a popular tourism centre in Palakkad. The beautiful Mangalam reservoir is surrounded by forest area with a lot of wildlife. Boating facility is also available here. The dam is located about 42 km south of Palakkad town near Vadakkencherry.
Mampara peak
A trek to Mampara peak, about 20 km from Nelliyampathy, with a view of the entire Palakkad range, is a real treat for the eyes. Once you reach these grasslands, caressed by clouds, the tranquillity and the peace of the surroundings creep into you too. You will be able to view the enchanting valleys below, the pristine thick greenery of the forests
Meenvallam Waterfalls
Meenvallam Waterfalls is situated in Palakkad district. Originating from the Thuppanadu River - a part of Western Ghats, these falls drop step by step from a height of 5 to 45 metres.
Olappamanna Mana
Olappamanna Mana, located at Vellinezhi in Cherplassery, Palakkad district of Kerala, is the ancestral home of feudal lords belonging to the priestly Namboodiri Brahmins of Cherplassery
Ottappalam
Located 35 km from Palakkad district of Kerala, Ottappalam is a famous town known for its numerous places of worship and their colourful festivals. It is also home to the famous Varikkasseri Mana
Pattambi
Pattambi, one of the biggest towns in Palakkad district, connects roads from three districts � Palakkad, Malappuram and Thrissur. Situated on the banks of Bhratapuzaha, known for its cultural contributions.