Places to visit in Palakkad

 

1. Malampuzha Garden and Dam

Located in Palakkad district of Kerala, Malampuzha dam is the largest reservoir in Kerala. Situated in the backdrop of the scenic Western Ghats, its total capacity is 226 million cubic meters. The dam is built across the Malampuzha river, a tributary of Bharathapuzha.

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, the snake park, the ropeway which takes you on an aerial tour of the park, and the gigantic Yakshi sculptured by Kanai Kunjiraman, a renowned sculptor of Kerala.

2. Palakkad fort

Situated in the heart of Palakkad town, Palakkad Fort or the Tipu Sultan Fort is one the most well preserved forts in Kerala. Constructed in 1766 AD, the fort is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

The fort was built in its current form by Hyder Ali, the Sultan of the kingdom of Mysore. In 1768 Colonel Wood captured it, but was retaken by Hyder Ali. It was recaptured by Colonel Fullarton in 1783. Though it later fell into the hands of the troops of the Kozhikode Zamorin, it was captured back by the British in 1790.

Timings: 8:00am- 6:00pm

3. Seethargundu Viewpoint

Situated around 8 Km from Nelliyampathy Town, Seethargundu viewpoint is a scenic location in the district.  It attracts a lot of travellers seeking a quiet rendezvous with nature. Since it is not very prominent on the tourism maps, people hoping to spend some relaxing time away from the buzz of tourists will find it satisfying.

This amazing attraction is blessed with many tea estates, thick forest and spectacular aerial views of the surrounding hills.

 

4. Kalpathy Temple

Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanathaswamy temple, popularly known as the Kalpathy temple or Kasi Viswanathaswamy Temple is located in the Kalpathy village of Palakkad. Named Dakshina Kashi, the temple history dates back to the 15^th century.

This is the only Lord Shiva Temple in Kerala with Golden Hall – “Kanaka Sabha” for Lord Nataraja. Lord Kasi Viswanatha graces the devotees from his shrine facing east and mother Visalakshi facing the south. The temple is famous for the annual chariot festival celebrated for 7 days in the month of November. Beautifully decorated temple chariots are ceremoniously drawn through the streets by thousands of devotees during the festival.

 

5. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, which was earlier the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a 391 square kilometres protected area in Chittur taluk in Palakkad district. It is around a 100 kilometres from Palakkad town and is situated adjacent to the Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.

From the elusive tigers to the leopards, Indian elephant and fresh water crocodiles, the breath-taking landscape is home to a number of endemic flora and fauna. The reserve gives its visitors opportunity to take part in trekking through the forests, jungle safaris and jungle camps. The Kannimara Teak is one of the world’s largest living teak tree found in Parambikulam with amazing girth of 7.02 m and height of 39.98 m. The nearest railway station is at Pollachi and the nearest airport is at Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

 

6. Dhoni Hills

Situated around 15kms from Palakkad, Dhoni hills is one popular picnic spot in the district. It is very popular among tourists as well as adventure seekers as it is also a well-liked trekking trail. The beautiful waterfalls of Dhoni is located here. An entry fee of rupees 100 is charged as an entry fee.

It takes a three-hour trek from the base of the Dhoni hills to reach this reserve forest area. Monsoon is the most favoured time by trekkers and nature enthusiasts. This enchanting four kilometre trail takes you on a life-changing trek in the heart of the Western Ghats. Rich in wildlife, you have the chance to sight leopard, sloth bear, Nilgiri langur, hanuman langur, bonnet macaque and other rare mammals.

 

7.  Nelliyampathy Hills

Nelliyampathy is a hill station 60 kilometres from Palakkad.  Surrounded by tea and coffee plantations all around the scenic beauty of this place is mesmerizing. The hills here are of varying heights ranging from 467 metres to 1572 metres so that you can experience the continuous variation in climate as well. The pleasant atmosphere of Nalliyampathy along with its enchanting landscapes make it the perfect place for a quaint holiday.

Located near the Nelliyampathy Falls is the Pothundy Dam, which is a tourist destination in itself. With the picturesque hills in the background and water from the dam making a quite reservoir as well, this dam makes for a beautiful picnic spot.

 

8.   Mayiladumpara Peacock Sanctuary

Situated about 25 km south of Palakkad, Mayiladumpara is a grove at Nedungathpara which gets its name from the large number of peacocks (mayil) found here. They can be sighted in large numbers especially at dawn and dusk.

These woodlands that is home to hundreds of peacocks, is bordered by tall trees and scattered rocks. An estimated number more than 200 peacocks inhabit this area. Visitors are given free access to this area and can witness some amazing peacocks in their full glory.

 

9.  Kanjirapuzha Reservoir

The Kanjirapuzha Dam, a masonry earth dam was opened in 1995. The reservoir, which has three islands within it, also has an established commercial fisheries development programme operated by the Fisheries Department.

For visitors to Palakkad who have a few hours to spare, a visit to Kanjirapuzha Dam is strongly recommended. It is about 35 kms from Palakkad off the Palakkad-Kozhikode Highway. Visitors are allowed to climb up to the dam and once you reach the top you are rewarded with a spectacular sight.

 

10.  Siruvani Reservoir

Located 46 km north of Mannarkad and 48 km from Palakkad, Siruvani reservoir was built for Tamil Nadu by the Kerala Government to meet the drinking water requirements of Coimbatore.

The gateways on either side of the road across the dam depict typical Kerala and Tamil Nadu architecture. Home to tribes of Mudugars and Irulars, Suruvani is ideal to spend an evening, relaxing.

 

11.  Mangalam Dam

Mangalam dam constructed across the river Cherukunnapuzha which is a tributary of Mangalam river, is a popular tourism centre in Palakkad.  The reservoir is surrounded by the forests rich in flora and fauna.

Located about 42 km south of Palakkad town near Vadakkencherry, the reservoir offers boating facility to its visitors. Ottappalam Railway station at a distance of about 50 km, is the nearest railway station. Coimbatore International Airport (Tamilnadu), about 104 km away is the nearest airport.

 

13.  Silent Valley National Park

Located in the Nilgiri Hills, within the Palakkad District, Silent Valley National Park spreads over an area of 236.74 square kilometres. It is locally known as “Sairandhrivanam”, Sairandri being Draupathi.

With an abundance of endemic flora and fauna, it is a biodiversity hotspot. The British named the area Silent Valley because of a perceived absence of noisy cicadas. More than 1000 species of flowering plants which include about 110 species of orchids, more than 34 species of mammals, about 200 species of butterflies, 400 species of moths, 128 species of beetles of which 10 are new to science, about 150 species of birds including almost all the 16 endemic birds of southern India are found here.

 

14.  Kava View Point

Kava in Palakkad is situated about 6 kilometres from Malampuza Dam which is one of the hot spots of travellers in South India. It lies on the hills of Malampuzha and is an ideal place for natural lovers and adventurers. The forest nearby is a home to some rare species of birds and butterflies.

It is ideal to spend a relaxing evening in these grasslands. It is perfect to click some beautiful pictures as well.