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Palakkad Travel Guide
Palakkad
Fort: The 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.
Fantasy Park : (1400 - 2100 hrs on week days and 1100 - 2100 hrs on Saturdays,
Sundays and national holidays). Ph: 815122 815124 Entrance fee: Adults Rs. 20
Children Rs. 10. Separate charges for rides and computer games. Block tickets:
Adults Rs. 80 Children Rs. 60
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.
Thiruvalathoor (10 km from Palakkad) : The ancient temple here has some
fine wood work and stone sculptures.
Dhoni (15 km from Palakkad): It takes a three hour trek from the
base of the Dhoni hills to reach this reserve forest area with its small, beautiful
waterfall.
Kottayi :
(15 km via Poodur from Palakkad): This tiny village is
the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic
music.
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.
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.
Lakkidi (30 km from Palakkad): Killikkurissimangalam at Lakkidi is the
birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar, the 18th century satirist and exponent of the
Tullal (classical art form). The poet's house has been preserved as a
monument by the State Government.
Meenkara(32 km from Palakkad): This picnic spot is the site of a dam
across the river Gayathri which flows into the Bharathapuzha.
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.
Thrithala (75 km from Palakkad): This place is noted for its monuments
and historic ruins. The Siva Temple and the ruins of a mud fort near Thrithala
on the Chalissery road are notable cultural monuments. The Kattilmadam Temple,
a small granite Buddhist monument on the Pattambi-Guruvayoor road, is of great
archaeological importance. It is believed to date back to the 9th/10th century
AD. The Paakkanaar memorial, honouring the Pariah saint, stands near Thrithala
Koottanad road. This is also the native place of renowned writer and social
reformer VT Bhattathiripad.
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.
Siruvani (46 km north of Mannarkad and 48 km from Palakkad): The reservoir
at Siruvani 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 are typical of the Kerala and Tamil architectural styles. Siruvani is
also home to certain tribals like the Mudugars and Irulars.
