Palakkad Information
Palakkad is a land of palm trees and paddy fields. It's known to be
rich in flora and fauna. Palakkad is well known for having
maintained it's customs & traditions to an incredible degree of
perfection. Many rivers that flow in the Bharatapuzha, the life line
of Kerala, arise from these mountains. Palakkad has a long history
dating back to Paleololithic period. A large number of megalithic
relics have been discovered from here.
Palakkad is consequential among Kerala's most picturesque
districts, thanks to its distinctive palmyra trees and extensive
green paddy fields. Palakkad has probably the biggest mountain pass
in the world separating the two folds of the Western Ghats on the
border of Kerala with Tamil Nadu. Palakkad is a melting pot of
different cultures and ethnic denominations, enriching its life,
arts & culture.
Getting There
By Air
Nearest airport: Coimbatore (55 km)
By Rail
Palakkad Junction Railway Station (5 km from the city) is a major
railhead of the Southern Railways.
By Road
Palakkad is connected by an excellent network of roads to all the
major cities in India. KSRTC bus stand Ph: 520098
Tourist Attractions
Malampuzha:
An excellent place to relax in on a weekend or on a holiday,
Malampuzha has a dam, a canal, and a garden complex done in a
Japanese style. And the canal has a hanging bridge over it, which
adds to the attraction of the place. Malampuzha is in the eastern
part of central Kerala, about 14 km from Palghat
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.
Dhoni:
Dhoni, situated at a distance of 15kms from Palakkad is a fairly
long climb of a 3-hour trek from the base of the Dhoni Hills. This
reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall has many
tourists all through the year. It is a splendid and captivating
waterfall. Dhoni provides trekkers the opportunity to explore its
hilly terrains. Its lush green surroundings are a pleasure to watch.
Dhoni is also famous for its farmhouse, harboring hundreds of cattle
of Swiss variety. The Vishwanatha Swamy shrine, the oldest Shiva
temple is situated 3 kms from Palakkad. The annual chariot temple is
a gala event. The annual 'Ratholsavam' or Chariot Festival at Sree
Viswanantha Swamy temple lasts for seven days.
Siruvani:
The gateways on either side of the rod across the dam are typical
of the Kerala and Tamil architectural styles.
Palakkad Fort:
Palakkad Fort, situated in the town close to Fort Maidan, is the
best-preserved fort today in Kerala. Hyder Ali of Mysore constructed
it in 1766. Today, this Palakkad Fort, popularly known as Tippu's
Fort, is one of the protected monuments in Palakkad town. It is
square in shape, with walls of immense thickness and with strong
bastions at all four corners and in the middle. The old drawbridge
has since been replaced by a permanent one.
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. The
region around the temple, known as Jainimedu, is one of the few
places in Kerala where the vestiges of Jainism have survived. It is
at a Jain house here that poet Kumaranasan wrote his monumental poem
veenapoovu (The fallen Flower).
Mangalam Dam :
The Dam is constructed across Cherukunnapuzha, a tributary of
Mangalam river. The dam is located in picturesque surroundings.
The reservoir fringes on the forest area where there are deer, wild
elephants and a variety of birds. There are beautiful parks and
lawns adorned with statues.
