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Attappady
Attapaddy situated on the northeastern side of the district of Palakkad
and spread over an area of 827 sq. kms has the largest tribal settlement.
38kms northeast of Mannarkad, a beautiful synthesis of mountains, rivers
and forests, Attapady is of great interest to anthropologists as this is
the habitat of many tribes like Irulas, Mudugars and some settlers of
Tamil Nadu. Hardly affected by development work, Attappady offers forests
in their elemental grandeur. The tribals who celebrate the Shivarathri
festival here with great gusto worship the Mallesawaram peak as a gigantic
Shivalinga. Government rest house and a few private hotels offer
accommodation for tourists at Agali in Attappady.
Fantasy Park
This is an entertainment park, which offers different entertainment
activities. The fantasy park is open from 14.00 to 21.00 hrs on weekdays
and 11.00 to 21.00 hrs on Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays. Tel:
815122, 815124.
Nelliyampathy
75Kms from Palakkad, Nelliyampathy is a forest range, which comprises a
chain of ridges cut off from one another by valleys of dark evergreen
forests of the Sahya Range in which can be found very valuable teak of
extra-ordinary height and girth. At a height of 1467 to 1572 meters above
sea level is a fascinating hill station with cool climate, which offers a
panoramic view of about one third of Palakkad. The hilly countryside is
delight to trekkers. The tourism promotion board of Palakkad, offers
accommodation in the tourist resort with all facilities. On the way to
Nelliampathy about 17 kms en-route, there is a dam and a park at Pothundy.
Mayukadumpara (Land of
Peacocks)
This grove takes its name from the large number of peacocks found here.
Kottayi
15 kms from Palakkad via Poodar, this village is the native place of the
late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.
Lakkidi
Killikurussimangalam at Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar, the
18th century sitarist and exponent of Tullal (Classical art form). The
Poet's house has been preserved as a monument by the state Government as
an historical place.
Silent Valley national Park
40Kms north east of Mannarkad, spread over 90 sq. kms is Silent valley, a
virgin forest, which is believed to be the role surviving bit of evergreen
forests in the Sahya Ranges or Western Ghats. The name Silent Valley is
derived because it is devoid even of the chirping of cicadas. It contains
India's last substantial stretch of tropical evergreen rain forests, and a
large number of wild animals. Vehicular transport i s
possible only up to Mukkali, nearly 24 kms from the park. The river
Kunthipuzha, which follows through the valley, before, merging into the
river Bharathapuzha.
Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary
110 Kms from Palakkad, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the
neighboring Annamalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu, is one of the best in
Kerala. Sprawled across 285 sq kms, it has a rich diversity of flora and
fauna. It has large population of Gaur (Bison), Nilgiri languor, jungle
cat, lion tailed macaque, Sloth bear, Sambar and spotted deer, along with
some tigers and leopards. The Cannimari Teak Tree, said to be Asia's
largest, stands about 5 kms from Thuna-kadavu, the headquarters of
Parambikulam. Boating and cruising facilities are available at the
Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at
Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Anappady offers accommodation for tourists.
There are tree houses in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu.
Trekking in the sanctuary is also possible, with prior permission of the
forest officials.
Chittur Garumadam
Located on the banks of the river Sokanasini (the destroyer o f sorrows),
this is a memorial to Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the author of Adhyatma
Ramayana, who spent his last days here. A Sri chakra, some of the idols
worshipped by him, a stylus, wooden slippers and a few old manuscripts are
exhibited here.
Thirthala (Historical Importance)
On the banks of the river Bharathapuzha, 75 Kms. away from Palakkad is
Thirthala, a place noted for its monuments and historic ruins. The Shiva
Temple and the ruined remnants a large fort, around which is a deep moat
hewn from laterite, are notable cultural monuments here. The Kattilmadam
temple, and a domed granite Buddhist monument on the Pattambi -Guruvayoor
road, is of great archeological importance. It is supposed to display
Buddhist influence and was probably built in the 9th or 10th century and
marks the transition from the Chola to Pandya style of architecture. The
Pakkanaar Memorial, honouring the parish Saint, stands near Thirthala -
Kuttanad Road. This is also the native place of the renowned writer and
social reformer V.T. Bhattathiripad.
Ottappalam (Town of festivals)
35Kms from Palakkad, this town is known for its numerous places of worship
and the colourful festivals. Ottappalam was once, the centre of political
as well as tenant movements in the south Malabar of the erstwhile Malabar
Province of Madras Presidency. The important Hindu festival of Ottappalam
is at Chathan Kandar Kavu in Varode Desam. Legend goes that the temple was
built by the local Kanjoor Namboodiri family at a place where Harijan
called Chathan found a stone bleeding while he was sharpening his knife on
it. The deity of this temple is Durga. The annual festival is Thalapoli,
which is celebrated on Avitam day of Meenam (March or April).
Malampuzha
10 kms from Palakkad, ' Malampuzha' A famous picnic spot and major tourist
attraction, is in the site of a large irrigation dam built across the
river Bharathapuzha. It is a picnic spot in the lower hills of the Western
Ghats. Malampuzha Garden is a famous picnic spot, which comprises a dam
and beautifully landscaped gardens, around the large reservoirs are
beautifully landscaped rose gardens and amusement parks for children, as
well as facilities for boat cruises and water sports on the reservoir. The
famous work 'yakshi' done by Kerala's famous sculptor Kania Kunjiraman is
another attraction done in the garden. There is famous theme park, The
Fantasy Park, the first one in Kerala.
Palakkad Fort
One of the best-preserved forts in Kerala in the heart of Palakkad town,
which dates back to 1766 A.D. It was built by Sultan Hyder Ali of Mysore,
supposedly to facilitate communication between Coimbatore and West Coast.
In 1784, after a siege lasting 11 days, the British colonel Fulletron
stormed the Fort. It latter fell into the hands of the Zamorins troops but
was recaptured by the British in 1970. The Archeological Survey of India
now preserves it.
Kollengode Palace
19 Kms. South of Palakkad, Kollengode (the abode of blacksmiths), enriches
the pristine beauty of rural Palakkad. The Kollengode Palace, the Vishnu
Temple and the poet P. Kunhiraman Nair memorial, are worth visiting.
Seethakundu and Govindamali hills, near Kaachanakurichi are ideal and for
adventurous trekkers.
Dhoni
A Dhoni waterfall is a 3 hours trek from the base of the Dhoni Hills. A
thick reserve forest surrounds it. Dhoni is about 15 kms from Palakkad.
Meenvallam
A Meenvallam waterfall is around 8kms from Thuppanad junction on the
Palakkad- Manarkkad route. It is a combination of enchanting beauty and
scenic splendor. The water falls from nearly 20 to 25 feet and the depth
is around 15-20 feet. There are 10 steps of waterfalls of which eight are
located in the upper hills inside the dense forest. They are inaccessible,
only the remaining two steps are accessible. One has to hire a jeep from
Koomankund junction and then trek a distance of 1.5 km by crossing the
river Thuppanad.
Mangalam Dam
The Mangalam Dam is constructed on the river Cherukunnapuzha, a tributary
of the river Mangalam. A popular picnic site, the dam is located 48 kms
south of Palakkad town. The reservoir fringes on the forest area, where
there are deer, wild elephant and variety of birds. There are also
beautiful parks and lawns adorned with statues.
Meenkara Dam
32 Kms south east of Palakkad, Meenkara is a fascinating picnic spot by
virtue of its dam, garden, fishponds and natural beauty. The dam is
constructed across river Gayathri, which flows into the river
Bharathapuzha.
Siruvani (Reservoir)
48 Kms 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 to the Kerala and Tamil architectural style. Siruvani is also the
home to certain tribes like Mudugars and Irulars.
River Kanjirapuzha
24 kms from Palakkad, Kanjirapuzha (River Kanjira) is a magnificent lake.
An evergreen forest, the 'Vettilachola', provides the backdrop to the
lake, surrounded by hillocks. During the rainy season, the mist-draped
mountains create a picturesque landscape.
Pothundy (Picnic Spot)
Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir Complex is a
charming location for picnics and half-day trips.
Thiruvalathoor (Ancient Temple)
10kms from Palakkad, the ancient temple here has some fine woodwork and
stone sculptures |
