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- THE GRANARY OF INDIA

Palakkad, the land, which is one of the most fertile and thickly forested districts of Kerala is supposed to have derived its name from the 'Pala' tree and 'Kadu' meaning forest. The whole area is said to have been covered by 'Pala' trees, in the past.

The district of Palakkad, which lies at the foot of the colossal Western Ghats, has only midland and highland areas. Much of the area is made up of plains, scattered with a few hillocks. The plains are so fertile and productive that the district is considered the "Granary of Kerala".

Along with Idukki, Palghat is the other district in Kerala, which has the rare distinguishing characteristic of not having a seacoast. Kerala's longest river Bharathapuzha flows through the district.

During the hot season, its wide sandy bed is dry except for some miles from its origin. Being too shallow and rocky for water transport, the Bharathapuzha has little commercial significance but holds a special place in the cultural psyche of the State.

Prime Attractions of Palakkad

Located on the banks of the river Sokanasini (the destroyer of sorrows), 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, wooden slippers and a few old manuscripts are exhibited here.

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.

One of the best preserved forts in Kerala, it was built by Mysore's Haider Ali. In 1790, The Fort was taken over and renovated by the British.

The annual feast of the Pattambi Mosque situated 61 kms from Palakkad, falls in the first week of February. About 70 - 80 tuskers are lined up for the festival.

It is a picnic spot in the lower hills of the Western Ghats, 12 kms from Palakkad with a dam and a garden. Malampuzha Garden is a 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 the garden from Palakkad.

Excursions from Palakkad

(40Km.)
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. The place consists of mostly hilly highland terrain, fed by the tributaries of the River Cauvery.

(15Km.)
Dhoni is a 3 hour trek from the base of the Dhoni Hills to this reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall.

(48Km.)
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.

(75Km.)
The ranges here consist of a chain of ridges cut offf from one another by valleys. The highest peak is Nellikota. The forest contains teak of extraordinary height and girth. Estates of tea, coffee, orange and cardamom dot the ranges.

(40Km.)
Silent Valley National Park located 40 kms from Mannarkkad in the Palakkad district, echoes with the sounds of teeming wildlife.

(75Km.)
75 kms from Palakkad along the banks of Bharathapuzha river, Thrithala is famed for its Shiva temple. Kattilmadom temple on the Pattambi-Guruvayoor road has archaeological importance.the small granite structure, a testimony of Buddhist influence, built probably during the 9th or 10th century.

(24Km.)
24 kms from Palakkad, this catchment lake of the dam lies in a single stretch. An evergreen forest, the 'Vettilachola', provides the backdrop to a lake surrounded by hillocks. During the rains, the mist-draped mountains create a picturesque landscape.

(15Km.)
This village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.

(12Km.)
The Bhagavathy temple here is believed to help people realise their dreams. People bring offerings in different forms during the festival. There are also beautiful wall paintings and artistic stone works.

(97Km.)
The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a reservoir of tranquil greenery ensconced in a valley between the Annamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala.

Fairs & Festivals - Palakkad

Kalpathy Ratholsavam
Konganppada
Pattambi Nercha

Leisure - Palakkad

Aram Motel, Walayar; Hotel Ambady, Ashok Bhawan Hotel.

General Information - Palakkad

Location

Kerala

Palakkad Fort, Kalpathy Temple

Malayalam, English

September To February

How To Get There - Palakkad

By Air

The nearest airport is Coimbatore, 55 kms. away. To the south is Cochin Airport, 16Okms. away.

There are two railway stations, the main, Palakkad Junction is 5 kms from the city.

Car Rentals: Anjali Travels, My Lady Travels, Joy Peter.

Palakkad is connected by good motorable roads to all the major towns of Kerala and the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu.