Palakkad often referred to as the rice granary of Kerala with a vast expanse of green fertile plain scattered with mountains, streams, and forests. It is also rightfully called the Gateway to Kerala, where the Palghat Gap – a 40 kilometers break or natural depression through the Western Ghats acts as corridor and connects Kerala with its neighboring state Tamil Nadu and the east and west coasts of peninsular India. Palakkad derives its name from ‘Pala’ (an evergreen tree of great fragrance, Botanical name: Alstonia Scholaris) ‘Kadu’ (means Forest in Malayalam) has a topography that is a blend of abundant forests, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, and hills.

Tourist Places in Palakkad

01. Palakkad Fort

The Palakkad Fort is also known as the Tipu’s Fort. Built-in 1766 AD by Hyder Ali of Mysore; it today is one of the best-preserved forts of South India. The fort was built to assist communication between both sides of the Western Ghats (Coimbatore and the West Coast). On the West Coast, Ali had captured the Malabar and Kochi regions.

In 1784, the fort was captured by the British after an eleven-day siege, which later fell into the hands of the Zamorins of Kozhikode. It was recaptured by the British in 1790. Tipu Sultan (son of Hyder Ali and a valiant warrior) lost his life in 1799 in an encounter with the British. The fort was later named after him.

Visiting Hours: 08:00 am – 06:00 pm

02. Malampuzha Dam and Garden

The Malampuzha Irrigation dam built over the Bharathapuzha (Kerala’s longest river) is a major tourist attraction for its hiking trails, beautifully landscaped gardens, and amusement park. The reservoir also has facilities for boating, a fish-shaped aquarium, a snake park, a rock garden, a toy train and a ropeway that takes you on an aerial tour of the park. It is a great place for a family to spend a day with or without activities.

Distance: 10 km from Palakkad

03. Silent Valley National Park

Spread across an area of 90 sq. km, located to the northwest of Palakkad district, it is a unique preserve of tropical rain forests which has a variety of flora and fauna, some of which are a rare sight to be seen anywhere in the world. A uniqueness of this National Park which is in the core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve is that it is even devoid of the chirping of the cicadas; hence the name originates ‘Silent Valley National Park’. Despite its name, it is a rich storehouse of biodiversity. One can reach on a vehicle up to Mukkali, nearly 24 km from the park; The rest of the journey has to be covered on foot. Prior permissions have to be taken from the forest authority.

Distance: 40 km northwest of Mannarkkad

04. Nelliyampathy Hills

A fascinating hill station in Palakkad district, where the height of hills ranges from 467 m to 1572 m above sea level. The drive from Nenmara to Nelliyampathy itself is a sight to behold negotiating through 10 hairpin bends on the Ghat Section. On the way up, one would come across Pothundy Dam – a great picnic spot with boating facilities provided on these picturesque surroundings.

The hills of Nelliyampathy are also known for its vast expanse of tea estates, coffee plantations, and orange cultivations. The topmost point of Nelliyampathy Hills is at Seetharkundu, a point from where a third of Palakkad can be seen. The view is magnificent from here.

05. Jainimedu Jain Temple

This is an ancient temple with images of Jain Tirthankaras and Yakshinis. Located close to the railway station at a place is called Jainamedu, it is one of the few places in Kerala where remnants of Jainism can still be seen. It was here where Kumaranasan wrote this much-admired poem – Veenapoovu (the fallen flower).

Timings: 07:00 am – 10:30 am & 05:00 pm – 07:00 pm

06. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Spread across an area of 285 sq. km in the Western Ghats, this tiger reserve is a calm retreat nestled between the Anamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliyampathy Hills of Kerala. Along with an exotic range of flora and fauna, one would also come across a few tribal settlements – like the Malayars, Kadar’s and Muthuvans whose livelihood has been among these jungles. Some of the species spotted here are the Nilgiri Langur, Nilgiri Tahr, Lion-tailed Macaque, Asian Elephants, Tigers and several species of birds, spiders, and snakes.

There are Boating/Cruising facilities that can be availed by the general public at the Parambikulam Reservoir. Trekking can be done by taking prior permission from forest officials.

Distance: 110 km from Palakkad

07. Attappadi

Located to the north-east corner of Palakkad district, Attappadi was known as the tribal heartland and has one of the largest tribal settlements in Kerala. Anthropologists have found great interest in the habitats and livelihood of the many tribes settled here. There are 172 tribal hamlets populated by three tribal groups – Irulas, Mudugas, and Kurumbas.

Attappady Hill station is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala. Placed on a highland territory with extensive mountain valleys above the peaks of Western Ghats, it is fed by numerous tributaries and rivulets of the River Cauvery and Bhavani River. In all, it’s an attractive fusion of mountains, rivers, and forests.

Distance: 38 km north east of Mannarkkad

08. Mangalam Dam

It’s a popular picnic destination built across the Cherukunnapuzha, a tributary of the Mangalam River. The reservoir is surrounded by a forest area with plenty of wildlife. Located 16 km from Vadakkencherry, there are rubber, pepper, coffee and tapioca plantations in the area.

Distance: 42 km south of Palakkad town

09. Dhoni

A popular picnic spot to refresh yourself in the midst of waterfall. A three-hour trek from the base of Dhoni hills takes you to this reserve forest area with a splendid waterfall. The views of the evergreen forests and waterfall are stunning. Entrance fee: Rs.20 per person.

Distance: 15 km from Palakkad

10. Siruvani

The Siruvani Reservoir, located at a distance of 46kms from Palakkad town was built to cater to the drinking water needs of Coimbatore city in Tamil Nadu. Deep inside the Singaparra forest, it also has a natural waterfall situated on the eastern side of the dam known as – Muthikulam Falls. The waterfall and the dam are a big tourist attraction.

One could take a safari into the forest to the dam site and then trek to the waterfall. It could be a half-day trip for those interested in this safari.

Distance: 46 km from Palakkad

11. Gandhi Seva Sadan Kathakali and Classical Arts Academy

Also known as the “Kathakali Sadanam”, this academy located in Perur Village, Ottapalam is exclusively dedicated to the training of the art-form – Kathakali. It is one of the three institutions in Kerala that impart training for this renowned dance-drama, which is an integral part of Kerala’s culture. Apart from regular courses, there are also short-term courses that can be helpful for foreign students who are interested in this art.

12. Thrithala

Thrithala is an important archaeological site known for its historic remnants and memorials that date back to as early as the 9th or 10th century. The Kattil Madam Temple dating back to the 9th or 10th century signifies a construction style from the Cholan to the Pandyan reign.  The Siva Temple that has an interesting story behind it and the ruins of the mud fort near Thrithala are notable cultural documents. These ruins are definitely worth a visit and are a photographer’s delight to shoot.

How to Reach

By Road: Palakkad is connected to all major towns and cities in South India by an excellent road network. Distances between major towns are as mentioned below:

• Palakkad to Kozhikode: 145 km
• Palakkad to Coimbatore: 52 km
• Palakkad to Kochi: 143 km
• Palakkad to Bangalore: 395 km

By Air: The nearest airport is at Coimbatore. The Peelamedu Airport, Coimbatore (CJB) is located at a distance of 60 km from Palakkad. Other airports closer to Palakkad are:

• Kochi International Airport, Cochin (COK)
• Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode (CCJ)

By Rail: The nearest railway station is the Palakkad Junction (PGT), 5 km from the city