Palakkad, known as Kerala’s granary, is a huge expanse of lush plains punctuated by hills, rivers, mountain streams, and forests. The Palakkad Gap, a 40-kilometer break in the mountain regarded as the doorway to Kerala from the north, provides access to this territory at the foot of the Western Ghats. The pass serves as a link between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and it once served as an important thoroughfare for trade between the East and West coastlines of peninsular India. This region was originally a lovely stretch of woodland covered in the sweet-scented blooms of the Pala tree, and its name comes from the Malayalam terms Pala (Alseria scholaris) and Kadu (forest). Here some of the places to visit in Palakkad:
Silent Valley National Park
This remarkable preservation of tropical evergreen rain forests, located in the northeastern portion of Palakkad District, is one of nature’s most valuable gifts to mankind. This stunning and vulnerable forest is home to incredible flora and fauna, some of which can be found nowhere else on Earth. The abundant biodiversity draws a huge number of tourists, professional scientists, field biologists, and nature enthusiasts from all over the world to explore the heart of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve and see the stunning flora on display. It has around 1000 blooming plant species, including 107 orchid species, 100 ferns, 200 liverworts, 75 lichens, and approximately 200 algae. There are 34 species of mammals, 292 species of birds, 31 species of reptiles, 22 species of amphibians, 13 species of fish, and 500 species of butterflies and moths in this jungle’s biodiversity.
Palakkad Fort
In Palakkad, there is an 18th century military base with many fascinating stories to tell. The Palakkad Fort, also known as the Tipu Sultan Fort, is one of Kerala’s best-preserved stone-built forts. It is one of places to visit in Palakkad’s main attractions. A stroll through the fort will provide unexpected delights as you come across intriguing antique constructions and decorations. The ancient stone step well is another remarkable structure here. The fort is enhanced with a nicely landscaped grass, however it is only open to the public in the mornings. Today, the Archaeological Survey of India has declared it a protected monument. It is a popular picnic location for visitors to Palakkad.
Parambikkulam Wildlife Sanctuary
The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the world’s best preserved wildlife sanctuaries. This sanctuary is located between the Nelliampathy and Anaimalai hills in the Sungam range of hills. In the year 2009, this sanctuary was designated as a tiger reserve. This tiger reserve covers a total area of 643 square kilometres, with a buffer zone of 252 square kilometres and a core area of 390 square kilometres. In the Western Ghats, this is one of the most beautiful spots. The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a well-kept ecological area and one of the best biodiversity hotspots, supporting a wide range of habitat endemism and kinds. This refuge is abundant in scenic beauty, animals, and biological diversity.
Fantasy Park
Fantasy Park, Kerala’s first amusement park, is located in Malampuzha, Palakkad. This amusement park, which spans 15 acres and is barely 10 kilometres from Palakkad town, is located in Malampuzha. It’s the ideal picnic area for the whole family. Fantasy Park is a must-see for visitors who want to have a good time on their Kerala travels. The water exhibits at this well-kept park are popular with visitors. The land rides are also popular, with Super Splash, Harakirri, Zip Zap Zoop, Striking Car, Para Trooper, Dragon Coaster, and the Pirate Boat among the crowd favourites. The Wave Pool is one of the largest in Kerala and one of the most popular attractions in the park.
Rock Garden
A spectacular collection of artworks wonderfully fashioned from trash awaits tourists in the Rock Garden of Malampuzha, India’s second rock garden. The Palakkad District Tourism Promotion Council looks after the rock garden. It is the second similar garden developed in India by the same artist who constructed one in Chandigarh. Surrounded by lush rolling hills, the rock garden provides an extremely charming location in which to appreciate man’s creations in the midst of nature. The Malampuzha Yakshi (demigoddess), created in 1969 by renowned sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman, is another architectural gem in this garden.
Chinakkathoor Pooram
One of Kerala’s most unusual and colourful poorams (temple festivals) is held at Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple. This annual festival, held in Palappuram near Ottapalam Taluk in Palakkad district, attracts a significant number of visitors. In the Malayalam month of Kumbham, it is commemorated on the Makam asterism. The audience is exposed to some of Kerala’s top folk art performances. The sight of majestic elephants marching through the streets is one of the highlights of this pooram. The panchavadyam and pandimelam (traditional orchestra) that accompany the performance add to the spectacle. The steady rhythm of drums resonating through the air is accompanied with Pulikali performances.
Best resort places to visit in Palakkad – click here