The district of palakkad known as the granary of kerala, is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects. Situated at the foot of the western ghats, this is the gateway to kerala from the north. Palakkad derives its name from the malayalam words pala (alsteria scholaris) and kadu (forest) which goes to prove that this place was once a beautiful stretch of forests covered with the sweet scented flowers of the pala tree.


Places To Visit In Palakkad

Palakkad Fort : Palakkad Fort, situated in the town, is the most beautiful and best preserved fort of Kerala. Built in 1766 by Hyder Ali of Mysore was taken over and remodified by British in 1790. The fort is protected by Archeological Survey of India.Martyr's Column, Open Air Auditorium called "Rappadi" are there in the spacious Fort Maidan. There is also a Children's park on the side of the Fort.

Malampuzha Garden : 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.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary : Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the National Parks in Kerala spread over an area of 285 sq. kilometers. The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is laid with serene vegetation in a valley between the Annamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, has the largest population of Gaurs (bison). It is also a home to elephants, sloth bears, wild boars, sambhars, chital tigers, panthers, and crocodiles. There are also bonnet macaques, spectacled cobras, kraits, vipers, turtles, darters, little cormorants, and black eagles.

Nelliyampathy : this fascinating hill station is at a height of 467 to 1572 m above sea level. At least 10 hair pin bends have to negotiated on the ghat road that passes through the breathtaking evergreen forests of the sahya ranges. Seethakundu at nelliyampathy offers a panoramic view of about one third of palakkad. This hill country is the delight of trekkers.


Tourist Attractions In And Around Palakkad

Silent Valley Wildlife Sanctuary : The Silent Valley National Park is located in the Kundali Hills in Kerala, along the hill ranges known as the Western Ghats. The Silent Valley is considered to be the last pristine region of tropical evergreen forest in India and is an area rich in biodiversity. The lush tropical greenery, undulating slopes, hills and rivers make the Silent Valley National Park a beautiful wildlife tourism destination in Kerala, India. The park is also known for the rare and unique herbs and plants that grow here, as well as the wildlife found in the Silent Valley, which include elephants, tigers and lion-tailed macaques.

Dhoni : The hills, rocks and valleys which contribute to the very unique character of Wayanad provide a lot for adventure tourism. Trekking to the Chembra peak is a risky mountaineering endeavor. Chembra peak, the highest hill in Wayanad, is near Meppady town. Trekking to the top of this peak takes almost a day. Tourists can also stay one or two days at the top of the peak in temporary camps. District tourism Promotion Council provides guides, sleeping bags, canvases, huts and trekking implemen.

Attapadi : Attapadi is situated in an elevated picturesque mountainous plateau in Western Ghats. It is 80 kms from Palakkad. 

Kanjirapuzha : 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.

Malayalappuzha : 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.

Siruvani : Siruvani is 48 kms from Palakkad. The gateways on either side of the road across the dam bear the stamp of Kerala and Tamil Nadu Architectural Styles. Its thick reserved forest has all kinds of wild animals.

Meenvallam : Meenvallam is located at a distance of 37 kms from Palakkad.There are 10 steps of Water Falls at Meenvallam, the originating point of Thuppanadu river. The height of the fall varies from 5 to 45 meters.


How To Reach There

Nearest Airport is at Coimbatore (55 kms).Palakkad junction railway station (5 km from the city) is a major railhead of the southern railways.Palakkad is also connected by excellent network of roads to all the major cities in india.