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What is it that describes Kerala the best? Is it the luscious running backwaters or is it the sundry beaches that resonate freshness or is it the geniture of Ayurveda in India. One of these exquisite towns found in Kerala is Palakkad. This tinsel town boasts of sublime weather and landscapes reflecting timeless beauty. The word ‘Palakkad’ is derived from the Malayalam words Pala, which refers to tree and Kadu meaning forest. Eventually, this proves that this place was once a vast spread of forests covered with the sweet-scented flowers of the Pala tree.
Being a land of mountains, streams, dams, valleys, sanctuaries, hillocks, rivers, forests, and irrigation projects, Palakkad is regarded as the gateway to Kerala from the north.
This quaint town is the land of the Palmyras and Paddy Fields. This is an exclusive area, which links Kerala to Tamil Nadu and perhaps does so in a cultural sense too, since the language spoken in the villages here is Tamil, unlike the rest of the state where Malayalam is prevalently spoken.
Palakkad has rightfully inherited its calling name – Rice Bowl of Kerala as you will see a widespread of acres and acres of rice fields set along with the background of gigantic mountains interspersed with scenic evergreen beauty, which is a real feast for the eye. With natural diversity up for grab, your holiday to Palakkad during any season will excite you for sure.
Statistically, Malampuzha Dam is the largest reservoir in Kerala while it is erected on the Malampuzha River, a tributary of Bharathapuzha, which is known to be Kerala’s second-longest river. On the front side of the dam lies a major tourist attraction called Malampuzha Garden. With almost every patch of the garden covered with well-manicured grasses, innumerable flower beds, glittering pools, and fountains.
Apart from these, one can find a freshwater aquarium, one of its kind snake park, a toy train for children, and also a distinctive unit for water sports also. The imposing concrete sculpture of YAKSHI – sculpted by renowned sculptor Kanai Kanhiraman, the passenger ropeway, first of its kind in South India, offers adventurous and delightful air journey of nearly fifteen minutes across the garden are some of the added attractions of the park. If time permits, drop by the massive telescopic tower, said to be the first rock garden and the first amusement park of Kerala Fantasy Park.
Offering extra services like pedal boat-rides and fishing facilities on an artificial canal, this garden lying on the edge of the Malampuzha Dam is also famously known as Vrindavan of Kerala. With a network of canals holding a capacity of 115.06 metres the Malampuzha Dam feeds the largest irrigation system in Kerala. You will be shocked to hear that all of these attractions are made from non-biodegradable waste products like broken crockery, electrical fittings, bathroom tiles, glass bangles and so on. Over and above, The Japanese Park, Nandi Park, Krishna Park, and the music fountains are some of the additional tourist attractions that you must see in here.
One of the most endearing places to see in Palakkad is the Palakkad Fort. This is a special treat for the architecture buffs reading this and a place for the people those who wish to connect with the history of Palakkad. Fondly called as Tipu’s Fort, the gigantic monumental piece of beauty is located in the heart of the city. Built by Haider Ali in the year 1766, the premises of the fort houses a Hanuman (Anjaneya) Temple too, which will surely leave you spellbound with its unique interiors. According to legends, it is said that this huge architecture was built as a purpose of improving the communication gap between Palakkad and Coimbatore.
As of today, this fort is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. The sober majesty of the fort walls speaks volumes of the old tales of valour and courage, mostly the ones revolving around Tipu Sultan, his life history, and special deeds.
This square-shaped fort has massive walls and strong bastions in all four corners and in the middle. The entrance was through a draw bridge, which was later replaced by a permanent one. The spacious ground surrounding the fort is known as Kota Maidana. This had previously served as a stable for the elephants and horses of Tipu’s Forts and currently is a place for public meetings or circus. A martyr’s column and a sub-jail are also located within the fort premises. The fort houses an open-air auditorium, called Rappadi and a children’s park called Nehru Park too.
Located at the foothills of the Sahyadris range in a labyrinth of dense forests and crisscrossing cascading rivers. The mighty fort displays the efficiency of the adept skills of French craftsmanship.
Situated adjacent to the Malampuzha Reservoir, the next tourist attraction, Dhoni Hills is a wonderful destination for trekking. Providing trekkers with a rare opportunity to explore its hilly terrains, its lush green surroundings are a pleasure to watch. It is also famous for its farmhouse, harboring hundreds of cattle of Swiss variety. Bestowed with towering peaks, Dhoni Hills is one of the best places to see in Palakkad and also to undertake mountaineering.
By a short walk from the main road, tourists can see tiny mountain streams, and forest area including animals like leopards, elephants, etc. Visitors who are interested in watching nature at close quarters are usually attracted to the Sapal Waterfalls at Parasuram Kundu. Waterfalls are in full swing in the monsoon season, gushing down to the Malampuzha Dam side. Don’t forget to visit a government-owned cattle and goat farm here that is known for Swiss bred cattle.
Nonetheless, make sure to stop at the Azhakampara Waterfall, which is a splendid place amidst scenic beauty, situated at a distance of 3 kilometers from Dhoni Hills. The water drops from a steep rock mountain from a height of 23-feet. The falls can be reached via a 4-kilometer trek from the bottom of the hills through a steep mountain path.
Spread across an area of 90 square kilometers, this park is deemed as one of the smallest national parks in India and the only rain forest in India. The altitude of the park varies from 700 to 2500 meters approximately. The park provides shelter for a wide range of species such as elephants, wild boar, sambhar, gaur tigers, leopards, and the endangered lion-tailed macaque. For bird watchers and trekkers, this park is quite a natural piece of heaven.
The park is further segregated into 4 parts, namely, Nilikkal, Sairandhri, Poochipara, and Walakkad, however, only Sairandhri is open for tourists. Spread across an area of 89 square kilometers, the Silent Valley National Park is situated in the Kundali Hills of the Western Ghats in Kerala in South India. With its long, detailed history and the unique status of rainforest, this national park is indeed a great place to see in Palakkad. The well-planned safari and the beautiful stop-overs around the park only make a trip to this part of Kerala more worthwhile.
A visit to this national park holds prominent significance for every traveller and nature enthusiasts as this site is the last representative virgin tract of tropical evergreen forests in India. Though smaller in size when compared to the other national parks in India, what set the Silent Valley National Park apart from all other similar sites is the Sylvan environment that the region boasts of, along with its lofty and majestic peaks and the several rivers that run through its length.
Being one amongst those that are untouched by the passage of time. Its topographical seclusion ensures that the area remains uninhabited and continues to preserve the flora and fauna that house it entirely. It is interesting to note how Silent Valley National park got its name. Though rich in biodiversity with substantial flora and fauna, the absence of cicadas is very prominent at the park. Probably that’s why this core area of Nilgiri Biosphere got its name, the Silent Valley.
You can get a glimpse of the River Kunti descending from an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, 200 species of butterflies, 150 species of birds, 128 species of beetles, and 16 endemic bird varieties at the park. The most noted aspect of the River Kunti is that it never turns murky, but remains clean and fresh all year through.
The magical, cloud-caressed Neliampathy Hills mesmerizes you with its sheer beauty. Situated in Nenmara in Palakkad, you will see carpets of paddy fields in their full glory, while you are on your way.
Famous for orange cultivation, you will see several orchards along the way. Nevertheless, private farms add to the greenery and quaintness of the place. Jungle safari packages are available by which you can explore the exotic wildlife of this paradise.
Perched at a height of 4600-feet above sea level, this small town is perfect to soak in the magical beauty of hills, coffee, cardamom, tea, and orange plantations. On the way, you can stop by the Pothundy Dam and relish in the beauty of the dam or go on a boating ride. Also, at a distance of roughly 8 kilometers from Nelliyampathy is the viewpoint of Seetharkundu. This place gives you an aerial view of the valleys and cities below. It is believed that Lord Rama, Sita, and Laxmana, took a rest here during their exile.
Nelliyampathy Hills are exclusively famous for its charming fauna and green dense forests with many wild animals to see like tiger, monkey, deer, porcupine, and elephants. One can also swing by the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Nelliyampathy Hills, shimmering Pothundi Reservoir, Padagiri, Palagapandi Estate, and Pothundi Reservoir as they are some of the other famous sightseeing places in Nelliampathi.
Nelliyampathy also offers great opportunities for trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. Mampara is a great trekking point. Trekkers can also visit Kaikatty, which serves as a base camp for several adventure activities. This is a great spot to get a good view of the Sholayar Pass, Parambikulam, Malampuzha Gardens, Raja’s Cliff, also the wildlife sanctuary are other places of interest here. Nicknamed as the Second Ooty, if there is one word that best describes Nelliyampathy Hills than it will be gorgeous. Herein, one can see a glorious waterfall plunging down from 1000 metres height. As per the mythological facts, Sita Devi used to take the bath under the waterfall during the exile period. Now, this waterfall is a well-known pilgrimage site and is visited by devotees in huge numbers to take a dip in the holy water and feel enlightened. The breathtaking environment of the waterfalls, hills, and lush green jungles makes it a haven for naturalists. People who are looking for a refreshing and rejuvenating getaway should have Nelliyampathy Hills on the top of their itinerary. The hills are embellished with the multiple nature treasures that make it one of the favorite holiday destinations amongst the tourists.
On a concluding note, Palakkad is known for its different cultural traditions, which are reflected in the form of fairs and festivals. To mention a few of the most important festivals and fairs would be the Kalpathy Car Festival, Jain Temple Festivals, Ottappalam Nercha Festival, Manappullikavu Vela, Nenmara-Vallengi Vela, Chittur Kongan Pada, and Sivarathri Festival. Hopefully, the aforementioned data should be enough for you to plan a tour. Book your tickets now and let Palakkad welcome you with immense love and happiness.
Happy Journey!
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April 15, 2024 
