Facilities

Location & Access

Nelliampathy: Through evergreen forests negotiating a dozen and odd hairpin bends on the Sahya ranges one can reach Nelliampathy. This hill station is ideal for trekking and also offers a bird's eye view of one-third of Palakkad from Seetarkundu, the highest peak. Scenic resorts, dams and orchards compete with each other to gain the adventurer's attention.

Kallekkulangara Temple: The uniqueness of this temple is that a "pair of hands" is worshipped as the main deity. Legend has it that the Namboodiri was elated to see the goddess rising from water, but the goddess, in anger, refused to rise fully. Shivarathri Festival celebrated during February is a major attraction in this temple.

Dhoni Hills & Farms: A trekker's delight this reserve forest area nestles a beautiful waterfall which can be accessed at the end of a 3 hour trek. Blessed with natural beauty, the hills also have other attractions and can be reached at a distance of 15kms from Palakkad town. The Dhoni Farm is an Indo-Swiss project for development of higher breeds of cattle and a tour of the farm is of educational interest.

Kalpathy Temple & Village: Situated on the banks of the Kalpathy River, and dedicated to Lord Shiva, the temple is believed to have been built in 1425 AD. The annual Ratholsavam or "Chariot Festival" held at this temple in November is a major event in Palakkad and attracts devotees from all corners. The Tamil Brahmin villages adjacent to the temple have been declared a World Heritage site. A visit to these villages offer a glimpse of the cultural life that existed 1000 years ago.

Siruvani Dam: Considered to be Asia's purest water form, Siruvani river originates here. The dam was built for supplying water to Tamilnadu by Kerala Government. The gateways on both sides of the road across the dam is testimony to Kerala and Tamilnadu architectural styles. The area also offers trekking potential to the more adventurous tourists.

Thiruvalathur Temple: A living tribute to the past masters of Kerala architecture, this temple stands testimony to the ravages of time. The glory of a by-gone era is reflected in the "Thrikkarthika" Festival held every year in December. The wood carvings are a marvel that transport us to another century.

Silent Valley National Park: Endless stretch of virgin forests, tress that almost touch the sky, lush green landscape, rare bounty of flora and fauna minus the chirping of the cicadas. Learn about the hunting habitats of the pythons and king cobras, join the lion-tailed macau as he begins his day, follow the course of the Kunthi river as she ambles down through the thick green foliage - that's the experience of Silent Valley. One of the last remnants of Tropical rain forests in India, the Silent Valley National Park is accessible only by foot (nearly 24kms) but is an unforgettable adventure of life time. Vehicular transport is available till Mukkali and from there begins the journey into the realms of the tropical forests.

Loknayak J.P. Smrithi Vanam & Deer Park: Situates at Walayar 22kms from Palakkad on the Kerala - Tamilnadu border, this park offers close encounters with deer. Elephant rides are also available.

Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam: Far from the madding crowds, on the banks of the Bharathapuzha river in Shornur, with an 86 year old tradition is Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam. Less commercialized and more genuine, the practitioners follow the footsteps of past masters of this timeless science. A visit to this sanatorium leaves one wondering about the centuries old Ayurvedic treatment methods and their importance in the growing world of modern medicine.

Punarjani Guha: Situated 2 kms from the Thiruvilwamala Temple, the Punarjani Guha is a natural tunnel in the rocky cliff. The narrow tunnel is about 15 mtrs long. It is believed that performing "Noozhal" or crawling through the tunnel from one end to the other will wash away all of one's sins and thus one attains rebirth. Only men are allowed to do the Noozhal, but women can visit the cave. This ritual is practiced only one day in a year - on Guruvayoor Ekadasi.

Mayiladum Para: Cholanur Peacock Sanctuary is 30kms from Palakkad and is one of the best places to watch peacocks.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary: The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary at a distance of 105kms is home to rare varieties of animals and birds. Boating / Cruising is allowed in the Parambikulam Reservoir. There is a tree house in the reserve forest area of Thoonakkadavu [to be booked in advance] which is a delight to nature lovers. Also the oldest teak tree, Kannimari is found here in sanctuary.

Kava: For those nature lovers who want to escape the bustle of the crowds, Kava is an ideal get away. Up on the hills of Malampuzha is this picturesque forest covered paradise that is being frequented by film crews and adventurers alike. Streams abound in this land that can be explored at one's free will in the company of some rare birds and butterflies.

Attappady: Attappady is a land of pristine beauty and tribal living. Mountains, rivers and forest converge to create an elemental beauty that is untouched by civilization. Attappady is home to the Irulas and Mudugar's, the study of whose living habits are any anthropologist's dream.

Meenvallam Waterfalls: Nature's bounty of cascading waters are being tapped to produce electricity in this scenic spot where beauty converges with utility. The ten step waterfall with the height of each step varying from five to fourty metres provide a visual treat to the beholder. Meenvallam is accessible at a distance of 37 kms from Palakkad on Mannarkad route.

Lakkidi: At a distance of 30kms from Palakkad is Lakkidi the birthplace of Kunjan Nambiar, the 18th Century satirist. An exponent who lifted "Ottan Thullal" to the realms of classical art form, Kunjan Nambiar is still a living memory at "Killikurisimangalam".

Mangalam Dam: This dam is built across the Cherukunnath River a tributary of the Mangalam river. The surroundings affer an ideal picnic outing for the family.

Meenkara: A dam across the scenic river Gayathri that flows into Bharathapuzha, Kerala's longest river, Meenkara is an ideal picnic spot for the family.

Arts & Festivals: Palakkad is also the land of temples and festivals - Festivals celebrating victories, agricultural festivals etc. The festival season begins in November and goes on till May. The Kalpathy Ratholsavam, a major event of the year is in the second week of November which coincides with the Ratholsavam at Mayavaram, Tanjore. After this comes the poorams and velas. Manapullikavu, Chinakkathoor and Nenmara-Vallangi are the major ones. Majestic elephants decked up in finery and extra-ordinary fireworks are characteristics of these poorams and velas. Palakkad is the place that gave birth to Kaniyarkali, an ethnic art form performed by the members of the Nair community.

Konganpada of Chittoor, a ritual drama of celebration of the people of Chittoor's victory over Tamil King of Kongunadu, is an annual cultural festival celebrated in the month of February. Pattambi Nercha is a festival that is conducted in memory of Aloor Valia Pookunjkoya Thangal, the Muslim Saint of South Malabar. Porattu Natakam, Tholpavakkoothu, Poothan Thira, Kavadiyattom and Karivesham are as popular in Palakkad as Carnatic Music and Kathakali. The rural sport of Bullock Cart Race is held at Chethali and Kottayi every year. cattle race is another popular sport that attracts huge crowds. A pair of oxen yoked together and raced through ploughed and watered fields, it celebrates human control over animals.

Ramassery Idli is a traditional dish that cannot be tasted anywhere else. Ramassery, a small village on the outskirts of Palakkad, is famous for its Idlis (Steamed Pancakers). These unique pancakes are made using specially designed earthenware and the cooking process takes only 2 minutes. Four families from the Mudulai community are involved in making this exotic dish.