Palakkad Travel
How To Get There - Palakkad
By Air
The nearest airport is Coimbatore,
55 kms. away. To the south is Cochin Airport, 16Okms. away.
By Rail
There are two railway stations, the
main, Palakkad Junction is 5 kms from the city.
Local Transport
Car Rentals: Anjali
Travels, My Lady Travels, Joy Peter.
By Road
Palakkad is connected by good
motorable roads to all the major towns of Kerala and the neighbouring
state of Tamil Nadu.
PALAKKAD - THE GRANARY OF INDIA
Palakkad, the land, which is one of the most fertile and thickly
forested districts of Kerala is supposed to have derived its name from
the 'Pala' tree and 'Kadu' meaning forest. The whole area is said to
have been covered by 'Pala' trees, in the past.
The district of Palakkad, which lies at the foot of the colossal
Western Ghats, has only midland and highland areas. Much of the area is
made up of plains, scattered with a few hillocks. The plains are so
fertile and productive that the district is considered the "Granary
of Kerala".
Along with Idukki, Palghat is the other district in Kerala, which has
the rare distinguishing characteristic of not having a seacoast.
Kerala's longest river Bharathapuzha flows through the district.
During the hot season, its wide sandy bed is dry except for some miles
from its origin. Being too shallow and rocky for water transport, the
Bharathapuzha has little commercial significance but holds a special
place in the cultural psyche of the State.
Prime Attractions of Palakkad
Located on the banks of the river Sokanasini (the
destroyer of sorrows), this is a memorial to Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the
author of Adhyatma Ramayana, who spent his last days here. A srichakra,
some of the idols worshipped by him, a stylus, wooden slippers and a few
old manuscripts are exhibited here.
more..
The Vishwanatha Swamy shrine, the oldest Shiva temple
is situated 3 kms from Palakkad. The annual chariot temple is a gala
event. The annual 'Ratholsavam' or Chariot Festival at Sree Viswanantha
Swamy temple lasts for seven days.
more..
One of the best preserved forts in Kerala, it was built
by Mysore's Haider Ali. In 1790, The Fort was taken over and renovated
by the British.
more..
The annual feast of the Pattambi Mosque situated 61
kms from Palakkad, falls in the first week of February. About 70 - 80
tuskers are lined up for the festival.
more..
Malampuzha
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. There are frequent buses to the garden from Palakkad.
Excursions from Palakkad
(40Km.)
Attapaddy situated on the northeastern side of the district of Palakkad
and spread over an area of 827 sq. kms has the largest tribal
settlement. The place consists of mostly hilly highland terrain, fed by
the tributaries of the River Cauvery.
more..
(15Km.)
Dhoni is a 3 hour trek from the base of the Dhoni Hills to this reserve
forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall.
more..
(48Km.)
The Mangalam Dam is constructed on the river Cherukunnapuzha, a
tributary of the river Mangalam. A popular picnic site, the dam is
located 48 kms south of Palakkad town.
more..
(75Km.)
The ranges here consist of a chain of ridges cut offf from one another
by valleys. The highest peak is Nellikota. The forest contains teak of
extraordinary height and girth. Estates of tea, coffee, orange and
cardamom dot the ranges.
more..
(40Km.)
Silent Valley National Park located 40 kms from Mannarkkad in the
Palakkad district, echoes with the sounds of teeming wildlife.
more..
(75Km.)
75 kms from Palakkad along the banks of Bharathapuzha river, Thrithala
is famed for its Shiva temple. Kattilmadom temple on the
Pattambi-Guruvayoor road has archaeological importance.the small granite
structure, a testimony of Buddhist influence, built probably during the
9th or 10th century.
more..
Kanjirapuzha
(24Km.)
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.
Kottayi
(15Km.)
This village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha
Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.
Malayalappuzha
(12Km.)
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.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
(97Km.)
The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a reservoir of tranquil greenery
ensconced in a valley between the Annamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu and the
Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala.
Fairs & Festivals - Palakkad
Kalpathy
Ratholsavam
Konganppada
Pattambi Nercha
Leisure - Palakkad
Eating Out
Aram Motel, Walayar; Hotel
Ambady, Ashok Bhawan Hotel.
Maps - Palakkad
Railway
Network Map
Road Map
Travel Map
General Information - Palakkad
Location
Kerala
Main Attraction
Palakkad Fort, Kalpathy
Temple
Languages
Malayalam, English
Best Time
September To February
Useful Information - Palakkad
Tourist Information Centres
Travel Agents:
IATA Approved Jet Travels, Press Club Road.
Banks / Money Changers
Andhra Bank, Bank Of
Baroda, Canara Bank, Catholic Syrian Bank, Central Bank Of India.