PALAKKAD

Situated at the foot of the Western Ghats there is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects. Yes, it is Palakkad, the gateway to Kerala. Palakkad is said to have derived its name from 2 words ‘Pala’ (Alsteria scholaris) and ‘Kadu’ (forest). The whole area is said to have been once covered with the sweet-scented flowers of the Pala tree. Palakkad district has got its own characteristics in many fields. Its geographical position, historical background, rural nature, educational status, tourist attractions and above all developmental activities are vivid and varied. The plains of Palakkad are so fertile and productive that the district is considered the Granary of Kerala.

Places of Attraction

Palakkad Fort: In the heart of Palakkad town, there is a well-preserved old granite fort said to have been built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766 AD. It is now preserved by the Archeological survey of India.

Nelliyampathy: It is the fascinating hill station at a height of 465-1752 m above sea level. At least 10 hairpin bends have to be negotiated on the Ghat road that passes through the breath taking evergreen forests of the Sahya Ranges. Seethakundu at Nelliyampathy offers panoramic view of about one third of Palakkad.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary: Having a rich diversity of flora and fauna, Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary is one of the best in Kerala. Boating cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam reservoir. The Kannimari tree said to be Asia’s largest and oldest teak tree stands about 5 km from Thunakadavu the headquarters of Parambikulam.

Attapady: With a beautiful synthesis of mountains, rivers and forests, Attapady is the habitat of many a tribes. The Malleswaram Peak is worshipped by the tribals with great gusto. Hardly affected by development wok, Attapady offers forests in their elemental grandeur.

Silent Valley National Park: Silent Valley National Park is perhaps the closest to a virgin forest in the entire Western Ghats. It contains India’s last substantial stretch of tropical evergreen rain forests, and a large number of wild animals. The peculiarity of the Silent Valley Forest is that it is devoid even of the chirping of cicadas.

Jain Temple: One of the few existing Jain temples in Kerala is the Jain temple at Jainamedu in the Vadakkanthara village on the Western border. With granite walls the temple displays images of Jain Thirthankaras and Yakshinis. The region around the temple, known as Jainimedu is one of the few places in Kerala where the vestiges of Jainism have survived.

Mayiladumpara: The grove takes its name from the large number of peacocks (mayil) found here.

Thiruvalathoor: The ancient temple here has some fine woodwork and stone sculptures.

Ottapalam: The town is known for its numerous places of worship and their colourful festivals.