Palakkad
Travel Guide 
Palakkad
Fort: The old granite fort situated in the very heart of Palakkad town
is one of the best preserved in Kerala. It was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore
in 1766. The fort was taken over and modified by the British in 1790. It is
now preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Fantasy
Park : (1400 - 2100 hrs on week days and 1100 - 2100 hrs on Saturdays,
Sundays and national holidays). Ph: 815122 815124 Entrance fee: Adults Rs.
20 Children Rs. 10. Separate charges for rides and computer games. Block
tickets: Adults Rs. 80 Children Rs. 60
Pothundy(45
km from Palakkad): Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy
Reservoir Complex is a charming location for picnics and half-day trips.
Thiruvalathoor (10 km from Palakkad) : The ancient temple here has
some fine wood work and stone sculptures.
Dhoni (15 km
from Palakkad): It takes a three hour trek from the base of the Dhoni
hills to reach this reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall.
Kottayi :
(15 km via Poodur from Palakkad): This tiny village
is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen
of Carnatic music.
Malampuzha Garden (10 km from
Palakkad): This 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 this place from Palakkad.
Kollengode
(19 km south of Palakkad) : Kollengode or the abode of blacksmiths
enshrines the pristine beauty of rural Palakkad. The Kollengode Palace, the
Vishnu Temple and the poet P. Kunhiraman Nair Memorial are worth visiting.
Seethakundu and Govindamalai hills near Kaachankurichi are ideal for
adventurous trekkers.
Lakkidi (30 km from Palakkad):
Killikkurissimangalam at Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar, the
18th century satirist and exponent of the
Tullal (classical art
form). The poet's house has been preserved as a monument by the State
Government.
Meenkara(32 km from Palakkad): This picnic
spot is the site of a dam across the river Gayathri which flows into the
Bharathapuzha.
Ottappalam(35 km from Palakkad): The town
is known for its numerous places of worship and their colourful festivals.
Durga Temple the
Pooram at Chenakkathur the
Nercha festival
commemorating the Aulia.
Thrithala (75 km from Palakkad):
This place is noted for its monuments and historic ruins. The Siva Temple
and the ruins of a mud fort near Thrithala on the Chalissery road are
notable cultural monuments. The Kattilmadam Temple, a small granite Buddhist
monument on the Pattambi-Guruvayoor road, is of great archaeological
importance. It is believed to date back to the 9th/10th century AD. The
Paakkanaar memorial, honouring the Pariah saint, stands near Thrithala
Koottanad road. This is also the native place of renowned writer and social
reformer VT Bhattathiripad.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
(110 km from Palakkad): Sprawled across 285 sq. km, the Parambikulam
Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. Boating/cruising facilities
are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State
Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Anappady offer
accommodation. A tree house in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu has
to be booked in advance. The oldest teak tree,
kannimari is found
here.
Siruvani (46 km north of Mannarkad and 48 km from
Palakkad): The reservoir at Siruvani was built for Tamil Nadu by the Kerala
Government to meet the drinking water requirements of Coimbatore. The
gateways on either side of the road across the dam are typical of the Kerala
and Tamil architectural styles. Siruvani is also home to certain tribals
like the Mudugars and Irulars.
