Best Tourist Places in Palakkad | Kerala Tourism| Palakkad attractions| Malampuzha Dam and Gardens| Palakkad Fort | Best time to visit Palakkad| Silent Valley National Park| Palakkad sightseeing

Palakkad Tourist Places

Welcome to Palakkad – The Gateway to Kerala

Palakkad, often referred to as the “Gateway to Kerala,” is a serene district that lies between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Known for its vast paddy fields, picturesque landscapes, and historical landmarks, Palakkad offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and history. It is an ideal destination for travelers seeking peace, adventure, and a touch of Kerala’s rural charm.

Top Things to Do in Palakkad

1. Palakkad Fort

The Palakkad Fort, also known as the Tipu Sultan Fort, is a historic landmark that stands as a testament to the region's rich past. Built in the 18th century, this fort is one of the best-preserved examples of Kerala's military architecture. The fort is now a popular tourist spot, and visitors can explore its structure, watchtower, and surrounding lush greenery.

2. Silent Valley National Park

Located on the edge of the Western Ghats, the Silent Valley National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the last remaining stretches of tropical rainforest in India. It is home to diverse wildlife, including the endangered Lion-tailed Macaque. For nature lovers, trekkers, and wildlife enthusiasts, this park is a must-visit destination.

3. Malampuzha Dam and Gardens

The Malampuzha Dam, built across the Malampuzha River, is one of the largest dams in Kerala. Surrounding the dam are beautifully landscaped gardens, making it a perfect spot for a family picnic. You can also enjoy boating on the reservoir or visit the nearby Malampuzha Ropeway for an aerial view of the lush greenery.

4. Nelliyampathy Hills

The Nelliyampathy Hills is a serene hill station that is known for its scenic tea plantations, dense forests, and misty weather. It offers an ideal getaway for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. The area also features trekking trails that take you through pristine landscapes, making it perfect for hiking and outdoor activities.

5. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is a must. This reserve is located on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu and is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, elephants, and several species of birds. You can enjoy safaris, nature walks, and boat rides here.

6. Kalpathy Heritage Village

Kalpathy is a picturesque village known for its Kalpathy Temple and its well-preserved heritage. The village is famous for the Kalpathy Ratholsavam (car festival), a cultural extravaganza held annually. This village offers an authentic cultural experience, where visitors can explore ancient temples and enjoy traditional Kerala architecture.

7. Attappady

Attappady is a remote tribal area nestled in the Western Ghats and is one of the largest tribal settlements in Kerala. The region offers stunning natural beauty, including dense forests, waterfalls, and rivers. You can take a tour of the tribal villages, learn about the indigenous culture, and explore the local flora and fauna.

Best Time to Visit Palakkad

The best time to visit Palakkad is between October and March, when the weather is cool and pleasant, ideal for sightseeing, trekking, and exploring the region’s natural beauty. The monsoon season (June to September) is lush and green, but some trekking trails and outdoor activities may be affected by heavy rain.

Explore the Natural Beauty of Palakkad

1. Pothundi Reservoir

The Pothundi Reservoir is located near the foothills of the Western Ghats. The reservoir offers tranquil views of the surrounding landscape, perfect for a peaceful retreat. It is an ideal spot for picnics and leisurely walks by the water.

2. Attappady Hills

Known for its scenic beauty and tribal culture, the Attappady Hills offers stunning views of the Western Ghats. The region is rich in biodiversity, and visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, bird watching, and photography.

Cultural and Religious Experiences in Palakkad

1. Theyyam at the Parambikulam Temple

Theyyam is a traditional dance form and ritual performed at the Parambikulam Temple in Palakkad. Visitors can witness this vibrant and colorful performance, which is an integral part of Kerala’s cultural heritage.

2. Sree Guruvayurappan Temple

Located in the heart of Palakkad, the Sree Guruvayurappan Temple is an important religious site dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The temple is known for its tranquil ambiance and beautiful architecture. Devotees visit the temple to seek blessings, and it is a popular spot during festival seasons.

Accommodation in Palakkad

Palakkad offers a wide range of accommodation options that cater to every budget. From luxury resorts and heritage hotels to homestays and guesthouses, you’ll find the perfect place to stay during your visit. Many accommodations offer beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes, ensuring a memorable stay.

How to Reach Palakkad

By Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport (CJB), located about 50 km from Palakkad. The Kochi International Airport (COK) is another option, around 120 km away.
By Train: Palakkad Railway Station is well-connected to major cities like Kochi, Chennai, and Bangalore.
By Road: Palakkad is well connected by road to cities across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. You can easily access Palakkad by bus or private vehicle from nearby cities like Kochi, Coimbatore, and Madurai.

Plan Your Visit to Palakkad Today!

From exploring historical forts, temples, and waterfalls to immersing yourself in nature, Palakkad offers something for every traveler. Whether you are here for the cultural experiences, the lush greenery, or the peaceful retreats, Palakkad promises a memorable and enriching journey.

Malampuzha Dam

One of the largest reservoirs of Kerala, Malampuzha Dam is located near Palakkad in South India. It is surrounded by the Western Ghats on all side. Malampuzha Dam is a combination of a masonry dam with a length of 1,849 meters and an earthen dam with a height of 220 meters. The dam is 355 feet high and crosses the Malampuzha River, which is a tributary of Bharathappuzha, which is Kerala's second largest river.
Its construction was initiated in 1949, and it took about six years to finish the project. The dam was inaugurated on 9 October 1955 by the then Chief Minister of Madras, Sri. K. Kamaraj. Malampuzha Dam has a total catchment area of 145 square kilometers, and the reservoir has a capacity of 8000 square meters of water.

Palakkad Fort

Palakkad Fort: (Open 0800-1800 hrs) The old 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 and later taken over and modified by the British in 1790. It is now preserved by Archeological Survey of India. A temple of Lord Hanuman is adjacent to the main entrance of the Fort. A museum of Archeology is also functioning inside the Fort.Fort is surrounded by a moat. A jogging track parallel to the moat is provided for jogging in the morning and evening hours. The entire area is beautifully landscaped.

Malampuzha Ropeway

Malampuzha Garden in Palakkad district is the only rock-cut garden in South India made by Nek Chand, the renowned artist and winner of the prestigious Padmashree Award. The entire garden is made from broken pieces of bangles, tiles, used plastic cans, tins and other waste materials. Also situated in the gardens is the massive Malampuzha Yakshi (female vampire) built in 1969 by Kanayi Kunhiraman, a greatly respected sculptor from the state. It is a spectacular relic of art that we are lucky to still have with us. The flowering beds, fountains and rose gardens along with an aerial ropeway make it a place that instantly soothes your soul.

Seethargundu Viewpoint

Seethargundu viewpoint is located in the western ghats of Nelliyampathy.It is located around 8 km from Nelliyampathy. Seethargundu has associated with Ramayana.There is a saying that Lord Ram,Lakshmanan and Mother Sita rested in this place during their vanavasam period of fourteen years Seethargundu waterfall runs about 100ft, which gives a glorious experience.This location gives a wide view of stone queries and paddy fields spread close to resembling a green blanket.

Rock Garden

Malampuzha Rock Garden, maintained by the District Tourism Promotion Council, Palakkad, is the first-of-its-kind in South India. The Rock Garden was inaugurated on 7th January, 1996 in a building constructed by the District Nirmithi Kendra, Palakkad. This impressive collection of artwork is conceived and designed by renowned sculptor Padmasree Neck Chand Saini, the creator of India's first rock garden located in Chandigarh.

Silent Valley

Parambikulam Wildlife

Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is situated in Chittur taluk of Palakkad district and is about 100 km away from Palakkad. The challenging hill ranges here are placed at an altitude of 300 to 1438 m above sea level and the place offers a good climate with temperatures ranging from 15 degree Celsius to 32 degree Celsius. Sprawling over an area of 285 sq km, Parambikulam can boast of the first scientifically managed teak plantations of the world and also houses the world's tallest and oldest teak tree. The popular Thekkedy River also flows in this area. There are some aboriginal tribes like the Kadar, Muduvar, Mala Malasar, and all are settled in 6 colonies.

Parambikulam Dam

Parambikulam Dam is the best in India and one of the top ten embankment dams in the world. The dam is located with in Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary and it is surrounded by rich natural beauty. It is also an excellent place for bird watching. Boating is available in the reservoir.The dam is operated and maintained by Tamil Nadu but the ownership rests with Kerala, Per the agreement with Tamil Nadu, Kerala was supposed to receive 7.25 TMC feet of water per year from the Parambikulam Aliyar Project of which the Parambikulam Dam is a part.

Mangalam Dam

Among the gems of Palakkad district is the Mangalam Dam, built across the Cherukunnath River. The reservoir attracts people in large numbers due to the surrounding forest area. The dense canopy, along with a large number of diverse floral and faunal species, makes it a must-visit site in these parts. Take a boat ride or find a comfortable spot to sit and relax, as this secluded spot has something new to offer on every viewing.

Pothundi Dam

Dating back to the 19th century, Pothundi dam is one of the oldest dams in India. This irrigation dam holds a total capacity of 50,914,000-meter cube and provides irrigation to an area of 13,500 acres. The core wall of the dam is built by using a mixture of jaggery and quicklime which makes it unique in a way. This dam exemplifies a perfect blend of engineering and architecture.

Siruvani Dam

The Siruvani Dam is a straight masonry gravity dam, built across the Siruvani river, a tributary of Bhavani river at Mannarkkad Taluk in Palakkad District. Siruvani Dam, constructed in 1984 is used for supplying drinking water to the city of Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. The catchment is in the reserve forests of both Kerala and Tamilnadu. Muthikulam hill is situated on the eastern side of the dam and the waterfall from this hill is the main source of the dam.

Meenkara Dam

Meenkara Dam Lake, a scenic lake surrounded by rain forests and mountains in the catchment area of the Meenkara irrigation dam project. Peoples around does fishing in this lake for living needs. The water from this dam is mainly used for Irrigation purpose through a large network of canal system spreading out through the whole palakkad district. The canals are also fed with water from other hydro irrigation dams.

Nelliyampathy Hills

Nelliyampathy Hill Station: This fascinating hill station is at a height of 467 to 1,572 m above sea level. This hilly village is the delight of trekkers. Location: 65 Km from Palakkad (Palakkad-Nemmara of Trichur – Vadakkenchery – Nemmara route) 25 Km deviation from Nemmara. Attractions/Sight Seeing Points: Sitharkundu view point, Manpara view point, Kesavanpara view point, Victoria Church Hills, Karappara Dam site.

Attappady

Located on the north eastern section of the Palakkad district on the northern portion of the state of Kerala, also known as “God’s Own Country”, is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala, the beautiful hill station of Attappady. Attappady hill station is surrounded by lush green, undulating hills.Covering an area of 827 sq. kms, the best time to visit Attappady is from September to May

Kanjirapuzha

a tributary of the Thuthapuzha River, the Kanjirapuzha Dam in Palakkad is a reservoir which has mountain ranges at all its sides. Kanjirapuzha is a scenic town located at a distance of about 40 km from Palakkad town. The major attraction of the town is its dam which has the majestic Western Ghats as its background. The dam and the reservoir are built across River Siruvani, and the picturesque beauty of the region attracts travelers. The reservoir lies close to an evergreen forest which is known by the name Vettilachola.

Chulliyar Dam

Chulliyar Dam is one of the major irrigation project in palakkad which gives water to the kollengode panchayath. Situated at a distance of 36 Kms from Palakkad, it is a scenic place situated near Kollengode and Meenkara Dam. View of Chulliar Dam with the western ghats as background is spectacular. This is the southern part of the Palakkad Gap.

Kava Island

Kava is a beautiful green-land surrounded by mountains all around and its near the Malampuzha dam and is hardly 13km from Palakkad.The chirping birds, the cool fresh air and the lush greenery make the experience of exploring the attraction an enchanting one.

Dhoni Waterfalls

Dhoni Hills in Palakkad district is a famous picnic spot noted for its trekking option. The trek from the base area to Malampuzha and Meenavallam and Dhoni waterfalls is very interesting The waterfall surrounded by lush green forest and accessible only through a lengthy, mesmerising hike.

Meenvallam Waterfalls

Meenvallam Waterfalls, a hidden gem in Palakkad district, cascades from as high as 45 metres into Thuppanadu River which originates from the Kalladikodan Hills. Thuppanadu River later joins with the Thoothapuzha, which in turn empties into Bharathapuzha River. Located 8 km deep inside the forests from Thuppanad Junction on the Palakkad-Manarkkad Route in NH 213, the waterfalls are catching the attention of a lot of our visitors.

British Bridge Malampuzha

The bridge that you are seeing in the photo is the oldest and one of the most once beautiful bridges in Palakkad. It was constructed during the period of A.B. Robinson Collector Of Malabar in 1852 A.D. this bridge when see from certain angles, resembles Westminster Bridge Of London. When you observe it closely, it resemble Pont Marie Of Paris.Now Parli Old Bridge Of Palakkad is only used for pedestrians and cyclists.The bridge once one of the iconic symbols of the city is now going through its last stages.

Velliyamkallu

The Heritage Park at Velliyamkallu in Thrithala, Palakkad district is a nice place to take your kids out in the evening. The park is extremely close to the recently built Velliamkallu bridge cum regulator and affords beautiful views of River Nila (aka Bharatapuzha).
Children playing in the shallow waters of River Nila velliamkallu-heritage-parkHundreds of people flock to the park every evening to enjoy the cool breeze coming from the river and soak themselves in the beauty of Velliamkallu. Most visitors are families or youngsters.

Bharathapuzha

The Bharathapuzha river is the second longest West Flowing River that drains into the Arabian Sea in Kerala State. This basin is bounded in the East by the Cauvery basin, in the West by the Arabian Sea. The basin lies approximately between 100 26' and 110 13' North latitudes and 750 53' to 770 13' East longitudes. Its drainage area is 6,186 sq.km spread over the two states namely Tamil Nadu and Kerala. The basin is elongated in shape and finds its outlet into the Arabian Sea. There are five Hydrological Observation Stations on this river maintained by CWC i.e at Kumbidi, Pulamanthole, Mankara, Pudur & Amabarampalayam.

Kalpathy Heritage Village

Kalpathy is a heritage village which holds significance when it comes to the cultural fabric of Kerala. This Tamil migrant brahmin village is more popular as the hub of Carnatic music. There have been stars in the fields of literature, music, bureaucracy, judiciary and scientific research hailing from this settlement in Kalpathy.

Fantasy Park

With world class rides, pools, attractions and many more! Try out a ride in our raging water tubes that defies gravity. Take a plunge down on our towering slides. Brave the waves, have an exciting sea bath at the largest wave pool you have ever seen! Plummet down on a sheet of water from high altitude on our mountain slide. For a naturally refreshing experience, enjoy a heavenly shower under the Malampuzha falls -The magical spell of Kuttalam.

Kollengode Palace

At a distance of 26 Kms from Palakkad Railway Station, Kollengode Palace was once the seat of the Kollengode Rajas. The name was derived after 'Kollen' (black smith community), who resides here. The Kollengode Palace has now been converted into a luxury hotel with an Ayurvedic spa. Many international tourists come here for Ayurvedic treatment in natural surroundings.

Varikkassery Mana

The District of Palakkad has of many Brahmin traditional houses called Manas. Varikkassery is an aristocratic old Mana located at Manissery near Bharathapuzha near Ottappalam. The Mana is open on all days from 09.30am-05.00pm and the visitors have to get entry pass costs 20 rupees per adult. Do not miss the pond with beautiful steps also there near to the mana.

Nearest District Tourist Places

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