Whether you have been there or not, you must have known of Kerala’s mesmerizing beauty, its splendid Western Ghats, unique interconnected backwater and many picturesque cities and towns. Palakkad is one such beautiful district in Kerala that is visited for its hill stations, thick tropical jungles, dams and traditional Ayurvedic treatment centers. Palakkad is also famous by the name of ‘the granary of Kerala’ because of immense expanse of paddy fields.
Palakkad has a wide variety of places to offer than expected. Check out what you can experience at Palakkad:
Places to See in Palakkad
Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village
Ayurveda in its traditional form is still practiced in almost every town of Kerala to treat all the lifestyle-related ailments. One such popular Ayurvedic center, the Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village, is located at Palakkad. Leisure as well as treatment packages of different durations are available at this Health Village. So get back the rejuvenation by living in a serene and peaceful environment of the Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village.
You can visit the place to treat your diabetes, obesity, spondylitis and many more such problems. The Kairali group started with the manufacturing of Ayurvedic products but in the late ’80s, it changed itself into an ayurvedic healing village-cum-resort. During your stay at Kairali Ayurvedic Health Village, only vegetarian food is served and you are not allowed to drink alcohol or smoke. Your daily routine will include yoga sessions, meditation, message and treatment. What a blissful environment!
Palakkad Fort
Palakkad Fort or Tipu’s Fort was built in 1766 by Hyder Ali, the father of Tipu Sultan. This granite fort is located in the heart of the town and a very popular landmark. Palakkad Fort is one of the most well preserved forts in India. The fort grounds still has an operational jail and Hanuman Temple. Visit the fort from 9 am – 5 pm on any day for its architecture and lush green gardens.
The Silent Valley National Park
The Silent Valley National Park is an exceptional preserve of natural rainforest that possibly dates back to 50 million years. The Silent Valley National Park is located along the Districts of Malapuram and Palakkad of Kerala. Being one of the most protected parks in India, the park has very less human interaction in terms of poaching, illicit felling etc. The Silent Valley National Park is rich in flora and fauna with rare as well as widespread species of Western Ghats.
You have to pay a minimal fee to visit the Silent Valley National Park and extra charges for jeep and if you hire a guide. From the main checkpoint you cover a distance of about 25 km (2 hours by jeep) to reach at a place known as called Sairandhri. This place has 150-meter high Watch Tower. On the way, you can spot plenty of birds and animals. You can reach the top of the tower by climbing about 300 steep stairs and view the entire valley as well as Poochipara Peak, Anginda Peak and the Kunthi river with its hanging bridge.
Do visit the museum close to the Watch Tower where the pictures of flora and fauna of the Silent Valley National Park are on display.
Attappady Hills
Attappady Hills make a beautiful mountain valley that is worth visiting. Numerous tributaries of the River Cauvery feed Attappady. The sublime climate, lush green forest and rivulets are enough to make it a perfect holiday destination in Palakkad.
Malampuzha Garden
Malampuzha Garden is a wonderful picnic spot with stunning dam and landscaped gardens. You can enjoy boating and fishing. The Fresh Water Aquarium and the Snake Park are not to be missed.
Thiruvalathoor
If you are interested in seeing ancient temple then visit Thiruvalathoor. This temple is famous for its sculpture and wood work. Try visiting the temple at night because to see about 4000 stone lamps, that are fixed on the walls of the temple, illuminated.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Chittur, Palakkad district. Visitors visiting Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary must take prior permission for trekking. You can also enjoy boating at this sanctuary.
Kollengode
Kollengode is a town in Palakkad district and located approximately 19 km from Palakkad. You can visit the Kollengode Palace (constructed in the conventional Kerala architectural manner), an ancient Vishnu Temple and the poet P. Kunhiraman Nair’s memorial at Kollengode.
Nelliyampathy Hill
Nelliyampathy Hill ranges have many breathtaking views. If you take the road from Nenmara that proceeds to the Pothundy Dam to reach Nelliyampathy Hill then you have to cross about 10 hairpin bends. Enjoy the cloud-caressed hill and boating at the Pothundy Dam.
Apart from this you can visit famous dams like Malampuzha, Mangalam, Pothundi and Siruvani at Palakkad.
