Palakkad, Kerala Make Others Green With Envy
Palakkad is also famous as Palghat, is located in Palghat Gap, which is a depression in the Western Ghats and is adjoined to the state of Tamil Nadu. It is a city located in the state of Kerala, around 350 kilometres north of Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. This town is an important city of Kerala and every year a number of tourists come here to see landscapes and temples.
The name Palghat was derived from the name Pal Ghat, which is one of the Ghats in Western Ghats. Palakkad is famous for its Travancore saris, handicraft and jewellery. The name is believed to have originated from the word Palai nilam, which means dry land. However, the commonly held belief is that, it originated from the fusion of Malayalam and Tamil words.
In Palakkad, there are a number of temples that are visited by devotees throughout the year. People come here to see temples like Kanjirapuzha, Pattambi Nercha, Kalpathy Temple, Jain Temple, Pariyanempatta Bagavathi Temple, due to their religious and historical significance. There are many local festivities that are celebrated every year in these temples. Padur Vela, Tharakad Sivan Koil Siva Rathry, Pudduseri Vedi, etc. are few of these temples. There are other places like Silent Valley National Park, Pothundy Dam, Malampuzha Dam, Dhoni Waterfalls, Parambikulam, Walayar Dam and many more. These temples and attractions are located in and around Palakkad town.
What to See....
Palakkad Fort: The majestic Palakkad Fort sits in a sprawling 15 acres on the western border of the town. This strategic fort was built by Hyder Ali, the Sultan of Mysore, in 1766 AD. This fort, a witness to the history of Mysore invasions in Kerala and the advent of British rule, survives in its original glory and grandeur. The Fort offers panoramic views of the town of Palakkad. The Fort is currently a protected monument under the Archeological Survey of India.
Malampuzha Dam and Gardens: Serene waters shimmering in sunlight, velvet green lawns, endless flower beds gently swaying in the cool breeze, magnificent mountains towering in the backdrop, sweet fragrance of roses in the air - these are just some of the snapshots that greet you in "Natures own Malampuzha". The sparkling waters and gardens could be best enjoyed by taking boat rides through the reservoir. There is an aquarium, snake park, toy train, Japanese garden, ropeway, telescopic tower, thread garden, amusement park and rock garden located inside the main garden.
Nelliyampathy: Situated on the Western Ghats High Ranges, Nelliyampathy offers dashing views of the plains, cliffs, valleys, rivers and the forests around. This hilly paradise at a distance of 52 km from Palakkad is well renowned for its tea gardens, cardamom plantations, orange orchards, sparkling silver waterfalls and dense forests.
Silent Valley National Park: The Silent valley biosphere sprawls to a fascinating 90 sq. km area. Every year researchers identify new species of plants and birds in this untamed wilderness. This paradise with undulating mountains and lush greenery is also an ideal place to spot some of the most rare and endangered animals and birds. The region is home to the rare Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Tigers, Leopards, Indian Bison, Elephants, Bears, Squirrels and a wide variety of deer.
Jain temple: This temple is one of the very few existing Jain temples in Kerala. This historic temple built in granite has carved idols of the Jain Thirthankeras and Yakshinis. Although it is difficult to establish the correct age of the temple, it is estimated that the temple was built over 500 years by a Jain sage. The Jain inhabitants in the region fled during Tipu Sultans invasions.
How to reach
In Palakkad, there are a number of temples that are visited by devotees throughout the year. People come here to see temples like Kanjirapuzha, Pattambi Nercha, Kalpathy Temple, Jain Temple, Pariyanempatta Bagavathi Temple, due to their religious and historical significance. There are many local festivities that are celebrated every year in these temples. Padur Vela, Tharakad Sivan Koil Siva Rathry, Pudduseri Vedi, etc. are few of these temples. There are other places like Silent Valley National Park, Pothundy Dam, Malampuzha Dam, Dhoni Waterfalls, Parambikulam, Walayar Dam and many more. These temples and attractions are located in and around Palakkad town.
What to See....
Palakkad Fort: The majestic Palakkad Fort sits in a sprawling 15 acres on the western border of the town. This strategic fort was built by Hyder Ali, the Sultan of Mysore, in 1766 AD. This fort, a witness to the history of Mysore invasions in Kerala and the advent of British rule, survives in its original glory and grandeur. The Fort offers panoramic views of the town of Palakkad. The Fort is currently a protected monument under the Archeological Survey of India.
Malampuzha Dam and Gardens: Serene waters shimmering in sunlight, velvet green lawns, endless flower beds gently swaying in the cool breeze, magnificent mountains towering in the backdrop, sweet fragrance of roses in the air - these are just some of the snapshots that greet you in "Natures own Malampuzha". The sparkling waters and gardens could be best enjoyed by taking boat rides through the reservoir. There is an aquarium, snake park, toy train, Japanese garden, ropeway, telescopic tower, thread garden, amusement park and rock garden located inside the main garden.
Nelliyampathy: Situated on the Western Ghats High Ranges, Nelliyampathy offers dashing views of the plains, cliffs, valleys, rivers and the forests around. This hilly paradise at a distance of 52 km from Palakkad is well renowned for its tea gardens, cardamom plantations, orange orchards, sparkling silver waterfalls and dense forests.
Silent Valley National Park: The Silent valley biosphere sprawls to a fascinating 90 sq. km area. Every year researchers identify new species of plants and birds in this untamed wilderness. This paradise with undulating mountains and lush greenery is also an ideal place to spot some of the most rare and endangered animals and birds. The region is home to the rare Lion Tailed Macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Tigers, Leopards, Indian Bison, Elephants, Bears, Squirrels and a wide variety of deer.
Jain temple: This temple is one of the very few existing Jain temples in Kerala. This historic temple built in granite has carved idols of the Jain Thirthankeras and Yakshinis. Although it is difficult to establish the correct age of the temple, it is estimated that the temple was built over 500 years by a Jain sage. The Jain inhabitants in the region fled during Tipu Sultans invasions.
How to reach
By Air - The nearest airport is located in Coimbatore at a distance of 55 km towards East and the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) is at a distance of 160 km south.
By Rail - There are two railway stations here. The main one is the Palakkad junction situated 5 km. from the city and other at the town.
By Rail - There are two railway stations here. The main one is the Palakkad junction situated 5 km. from the city and other at the town.
