Blessed with an abundance of serene beauty, Palakkad is commonly called the Gateway of Kerala as it lies on the borders of Tamil Nadu. It is known for its cultural riches, exotic nature, and important places so Palakkad is a nice area to rest away from large cities. We present to you the top 10 tourist places in Palakkad, where you can have various experiences that offer different aspects of the beauty and culture of this location.
Palakkad Fort
Also called the Fort of Tipu Sultan, Palakkad Fort is one of the best-preserved forts in the southern Indian state of Kerala. The fort built by Hyder Ali in 1766 still exists along with the great historical importance it was once famous for. The Fort is surrounded by a moat as well as beautiful green gardens and is a historical site ideal for visitors interested in architecture. For occasions such as cultural programs, an open-air auditorium is also present inside the fort.
Silent Valley National Park
For those who appreciate pristine flora and fauna, the Silent Valley National Park is a must-visit. The park is comprised of a part of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve which has become one of the few remaining sections of tropical rainforest in India as well as the globe that has escaped the ravages of humanity. Trekking enthusiasts pound the forested hills tracking animal sounds and sights of lion-tailed macaques, elephants, and birds among many others. The beautiful park is also home to a large variety of medicinal plants.
Malampuzha Dam and Gardens
Constructed over the Malampuzha River, Malampuzha Dam is the biggest water reservoir in Kerala. Around the dam are stunning gardens including the popular Malampuzha Rock Garden which was created by sculpture artist Nek Chand. People who visit the dam have the choice to go on rides across the boats set in the reservoir, or if they want, they can admire the untroubled aspects of the area. The peaceful
environment is enhanced by the presence of a gondola which provides vistas of the dam and its hilly surroundings making it ideal for families and tourists who want an outdoor experience.
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
Tigers, leopards, elephants, and the Indian gaur (bison) are just some of the animals that call the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve home. Located on the border between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the Parambikulam Reserve also features eco-tourism activities such as trekking, jungle safari, and bamboo rafting. Visitors have the option of lodging in eco-friendly infrastructures within the Reserve to have a closer look at the wild.
Nelliyampathy Hills
At a distance of about 60 kilometers from Palakkad, Nelliyampathy Hills is the ideal spot for people looking for some peace in cooler climates. Given its beauty, green tea and coffee plantations, and hilly terrain, Nelliyampathy is perfect for trekking, bird watching, and photography of nature. The ride to the hill station is in itself a fun experience, featuring hilly roads with beautiful valleys on the sides.
Dhoni Falls
If you are a nature lover then the Dhoni Waterfalls near the village of Dhoni is simply a must-visit. The hike to the falls passes through forest thickets on its way to the waterfalls making it very adventurous. The scenery surrounding the waterfall is lush with plants and flowers and offers calm to those who are weary. Since it is away from populated areas, it is a perfect retreat for someone who is bored and wants to switch off from the world.
Meenvallam Waterfalls
Another secret treasure of Palakkad is the Meenvallam Waterfalls which is about 30 km away from the city. With multiple cascades, the waterfall is located on the slopes of the Western Ghat Mountains and is dominated by tropical vegetation. It is a perfect place to go for a picnic, bathe, or hike in the woods. The water in the pool is so clear that it is ideal for nature-loving people who want to seclude themselves.
Kalpathy Heritage Village and Temple
Kalpathy is known as the Varanasi of the South and the home of the yine Indian State of Kerala), is famed for its centuries-old Kalpathy Ratholsavam (chariot festival) and the old Viswanatha Swamy Temple. With its Tamil Brahmin agraharam-style houses, this heritage village preserves a distinctive essence. The Chariot Festival, which takes place every year in November, Huthe temples are crammed with large wooden chariots and the population pulls the chariots in the street. The serene setting of the village has everything to offer for one who appreciates culture and Fortean activities.
Attappadi
Attappadi is a hilly region in the Western Ghats, among the largest tribes of India-Kerala’s characters. It is a hilly region cultivated with beautiful looks and rich cultures where numerous tribal clans respect and attach themselves to the environment. There are opportunities to engage with tribal people, take a look at their surroundings, and trek in the nearby hills. Given the hill area’s perfect climatic conditions, the Sholayur region of Attappadi is famous for coffee and tea plantations.
Pothundi Dam
Pothundi Dam is located quite close to the Nelliyampathy Hills and serves as an excellent site for picnic and weekend tours. The picturesque hills and greenery that surround the dam offer visitors tranquil calmness. Boating can be done on the reservoir and nature walks undertaken around the site. Monsoon more than any other season offers the highest rewards for the visitors, as water from the hills flows into the reservoir and the scenery is breathtaking from the dam.
Palakkad proclaims to have a fascinating blend of old, scenic, and cultural auras. For forest lovers, it can be the Silent Valley’s rich greenery, or those who want to explore the cultural values of the region can visit Kalpathy for even more extensive insights. The pleasant atmosphere provided together with the natural goodness of the Western Ghats gives enough to those in search of peace and harmony of their body and soul by being amidst nature.
