About: |
Palakkad District or Palghat is one of the 14 districts of Kerala state in South India. The city of Palakkad is the district headquarters. Palakkad is bordered on the northwest by the Malappuram District, on the southwest by the Thrissur District and on the east by Coimbatore district of Tamilnadu. The district is 13.62% urbanised.The district is nicknamed "the granary of Kerala".In earlier days, palakkad along with most parts of Kerala were under the rule of the Chera kings (Perumals). With the decline of Chera dynasty, parts of this district were ruled by Palakkad Rajas who were believed to be a branch of Zamorins (Samudiri Rajavamsam) of Calicut who later declared independance. Some parts were under Kollengode Rajas of Vengunad and the Valluvanad part of the district was ruled by Valluvakonathiris (who are considered to be descendants of a branch of Pallava dynasty who might have ruled parts of kerala at an earlier date). For a brief period, some areas of the district near Chittur came under the attack of the nearby Kongu king when the local people resisted the Kongu invasion successfully. Palakkad city is the headquarters of the Palakkad district of Kerala.Palakkad is a city in the central part of the state of Kerala in India. This city is a landlocked city even though it is in the coastal state of India, Kerala. It is a quaint town, which fosters small trade and is home to people, who live traditional lives, revel in their history and keep the refinement of their culture alive. This beautiful city sits in the foot of the Western Ghats and one prominent factor of this city is that it is the doorway of coming to the State of Kerala from the north of the state. Hence, it is also known as the gateway of the state. Palakkad, also known as Palghat, is one of the most fertile and thickly forested districts of Kerala. Palakkad is supposed to have derived its name from the 'Pala' tree and 'Kadu' meaning forest. It is said that 'Pala' trees covered the whole area, in the past.The district of Palakkad known as the granary of Kerala, is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects.The topographical feature of this city is well distinguished with the extensive green valleys, small and rolling hillocks, meandering rivers, and dense forests.There are also huge dams, multipurpose projects and steep flowing mountain streams in this city of Palakkad. Palakkad derives its name from the Malayalam words Pala ( Alsteria scholaris) and Kadu (forest) which goes to prove that this place was once a beautiful stretch of forests covered with the sweet scented flowers of the Pala tree.Tours To Palakkad features among one of the ancient places in Kerala. Palakkad is replete with many places of considerable tourist interest. Therefore your Kerala Palakkad Tours travel is bound to be an eventful one. Palakkad is only the second district in Kerala, which has the rare distinguishing characteristic of not having a seacoast. Kerala's longest river Bharathapuzha flows through the Palakkad district. During the hot season, its wide sandy bed is dry except for some miles from its origin. Being too shallow and rocky for water transport, the Bharathapuzha has little commercial significance but holds a special place in the cultural psyche of the State. |
Location info: |
Situated at the foot of the Western Ghats, this is the gateway to Kerala from the north. |
Climate/Weather of Palakkad Districts : |
The district has a humid climate with a very hot season extending from March to June in the Western Part of the district whereas it is less humid in the eastern sector. The most important rainy season is during South West monsoon which sets the second week of June and extends up to September. About 75 per cent of the annual rain is received during the south west monsoon period. During the period December to May, practically no rain is received. The temperature of the district ranges from 20 °C to 45 °C. The maximum temperature recorded at Palakkad was 43 °C. |
History of Palakkad Districts : |
Historical too, Palakkad district has its own special characteristics. The fort of Hyder Ali tells us the story of Mysore invasions and the advent of the British to this part of the country. The Victoria College, started in 1866, marks the beginning of higher education in Malabar. The Jain temple near Chunnamputhara speaks of the magnanimity of the King of Palakkad who provided shelter to the people who escaped the religious persecutions of the King of Mysore, five hundred years ago. The Pallava dynasty of Kanchi might have invaded Malabar in the second or third century. One of their headquarters was a palace called Palakadu which could be the present-day Palakkad. Malabar had been invaded by many of the ancient South Indian rulers. For many centuries, it was ruled by the Perumals. They had under them some powerful Utayavars who held authority in their own respective territories. After the rule of the Perumals, the country was divided among these chieftains. The Valluvakonathiri (ruler of Valluvanad), the rulers of Vengunad (Kollankodu Rajas) and Sekhari Varma (Raja of Palakkad) were the prominent rulers of this region, after the Perumals. When the Zamorin of Kozhikkode invaded Palakkad in 1757, the Raja of Palakkad sought the help of Hyder Ali of Mysore.Hyder Ali’s help forced the Zamorin to retreat. Later Hyder Ali subjugated all territories in Palakkad which were under the possession of Zamorin. Thus the whole area possessed by the Raja of Palakkad passed in to the hands of the Mysore rules - Hyder Ali and his son, Tippu Sultan. The war between Tippu and the East India Company ended with the treaty of 1872 and all the possessions of Tippu in Malabar were ceded to the British. Gradually these formed part of the Malabar district of the Madras Presidency. |
Educational Institutions of Palakkad Districts : |
Karunya University Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham NSS College of Engineering Government Victoria College Chembai Memorial Government Music College Co-operative College Salem Bible College NSS College Ground Chittur College Post Office Sri Krishna Engineering College Government Engineering College, Thrissur PSG College of Technology Govt. Polytechnic College |
Langauge |
The local language spoken here is Malayalam the mother tongue of the people of Kerala known as keralites or Malayalees. |
Culture: |
Palakkad district has a glorious cultural tradition. It is said that Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam literature, spent his last days in Chittur. To commemorate this, there is the “Thunchathu Acharya Madam” at Chittur. Kunjan nambiar, the most popular p[oet of Malayalam and the founder of Thullal, purely a Kerala art form, had his birth in a small village called Killikurissimangalam (Lakkidi) in this district. Worthy contributions have been made by talented artists of this district for maintaining and enriching the classical dance forms of Kerala, such as Chakkiar Koothu, Thullal, Kathakali and Mohiniattom. Mani Madhava Chakiar for ‘Koothu’ and Vazhenkada Kunju Nair for Kathakali are the two names to be remembered in this context. The “ Kalluvazhichitta”, the most popular school of ‘Kathakali’ had its origin in Palakkad district and its exponent was late Sri Vazhenkada Kunju Nair. The musical tradition of Palakkad district is unchallenged. The district has been blessed with the birth of the late Sri Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the exponent of Carnatic music and Sri Palakkad Mani Iyer, the inimitable maestro of mridangam. Sri C. Sankaran Nair also belongs to Mankara, a place in this district. |
How to reach? |
Nearest Railway Station:Palakkad Junction Railway Station (5 km from the city) is a major railhead of the Southern Railways. |
Nearest Airport:Coimbatore Airport (55 km) |
Road Transport:Palakkad is connected by an excellent network of roads to all the major cities in India. KSRTC bus stand Ph: 2520098. |
Tourist Attraction of Palakkad Districts |
Palakkad Fort Fantasy Park Thrithala Ottappalam Perambikulam Dhoni Thiruvalathoor Melampuzha Lakkidi Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary Kollengode: Pothundy Kottayi Silent Valley Meenkara Siruvani Malampuzha Garden |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Palakkad Districts: |
Hotel KRResidency Hotel Hariharaputhra Vilas Fort Palace Hotel Aramana Hotel Kapilavasthu Hotel Chanakya Hotel Hotel Ashok Bhavan Hotel Green Park Hotel Kapliavastu Fort Palace Hotel Hotel Indraprastha Hotel Rajdhani Hotel Aryas Gazala Hotel Soorya City Hotel Hotel Noorjahan Srichakra International Indraprastha Hotel |
Links |
http://www.cultureholidays.com/kerala/districts/kerala-palakkad.htm |
Fantasy Park |
Malampuzha Dam located in the lap of the majestic mountain ranges of the Western Ghats is already an established tourist destination in Kerala. Unlike other destinations Malampuzha offers a multitude of attraction to all categories. The recently spruced up Malampuzha Garden, Snake Park, Aquarium, Rock Garden, Rope Way etc. give to the visitors a mix of thrills. In the midst of the stifling heat of Palakkad, Fantasy Park welcomes all to a cool experience in its Water World.Covering an area of 15 acres, this amusement park is located in Malampuzha, which is just 10 km away from Palakkad town.Fantasy Park is located close to the Malampuzha Gardens.....more |
Palakkad City |
Palakkad city is the headquarters of the Palakkad district of Kerala.Palakkad is a city in the central part of the state of Kerala in India. This city is a landlocked city even though it is in the coastal state of India, Kerala. It is a quaint town, which fosters small trade and is home to people, who live traditional lives, revel in their history and keep the refinement of their culture alive. This beautiful city sits in the foot of the Western Ghats and one prominent factor of this city is that it is the doorway of coming to the State of Kerala from the north of the state. Hence, it is also known as the gateway of the state......more |
Chulliyar Dam |
Chulliyar Dam is a charming spot for the tourists and is situated in Muthalamada panchayat in Palakkad. This dam was build across the tributary of Gayathripuzha River in 1960. The dam offers a superb view of Nelliyampathy Hills. This point offers an excellent view of mighty hills. The Chulliar dam is a masonry gravity dam for a length of 555 m and Zonal type earthen dam for 1200 m. The maximum height of the dam is 30.50m and the capacity of the reservoir is 13 .70 Mm3. The water-spread area. is 165 sq.km at FRL and the catchment area is 27.80 sq.km. The ayacut of the project is 2430 Ha. The main source of water for both reservoirs are mainly from rain during the South-west and North-east monsoon.....more |
Kanjhirapuzha Kulumavu Dam |
Kanjirapuzha dam is situated 13 Km. away from Mannarghat, Palakkad District of Kerala. The dam is constructed across the river Siruvani .An evergreen forest named Vettilachola is immediately beyond the reservoir. Three islands in the reservoir gain a special attraction. These islands are abundant with marine life including commercial varieties grown by the fisheries department. The water spread of the dam lies in a single stretch.An evergreen forest named Vettilachola is immediately beyond the reservoir. Three islands in the reservoir gain a special attraction. These islands are abundant with marine life including commercial varieties grown by the fisheries department.'Vettilachola', provides the backdrop to a lake surrounded by hillocks.....more |
Malampuzha Dam |
Malampuzha Dam is Located near 12 km Palakkad, the largest reservoir of Kerela, Malampuzha Dam is one of the tourist attraction spots of the state. The Dam is surrounded with the scenic hills of the Western Ghats in the background. The Malampuzha Dam is an arrangement of a masonry dam, which is 1,849 metres long and an earthen dam that is 220 metres long. The height of the dam is 6,066 feet and crosses the Malampuzha River, which is a tributary of Kerela`s longest river - Bharathappuzha. Extensive networks of two canal systems serve the dam`s reservoir of 42,090 hectares. Work on the Malampuzha Dam was begun in 1949. Six years later it was completed and dedicated in 1955.....more |
Mangalam Dam |
Mangalam Dam is in the Alathur taluk of Palakkad district in Kerala in south India, and it is constructed on the river Cherukunnapuzha, a tributary of the river Mangalam. A popular picnic site, The Mangalam Dam is located south of Palakkad town. The construction of the scenic dam was completed in the year 1956.The reservoir fringes on the forest area teeming with wildlife like deer, elephants and a variety of birds. The entire area is quite fascinating with beautiful parks, lawns and statues. Mangalam Dam, KeralaStanding across the Cherukunnapuzha River, the Mangalam dam was initially build for the purpose of providing irrigational water in the region. Cherukunnapuzha River is a tributary of Mangalam River.....more |
Meenkara Dam |
Meenkara is a tourist destination located in Palakkad District of Kerala. It is about 32 km south-east of Palakkad. The prime attraction is the Meenkara Dam constructed across the Meenkara River - a sub tributary of Gayathripuzha, which flows into the Bharathapuzha. A garden and a fish farm add beauty to this place.Meenkara is an ideal picnic spot for one day picnickers. Meenkara can be approached easily from Palakkad Bus Station. Palakkad Town Railway Station and Palakkad Junction Railway Station are the convenient railway stations.....more |
Parambikulam Dam |
Parambikulam Dam is designed as an embankment dam on the Parambikulam River, included in the Udumalaipettai, Palakkad district, Kerala in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. . Parambikulam Dam is known as one of the finest dams in India as well as one of the best dams in the world in volume capacity as recorded in the year 2000.The Parambikulam Dam is a part of Parambikulam Aliyar Project. In 2004, Kerala did not receive any water until February. Thus paddy in thousands of acres in Chittur taluk dried.....more |
Pothundi Dam |
The Pothundi Dam is situated at a distance of about 42 kilometers from Palakkad and at a distance of 8 kilometers from Nemmara along the route to Nelliyampathy.. The Pothundi Damwas constructed with the aim of providing water for irrigation to the district of Palakkad in the state of Kerala. In the 19th century, the Pothundi Dam was built in the Indian state of Kerala. The design of the dam constructed at that time was much ahead of its contemporaries. The construction of the dam was made without using a traditional concrete core. The traditional concrete core was used in the construction of most of the dams in order to counter the force applied by huge water pressure.....more |
Siruvani Dam |
Siruvani Dam site is about 48 Kms from Palakkad is also almost equi-distant from Coimbatore city. Journey to Siruvani through the winding road is thrilling. It is surrounded by thick forest having all sorts of wild animals.The water of Siruvani river is known for its tasty water,and it is typically known to be the second sweetest lake water in the world.It is one of the main water source of Coimbatore city. The Panoramic View of the dam and the falls is enchanting with beauty.Enclosed with lush green trees and beautiful rivulets of waters flowing all around. Sadivayal Checkpost is the gateway to the waterfalls. An entry fee for every person to enter is charged in this place.....more |
Walayar Dam |
Walayar Dam is situated about walayar , Palakkad, close to limits of Kerala and Tamilnadu. Walayar Dam was built in 1964. The dam site is perfect for family vacations and the nearest airport is Coimbatore Airport. Walayar has its own railhead nearby. Loknayak J P Smrithivanam and Deer Park is the close by attraction of Walayar Dam. Walayar Dam stands across the Walayar River - a tributary of Kalpathipuzha River. This dam belongs to the Palakkad district of Kerala in South India. The waters of the Walayar Dam happen to be the major source of irrigation in the region. Several industries have grown in the vicinity depending upon the water source to be Walayar Dam.....more |
Palakkad Fort |
Palakkad Fort is situated in Palakkad town, Palakkad district, Kerala.Palakkad Fort is one of the best preserved Forts in Kerala, was built by Mysore's Haider Ali in 1766 AD. In 1790, the Fort was taken over and renovated by the British.Palakkad (Palghat) Fort or Tippu's Fort is an imposing fort situated in an area of 15 acres, on the western border of Palakkad town, in the state of Kerala. A protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India, this is one of the best preserved forts in Kerala.This old granite Fort is also known as Tipu's Fort, This fort has great historical importance, and also represents the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.....more |
Attappady Hill Station |
Attappady Hill Station is Located on the north eastern section of the Palakkad district on the northern portion of the state of Kerala and located 38 kms from Mannakkad, also known as “God’s Own Country”, is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala,This beautiful hill station of Attappady. Surrounded by lush green, undulating hills, the beautiful region of Attappady. An extensive mountain valley above the crest of the Ghat ranges with numerous rivulets of the Bhavani River, Attapady is inhabited mainly by tribes and some settlers from Tamil Nadu.A beautiful synthesis of mountains, rivers and forests, Attapaddy is of great interest to anthropologists, as this is the habitat of many tribes like the 'irolas' and 'mudugars'.....more |
Malampuzha Hill Station |
Malampuzha Hill Station is situated in Malampuzha, Palakkad District, Kerala, India.This is situated at the base of the hills of Western Ghats. Bharathappuzha flows over the green undulating slopes of the Western Ghats, the beautiful hill station of Malampuzha is a must visit while on a tour to Kerala. Sleepy and straight out of a picture book, a visit to Malampuzha promises to be the dream vacation you have always desired. The town is set at the base of the hills of the Western Ghats and around the large reservoir are beautiful rose gardens and amusement parks for children as well as facilities for boat cruises in the reservoir.it is hardly surprising that the quaint hill station of Malampuzha is today one of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala.....more |
Nelliyampathy Hill Station |
Nelliyampathy is located just 75 km from Palakkad and at an altitude of 467 m to 1572 m Nelliyampathy Hill Station Tours, the Nelliyampathyhilll comprise a chain of ridges cut off from one another by valleys of dense evergreen forests and orange plantations. Accessing Nelliyampathy from Palght is a sensation on its own, as you negotiate over a dozen haipin curves of the ghat road passilng through the fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges.Seethakundu at nelliyampathy offers fantastic view of the valley below-a wide-angled vision of a third of the entire Palghat area.Nelliyampathy has immense trekking potential.....more |
Palakkad Hill Station |
Palakkad Hill Station, Luxury Kerala Travel, offers a plethora of opportunity to the tourist wayfarer to explore the recesses of Palakkad, which is a muchvisited and popular, luxury hill station located in Kerala, south India, India. The travel site, Luxury Kerala Travel, is home to a whole long itinerary of opportunities galore for the traveler/ tourist who wish to undertake a travel tour to the luxury hill station of Kerala, Palakkad, comfortably nestled in Kerala, south India, India. A travel tour to Palakkad, located in Kerala, south India, India, which is also known as one of the prime hill stations in Kerala, south India, India, showcases it to be the grand granary of Kerala, located in south India, India.....more |
Silent Valley National Park |
The Silent Valley National Park is located 40 km from Mannarkkad in the Kundali Hills of Western Ghats, Palakkad District, the Silent Valley National Valley though smaller than other National Parks, is unique for a horde of reasons. The park is home to rare kinds of herbs, plants and species. The Silent Valley Park besides having a sylvan climate has many high altitude peaks and numerous rivers running through it. The Silent Valley is considered to be the last pristine region of tropical evergreen forest in India and is an area rich in biodiversity. The lush tropical greenery, undulating slopes, hills and rivers make the Silent Valley National Park a beautiful wildlife tourism destination in Kerala, India.....more |
Bharatapuzha River |
The Bharathapuzha River is the second longest river in Kerala with a length of 209 kilometers. It is also known as Nila, Kuttipuram Puzha and Ponnaniyar. The river originates in the Annamalai hills located in the Western Ghats region in Tamil Nadu. It flows in the west direction along with the many of its tributaries including the Tirur River through Palakkad Gap, Palakkad, Thrissur and Malappuram districts of Kerala.These irrigation projects irrigate an area of 773 square kilometers.The illusion behind the name is that the river feeds people like their own mother – (the water is pure and can be used for drinking, irrigation or other purposes).....more |
Kannadipuzha River |
River Kannadi ( Kannadi Puzha) in the Mathur Village about 4 km from Palakkad town.Kannadi pathikkal the main area of kannadi.there is a police housing colony.The Thirunellai Village or Thiruvilla kadavu village of Palakkad, Kerala in South India is a small village located in the banks of the river Kannadi.Kannadi puzha is one of the branch of Bharathapuzha which is the biggest river in the kerala.This river is also called as Nila......more |
Parambikulam River |
Parambikulam River is located near Udumalaipettai, Palakkad district, kerala, Parambikulam River, one of four tributaries of the Chalakkudi River, originates in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, India.The famous waterfalls, Attirappilly and vazhachal waterfalls are situated on this river. The famous Hydro Electric Projects on Chalakkudy River are 'Sholayar Hydro Electric Project' and 'Peringalkuttu Hydro Electric Project'. Chalakkudy Dam is situated on this river. The Parambikulam Dam has been constructed across the river at Anamalai, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. This dam ranks number one in India as well as in the top ten dams in the world in terms of volume capacity......more |
Kalpathy Temple |
The Kalpathy Vishwanatha Swamy is the oldest Shiva temple situated 3 kms from Palakkad.The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is famous for the annual Chariot Festival. The festival is a gala event and lasts for seven days.Kalpathy Temple Tours The Kalpathy Vishwanatha Swamy temple is the oldest Shiva temple in Malabar.It was built around 1425 A.D. by Kombi Achan; the then raja of Palakkad.Kalpathy Car Festival is based on Vedic Tamil Brahmin Culture.the then raja of Palakkad.Kalpathy Car Festival is based on Vedic Tamil Brahmin Culture. On the last three days of the car festival, beautifully decorated temple chariots are ceremoniously drawn through the streets by thousands of devotees whose soul stirring chants rent the air.....more |
Dhoni Waterfall |
A Dhoni waterfall is a 3 hours trek from the base of the Dhoni Hills. A thick reserve forest surrounds it. Dhoni is about 15 kms from Palakkad.There is a splendid waterfall among other captivating sights. It can be reached only after a fairly long climb of 3 hrs from the base of the Dhoni hills. he waterfall is surrounded by a thick reserve forest that adds to the beauty and serenity of the place.All quite and cool and the singing of birds and the sound of jungle streams and waterfalls welcomes you to Dhoni.Dhoni is also famous for its farmhouse, harboring hundreds of cattle of Swiss variety. The Vishwanatha Swamy shrine, the oldest Shiva temple is situated 3 kms from Palakkad.....more |
Meenvallam Waterfall |
Meenvallam waterfall is around 8kms from Thuppanad junction on the Palakkad- Manarkkad route. It is a combination of enchanting beauty and scenic splendor. The water falls from nearly 20 to 25 feet and the depth is around 15-20 feet.There are 10 steps of waterfalls of which eight are situated in the upper hills inside the dense forest. They are inaccessible, only the remaining two steps are accessible. One has to hire a jeep from Koomankund junction and then trek a distance of 1.5 km by crossing the river Thuppanad.The ten step waterfall with the height of each step varying from five to fourty metres provide a visual treat to the beholder.In each step, the height of the fall varies that provide a visual treat to the beholder.upper hills inside the dense forest which are meant only for the truly adventurous. The grandeur and the sheer beauty of this fall provides a visual treat to the viewer.....more |