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Palakkad
Travel Guide
Palakkad Fort:
The
old granite 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.
The
fort was taken over and modified by the British in 1790. It is now preserved by
the Archaeological Survey of India.
Thiruvalathoor (10 km from
Palakkad) : The ancient temple here has some fine wood work and stone sculptures.
Dhoni (15 km from Palakkad): It takes a three hour trek from
the base of the Dhoni hills to reach this reserve forest area with its small,
beautiful waterfall.
Fantasy Park : (1400 - 2100 hrs on week days
and 1100 - 2100 hrs on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays). Ph: 815122 815124
Entrance fee: Adults Rs. 20 Children Rs. 10. Separate charges for rides and computer
games. Block tickets: Adults Rs. 80 Children Rs. 60
Pothundy(45
km from Palakkad): Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir
Complex is a charming location for picnics and half-day trips.
Kottayi
:
(15 km via Poodur from Palakkad): This tiny village is the native
place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.
Malampuzha Garden (10 km from Palakkad): This famous picnic spot
which comprises a dam and beautifully landscaped gardens, is situated on the lower
hills of the Western Ghats. There are frequent buses to this place from Palakkad.
Kollengode (19 km south of Palakkad) : Kollengode or the
abode of blacksmiths enshrines the pristine beauty of rural Palakkad.
The Kollengode Palace, the Vishnu Temple and the poet P. Kunhiraman Nair
Memorial are worth visiting. Seethakundu and Govindamalai hills near Kaachankurichi
are ideal for adventurous trekkers.
Siruvani (46 km north of Mannarkad
and 48 km from Palakkad): The reservoir at Siruvani was built for Tamil Nadu by
the Kerala Government to meet the drinking water requirements of Coimbatore.
The gateways on either side of the road across the dam are typical of the
Kerala and Tamil architectural styles. Siruvani is also home to certain tribals
like the Mudugars and Irulars.
Ottappalam(35 km from Palakkad):
The town is known for its numerous places of worship and their colourful festivals.
Durga Temple the
Pooram at Chenakkathur the
Nercha festival commemorating
the Aulia.
Lakkidi (30 km from Palakkad): Killikkurissimangalam
at Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar, the 18th century satirist and
exponent of the
Tullal (classical art form).
The poet's house
has been preserved as a monument by the State Government.
Meenkara(32
km from Palakkad): This picnic spot is the site of a dam across the river Gayathri
which flows into the Bharathapuzha.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary (110 km from Palakkad): Sprawled across
285 sq. km, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals.
Boating/cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir.
The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal
and Anappady offer accommodation. A tree house in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu
has to be booked in advance. The oldest teak tree,
kannimari is found here.
Thrithala (75 km from Palakkad): This place is noted for its monuments
and historic ruins. The Siva Temple and the ruins of a mud fort near Thrithala
on the Chalissery road are notable cultural monuments.
The Kattilmadam
Temple, a small granite Buddhist monument on the Pattambi-Guruvayoor road, is
of great archaeological importance. It is believed to date back to the 9th/10th
century AD.
The Paakkanaar memorial, honouring the Pariah saint, stands
near Thrithala Koottanad road. This is also the native place of renowned writer
and social reformer VT Bhattathiripad.
Palakkad
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