Palakkad Sightseeing: Gateway to Kerala

Places of Interest:
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary Contact Information: Ecocare Centre, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Anappady, Thunakadavu (PO), Pollachi (Via), Palakkad, Kerala – 678 661. Phone: 04253 – 245025 (Verified).

This wildlife sanctuary was established in 1973 and borders the Annamalai Wildlife Sanctuary in the neighboring state of Tamilnadu. Located about seventy miles from Palakkad the sanctuary was also declared a tiger reserve on February 17th 2010. However the nearest city is Pollachi in Tamilnadu. This sanctuary is home to many species of mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, butterflies, and amphibians. However the most unique and venomous snake species, the King Cobra which can grow up to 18 feet, is found here which is now endangered because of massive deforestation.

Silent Valley National Park: This sanctuary is located about fifty miles from Palakkad and is one of the undisturbed tropical moist evergreen forests in India. The park was established to provide a safe haven for many species; especially the lion-tailed Macaque which is an endangered species of primates. The biodiversity of this pristine forest is astounding and the woods are teeming with many species of mammals, birds, and insects, due to the abundance of myriad varieties of flora and fauna. One of the animals, that is unique among mammals here, is the Gaur which is the largest of all wild cattle.

Palakkad Fort: This fort was made in 1766 A.D and stands as a mute witness to many wars and skirmishes that took place here. The fort is also called Tipu’s fort since it was under the control of the Mughal King Tipu Sultan who was the son of Hyder Ali. There is a children’s park and the grounds which were used as stables for horses and elephants now serve as a place for sports, exhibitions, and public meetings.

Nelliampathi: This is one the famous hill stations in Kerala and is located around forty miles from Palakkad. Dotted with teak trees and tea and coffee plantations, this place is ideal for getting away from the humidity which is ubiquitous in the state of Kerala. Moreover the beauty of the place is enhanced by the presence of protected forests which is home to animals such as porcupines, deer, and monkeys. This place is also home to hundreds of species of birds and butterflies along with other fauna. The only way to reach this place from Palakkad is the bus service provided by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation. The nearest Airports are Cochin international Airport and Coimbatore Airport and a person needs to travel from the airport to a place called Thrissur and then the last leg of the journey is from Thrissur to Nemmara from where a jeep or Taxi ride can be availed of to reach Nelliampathi.

Pothundi Dam: While traveling to Nelliampathi a person needs to go from here and many people stop to take in the beauty of the scenic landscape. The unique feature of this dam is that it is not made by using cement. Instead, a mixture of jaggery and quick lime has been used and this is one of the two dams in Asia which are made without using any cement.

Dhoni Waterfalls: These are located five miles from Palakkad Junction Railway Station and are situated near a green forest. The shallow waters here make it an ideal place for visitors to cool off during summers when the heat and humidity are at its highest. There also a temple here dedicated to lord Shiva and many people visit the temple for its architectural wonder and of course, for religious purposes. The place can be reached by boarding a bus from Palakkad town bus stand which is about nine miles away from these waterfalls.

There are many other places of interest in Palakkad including Jain and Hindu Temples, Dams, and mountain valleys. Some of the famous temples include Karnaki Temple, Dharmashastha Temple, and Jain Temples such as Temple of Jainimedu near the western border of Palakkad. Some of the other dams include the Malampuzha Dam and the Malampuzha Dam garden. The Malampuzha dam garden has many recreational activities on offer such as boat rides, a rope way, snake garden, and a rock garden along with a children’s park. Kerala is truly a unique state in India and since it receives heavy rainfall, the state is extremely rich in flora and fauna and is considered one of the best tourist places in India.

Lion-Tailed Macaque (Below)

The Biggest Cattle, Gaur (Below)