The district of Palakkad known as the granary of Kerala, is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects. Situated at the foot of the Western Ghats, this is the gateway to Kerala from the north. 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.

Kottai(15 km south of Palakkad): This village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.

Kollengode(19 km south of Palakkad): Kollengode 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 nearby are ideal for trekking.

Lakkidi(50km from Palakkad): Killikkurissimangalam at :Akkidi is the birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar, the 18th centry satirist and exponent of the Tbullal. The poet's house is preserved as a monument by the State Government.

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 the garden from Palakkad.

Siruvani(46 km north of Mannarkad and 48 km from Palakkad): The reservoir here was built for Tamil Nadu by the Kerala Government to meet the drinking water requirements of Coimbatore. The gateways on the 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 Irudars.

Pothundy( 45 km from Palakkad): The Pothundy Reservoir Complex, situated on the way to Nelliampathy, is a charming picnic spot.

Thiruvalathur(10 km from Palakkad): The ancient temple here exhibits some fine woodwork and stone sculptures.
 

<< PREVIOUS                           NEXT >>