ABOUT PALAKKAD:

• Picturesque Palakkad, set in the foot of Western Ghats is the ‘Gateway to Kerala’ from the north.
• Played a significant role in the cultural history of southern India and is dotted with number of temples, mosques and churches.

MODE OF COMMUNICATION:

• Airport: Coimbatore International Airport, Coimbatore (CJB), 55 kms away from Palakkad town, Cochin International Airport, Kochi (COK), 160 kms away from Palakkad town.
• Rail: Palakkad Railway Station, Palakkad, 3.5 km away from Palakkad centre of town.
• Road: Well connected by road.

SIGHTSEEING AT A GLANCE:

For more information visit http:// https://palakkad.nic.in/tourist-places/

ATTRACTIONS OF PALAKKAD

Palakkad Fort:

• Majestic granitic fort set in the heart of the town was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766.
• It was taken-over by the British in 1790 and is one of the best preserved forts of the State.
• There is an open-air auditorium and a museum inside the fort.

Kalpathy Siva Temple:

• Famous temple on the banks of river Kalpathy is known for the annual car festival held in November.

ATTRACTIONS AROUND PALAKKAD

Malampuzha:

• 12 kms away from Palakkad town.
• Charming town amidst picturesque surrounding is famous for the Malampuzha Dam.
• Around the reservoir are beautiful rose gardens and amusement park of the children.
• ‘Yakshi’, the work of Kerala’s famous sculptor Kanai Kunhiraman is displayed in the garden.
• Boating, fishing and various water sports facilities are also available here.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary:

• 110 kms away from Palakkad town.
• Covers an area of 285 sq. kms around the Parambikulam, Thunacadavu and Peruvaripallan dams.
• It is a part of the neighbouring Anaimalai Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu.
• Key fauna – gaur (bison), sambar, spotted deer, Nilgiri langur, lion tailed macaque, sloth bear etc.
• Boat cruises are available at the Parambikulam reservoir.
• Best time to visit February to April.

Silent Valley National Park:

• Park is located 80 kms from Palakkad town in the lush Kundai Hills which has perhaps the last substantial stretch of evergreen rain forests in the country.
• It is a safe haven for the rare lion tailed macaque, tiger and elephant.
• Best time to visit from September to March.

Ayurveda:

• Ayurveda, ‘the Science of Life’ is India’s natural system of medicine.
• Contribution of Kerala to the theory and practice of Ayurveda is enormous.
• Celebrated Ashta Vaidyans, who belonged to the Namboothri community, are still active in the field.
• Kottakkal Arya Vaidya Sala, at Kottakal, about 12 kms from Malappuram attracts patients from all over the country and abroad.
• Kerala Ayurvedic physicians have earned high reputation in the field.
• Quality Ayurvedic treatment, including massage with herbal oils, is a available at hotels and resorts.
• State has emerged as a popular destination for health motivated travellers.