Tourism
in Kerala
Palakkad
Tour Guide
Palakkad
is a part of the erstwhile Malabar district of Madras Presidency. The
district accounts for about 11.5% of the total land area of the state of
Kerala, with the share of population is 8.20.%. The literacy rate of the
district is low than the state. The district has got two types of climates.
Ottappalam, Alathur and Mannarkkad are having a climate similar to that of
other districts of Kerala , whereas Palakkad and Chittur are having rather a
dry climate similar to Tamilnadu. However the average rainfall is good for
cultivation. There are five taluks and 163 villages in the district. There
are four Municipal towns and Ninety panchayaths in the district. The
district is divided into 13 Community Development Blocks for the effective
implementation of various developmental activities
Palakkad or
Palghat is the land of Palmyrahs and Paddy fields. Along with Kuttanadu,
Palakkad is a major Paddy growing area of the state. It is often called as
the “Gateway of Kerala”. The Sahya Ranges bordering the region and
the 32 k.m. long gap in the mountains exert a dominant influence on the
climate of the region. This Gap is known as “Palakkad Gap”.
In
the past, this land was known as Palakkattussery Etymologist trace the word
Palakkad from Palanilam meaning the dry area. Palakkad has a long history
dating back to the Paleolithic Period which was substantiated by a number of
megalithic relics discovered from this region. It also housed the Capitals
of two Kingdoms such as Palakkad and Kollengode, which were in prominence
till a Century back.
The ancient history of Palakkad is shrouded.
According to William Logan, the author of “Malabar Manual”, the
Pallava Dynasty of Kanchi might have invaded Malabar in the second or third
century. One of their headquarters was Palakkad, which could be the present
Palakkad. For many centuries the Malabar region was ruled by Perumals.
Malabar had been invaded by many of the ancient South Indian Rulers. After
this the Malabar was divided among their Utayavars. The famous among them
were the “Valluvakonathiri” (Ruler of Valluvanad) Kollengode Raja
(Ruler of Venguvanad) and Sekharivarma (Raja of Palakkad) of
Palakkattussery. The Palakkad Region was came under the control of
Kollengode Raja and Sekharivarma Raja of Palakkad.
When the
Kozhikkode Sammoothiri invaded Palakkad in 1757, the Palakkad Raja sought
the help of Hyder Ali of Mysore. His help forced the Sammoothiri for
retreat. Later Hyder Ali subjugated all territories in Palakkad which were
under the possession of Kozhikkode Sammoothiri. Thus whole dominion of
Palakkad passed into the control of Mysore Sulthan Hyder Ali Khan and his
son Tippu Sulthan. The war between East India Company and Tippu Sulthan
ended with the treaty of 1792 and all the possessions of Tippu in Malabar
area ceded to the East India Company and it formed the Malabar District of
the Madras Presidency.
PLACES OF
INTEREST IN AND AROUND PALAKKAD 
Palakkad
Fort The old granite fort situated in the very heart of Palakkad
town was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766.
Fantasy
Park (1400 – 2100 hrs on weekdays and 1100 –2100 hrs on
Saturdays, Sundays and National holidays) Attractions: Rides and computer
games.
Malampuzha
GardenThis famous picnic spot which comprises a dam and beautifully
landscaped gardens.
Thiruvalathoor
The ancient temple here exhibits some fine wood work and stone
sculptures
Dhoni
It is a 3 hour trek from the base on the Dhoni Hills to this
reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall.
Kottayi
This village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha
Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.
Kollengode
The Kollengode Palace, the Vishnu Temple and the Poet P.Kunhiraman
Nair Memorial are worth visiting.
Lakkidi
Killikkurissimangalam at Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunchan
Nambiar,. The poet’s house is preserved as a monument by the State
Govt.
SiruvaniThe
gateways on either side of the rod across the dam are typical of the Kerala
and Tamil architectural styles.
Parambikulam
Wildlife Sanctuary Sprawled across 285 sq.km. this Sanctuary is
home to rare fauna. The oldest teak tree, Kannimari stands tall here.
Boating/cruising facilities are available at the Reservoir.
Nelliyampathy
At least 10 hair pin bends have to be negotiated on the Ghat Road
through the evergreen forest . This hill station 467 m to 1572 m above sea
level.
Silent
Valley National ParkThe 89.52 sq.km national park is believed to be
the sole surviving bit of evergreen forest in the Sahya Ranges.
Chittur
GarumadamThis memorial to Thunchath Ezhuthachan the author of
Adhyatma Ramayana is located on the banks of the river Sokanasini.
