Tourist Places To Visit In Palakkad

Palakkad is a wondrous district decorating the northern shoreline of the state of Kerala. One of the leading rice-growing cities in the country, Palakkad is studded with enormous rice pastures all over its territory. It is only befitting that this city has been nicknamed as the Rice Bowl of the state of Kerala. These countless pastures are glamorized by the wonderful background that they are set up against. This background comprises of bewildering mountains that are diversified by beautiful hillocks. The hilly areas of Palakkad form magnificent tourist places.

In addition, the town boasts of thick forests, invigorating streams, and delightful trickling rivers. Visitors can either pay a visit to some of the sacred temples that grace Palakkad or spend time amidst nature’s glory, whether it may be at a dam, at the riverside, or at some gushing waterfalls. Let us read on to learn more about the vibrant tourist places to visit in the grasslands of Palakkad.

Located about 48 km away from the city of Palakkad, Siruvani Dam majestically stretches from one side of Siruvani River to the other. The dam was originally constructed to enable ample supply of drinking water for the adjacent city of Coimbatore. The colossal gateways built at both the entry points that steer through to the dam are reminiscent of the ancient architectural prowess of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The uninhabited natural areas surrounding the dam offer tourists a delightful tryst with Mother Nature. The pleasant weather and the enduring vistas that are on display only enhance the beauty of Siruvani Dam. Revitalizing waters that gush through the river act as apt companions for visitors. No wonder this dam has turned into a splendid picnic spot for families and friends likewise.

Located at a distance of 3 km from the heart of the town of Palakkad, Jain Temple adorns the embankments of River Kalpathy. The roots of this temple date back to around 500 years. The temple is believed to have been constructed by the chief of the Jain community in those days, Inchanna Satur. This temple is truly devoted to the great Jain pandit, Chandranathswamy. Carved out of simple granite stone, the inner campus of the temple is graced by sacred effigies of Rishabhanathan, Vijayalaxmi, Parswanathan, Jwalamohini, and Chandranathswamy himself. This temple still preserves the rich heritage of the Jain culture that prevailed in Palakkad centuries ago. Owing to its sacred significance in Jainism, devotees are also greeted by graphics of the symbolic Yakshinis and Jain Thirthankaras on their visit to Jain Temple.

Meenvallam Waterfalls is an unseen wonder of nature’s artwork that lies within the confines of the impenetrable wilderness of Palakkad. This waterfall emerges from the gorgeous River Thuppandu that is nestled in the Western Ghats. The exuberant waters of Meenvallam Waterfalls plummet into the river from a height of around 45 m. The gushing force of these waters forms a series of small waterfalls which result in a cascading effect while making their way to the bottom. Situated at a distance of about 34 km from Palakkad, these waterfalls have been amassing attention from many tourists because of their secluded essence. Tourists have to embark on an invigorating trek of around 2 km to reach the main waterfall area, which involves exciting prospects such as traversing River Thuppandu. Nature lovers and adventurers would find solace in the relaxing aura experienced around these waterfalls.

Recognized as Kalpathy Agraharam by many of the locals, Kalpathy Heritage Village comprises of a Brahmin township that has been infused with holiness. This village thrives to nurture and maintain a rich Hindu culture that has existed in Palakkad since the ancient times. Situated along the embankments of River Kalpathy, Vishwanathaswamy Temple also forms a part of this heritage village. This temple was constructed in 1425 and revers Lord Shiva. With several sacred shrines glorifying the gods throughout the span of the village, it exuberates a fresh and relaxing experience for the devotees who throng the place. The annual jamboree called Kalpathy Ratholsavam brings in hundreds of faithful devotees to the village.

Kava View Point is a quaint destination located on the other side of Malampuzha Dam. Seated within close proximity to the Western Ghats, this lovely site remains bereft of the outside world’s pollution demons. Still waters maintain a calming silence throughout Kava View Point, adding to its relaxing aura. Tourists are free to stop by and admire the spectacle of abundant foliage stemming from majestic hillocks of the region. This place is a treat for nature enthusiasts and photographers, as the brilliant vistas allow their cameras to bring to life some compelling photos. Whether it is taking snapshots of nature’s alluring beauty or trying to get themselves in the same photo frame as nature, Kava View Point assists these shutterbugs with all possibilities.

Thiruvalathur Randu Moorthy Temple is an apt shrine for tourists who wish to acquire intellectual serenity and blessings from the Almighty. Popular for its magnificent sculptures and structural design, ancient folklore proclaims that this temple was unearthed by Lord Parsurama. Some archivists even believe that the workers helped raise this splendid temple within a span of 12 days. Thiruvalathur Randu Moorthy Temple boasts of the divine presence of Goddesses Annapurneshwari and Mahishasuramardhini. The temple turns into a vibrant jamboree on Karthika Day of Vrischika, which occurs during the winter season. Devotees from all over the country throng the temple to witness these ecstatic celebrations in the form of praise and worship.

Malampuzha Rock Garden got under way in 1996, slowly garnering popularity as one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in Palakkad. Set about 800 m apart from Malampuzha Dam, this garden harbors striking mosaics, paintings, and sculptures. These invigorating artworks were planned and sketched by renowned artist Nek Chand. Sculptures depicting human beings and the gods decorate the garden’s premises. The unique feature of these sculptures is that they have been carved out from waste material such as wash basins, bangles, floor tiles, and electrical components, promoting the theme of best out of waste. Malampuzha Rock Garden also portrays cultural happenings in the form of local art forms such as Kalaripayattu, Kathakali, Thiruvathirakali, and Theyyam along with traditional boat races.

Situated about 8 km away from Palakkad, Sri Emoor Bhagavathy Temple safeguards within its walls a sacred idol that resembles an upraised hand. The mythological story states that Goddess Hemambika, the prime goddess of this shrine, once pledged to become visible to a faithful follower if he refrained from letting anyone else know. However, unable to control his enthusiasm, the follower declared the news to other devotees. This drew a crowd toward the area when Goddess Hemambika made her presence felt, prompting the goddess to leave in a jiffy. The only thing that the mob gathered to notice was the upraised hand of the goddess. Flanked by tranquil waters on three sides, Sri Emoor Bhagavathy Temple maintains a relaxing atmosphere that helps devotees unwind and revel in sanctity.

Located at the tail end of a 3 hour trek from Palakkad, Dhoni Waterfalls makes for a calming little getaway. Even after a long trek, when you stumble upon all the surrounding lushness and the cascading water, it revives you. Most backpackers and travellers are found meandering through the way to this spot, picnic food packed in bags and cameras ready to shutter away.

Popular as Tipu’s Fort, Palakkad Fort is the place to visit for history, architecture and strong vibes of the region. The grounds of the fort are lush green, inviting you to sink into their softness and lay back for an impromptu picnic. There are also quite a few artefacts, statues and other pieces peppered through the fort, and some in the museum too. Architecture lovers enjoy this tour.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, located about 15 km away from the town of Palakkad, is a nature lover’s destination. A sprawling landscape of 400 sq km, the sanctuary is known mainly for its Bengal Tigers. It is a wild tiger reserve and hence famous for sighting these regal creatures. Nelliampathy and Anaimalai Hill surround Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, putting it in a cocoon of nature, perfect for some relaxing time while you see animals in their home.

Nelliyampathy is 75 km off the town of Palakkad, a hill station in every sense of the word. Its tea and coffee plantations, orange orchards, pepper farms and waterfalls hidden in lush forests make it a perfect getaway for the holidays. People visit not only to explore the plantations, but also to indulge in some safaris, treks, bird watching and mountain biking.

Kollengode Palace is now a converted hotel, perched right in the centre of Nelliyampathy Hills. The palace is huge and unique, with ancient royal accents to enhance its beauty. And now that it serves as a plush hotel, you are offered every amenity known to mankind. Topped off with authentic Kerala Ayurvedic massages, spas and leisure pampering sessions. A few days spent at this hotel are enough to relieve you of your stress of an entire year. Kollengode Palace is 23 km away from Palakkad.

Palm trees, clear skies, clear blue waters and a tranquil peace of being that is not found elsewhere — that’s Ottapalam for you. This is a purely nature lover’s paradise. There aren’t many sightseeing locales or thrilling things to do. Neither will you find luxurious resorts or amenities. But if you are someone who wants to go hide in the quiet lap of nature, then this is it. On the bank of Bharatpuzha river.

A manmade marvel, Pothundi Dam is located 42 km away from city centre of Palakkad. Its importance lies in its heritage, in the fact that it is India’s oldest dam. Interestingly, the walls of this dam are built of jaggery. And quicklime. A unique combination if there ever was one. You can sit by this dam, enjoy some history lessons by locals or guides, detailing how the dam was built back in 18th Century. Or dip your toes in Meenichiladipuzha River or Padipuzha River, both of which are straddled by Pothundi.