Celebrated as the granary of Kerala, Palakkad is a vast expanse of verdant plains interspersed with hils, rivers, mountain streams and forests. The gateway to Kerala from the north, 40 Kilometre break in the mountains known as the Palakkad Gap gives access to this land situated at the foot of the Western Ghats. The pass acts as a corridor between Kerala and neighbouring Tamil Nadu and played a major role in the trade contacts between east and west coasts of peninsular India. Deriving its name from the Malayalam words. Pala (AlsteriaScholaris) and Kadu(Forest), this place was once a beautiful stretch of forest covered with sweet scented flowers of the Pala tree. A potpoum of Tamil and Kerala Culture, some of the finest Carnatic musicians hall from this region which continues to be a largely agrarian society.
Tipu’s Fort/Palakkad Fort
(Open 0800 – 1800hrs) The old granite fort situated in the very heart of Palakkad Town is one of the best Preserved in Kerala. It was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766. The fort was taken over and modified by the British in 1790. Well preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India, there is an open air auditiorium and a small musuem inside the fort. The landscaped environs of the Fort now host a children’s park and a temple known as kotaambalam(fort temple).
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
(110 km. from Palakkad) Sprawled across 28 sq km. the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals, Boating/cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir.
Nelliyampathy
(40 km south of Nenmara and 75 km southeast of Palakkad) This facinating hill station is at a height of 467 to 1572 m above sea level. At least10 hairpin bends have to negotiated on the Ghat Road that passes through the breathtaking evergreen forests of the Sahya Ranges. Seethakundu at Nelliyampathy offers a Panormic view of about one third of Palakkad. This hill country is the delight of trekkers. The District Tourism Prootion Council of Palakkad provides good accommodation facility.
Silent Valley National Park
(40 km northwest of Mannarkad) The 89.52 sq km national park is believed to be the sole surviving bit of evergreen forest in the Sahya Ranges. The peculiarity of the Silent Valley Forest is that it is devoid even of the chirping of cicadas. Vehicular transport is possible only up to Mukkali, nearly 24 km from the park. The rest of the way has to be covered by foot, up the source of Kunthipuzha which flows through the valley before merging into the Bharathapuzha River.