Palakkad
Travel
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.
Area - 4480 sq. Km
Population - 2,382,235
Access :
Air - Nearest Airports Coimbatore (55 kms)
Rail - Palakkad junction railway station (5 km from the
city) is a major railhead of the southern railways.
Road - Palakkad is connected by excellent network of
roads to all the major cities in india.
Places to visit :
Palakkad Fort - The old granite fort situated in the very
heart of pallakad 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 modigied by the
british in 1790. It is now preserved by the archaeological survey of india.
Malampuzha Garden - This famous picnic spot which
comprises a dam and beautifully landscaped Gardens, is situated on the lower
hills of the western ghats.
Excursions :
Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary - 110 kms from palakkad :
sprawled across 285 sq. Km the parambikulam wildlife sanctuary is home to
rare wild animals. The rest houses of the state forest department at
thoonakkadavu, thellikkal and anappady offer accommodation. A tree house in
the reserve forest area in thoonakkadavu has to be booked in advance. The
oldest teak tree, kannimari is found here.
Nelliyampathy
- 40 kms from south of nenmara: this fascinating hill station is at a
height of 467 to 1572 m above sea level. At least 10 hair pin bends have to
negotiated on the ghat road that passes through the breathtaking evergreen
forests of the sahya ranges. Seethakundu at nelliyampathy offers a panoramic
view of about one third of palakkad. This hill country is the delight of
trekkers.
Other Excursions :
» Mangalam dam (50 km)
» Thrithala (75 kms)
» Siruvani (48 kms north of palakkad)
» Ottappalam (35 kms)
» Lakkidi (30 kms)
» Kollengode (19 kms).
