Kerala, the land of authenticity and extreme cultural vigor has many aesthetically graceful regions that tourists visit regularly. Palakkad in Kerala is one such district where regardless of language, seasonal or other obstructions, the place has never failed to attract tourists. Ranging from royal forts to diverse natural wildlife sanctuaries, the district has never disappointed the visitors. Here we have chalked out the 12 best places to visit in Palakkad that are budget friendly and meant for planning trips with family and friends alike.
1. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary: The Home of Wild Tigers.
For all those who want to devour some time amidst wildlife and green areas, the Parambikulam sanctuary is worth exploring. The wildlife sanctuary expands over an approximate area of 400 sq meters and popularly is known as a wild tiger reserve.
However, other than paying homage to wild tigers, visitors may find it eye-catchy to witness the presence of many other rarely found species of flora and faunas. A large number of Bengal tigers freely roam here amidst the backdrop of Nelliyampathy and Anaimalai Hills. Besides all that, the nature-friendly place is also quite cheap with tickets starting from Rs 50/- for lightweight vehicles.
2. Vadakkanthara Temple: The Worship of Goddess Karnaki.
For Hindu devotees, the Vadakkanthara temple has always had historical significance for ages. The temple finds mention in the famous Silapathikaram Tamil epic which is about a legendary vengeful wife. The temple worships the goddess Karnaki in her original idolic form. Other than worshipping the goddess, the temple also celebrates the presence of deities like Lord Ayyappa and Lord Ganesha. Temple is always culturally significant for its extraordinary ancient Kerala architecture.
3. Palakkad Fort: Tipu’s Fort.
The Palakkad Fort which speaks about the history of the district definitely is ranked among the top places to visit in Palakkad. The Fort is also regarded as Tipu’s Fort built by Haider Ali in 1766 AD. The fort erected above the tiny hills in the past had the prime motive of improving the communication between Coimbatore and Palakkad. The inner area of the fort comprises Anjaneya (Hanuman) Temple. The once considered valor fort of Tipu is at present protected by the Archeological Survey of India. You can visit the fort all seven days between 8:00 AM to 06:00 PM IST.
4. Meenkara Dam: Where Nature Meets Innovation.
When you admire the greenery and want to spend time amidst nature, then visit here. You can ride boats and steamers from the Gayathri river to the Bharathapuzha river. While crossing the rivers, the Meenkara Dam scenery will stay with you for a long time. Why, because the place is full of coconut and paddy fields providing you with a photogenic view. The nearest destination to Meenkara Dam is Kollengode, Puthunagaram, and Pallassana.
5. Kollengode Palace: The Marriage of European and Keralian Architecture.
If you have enthusiasm in inquiring about the fusion of European and South Indian architectural patterns then explore the palace. Among the traditional places in Palakkad to visit, Kollengode Palace speaks about the then-Keralan culture. Lord Vishnu’s shrine graces the inner palace alongside other murals and decorative. The palace is an ideal destination for all history admirers. To further explore the region, you can also roam around the nearest village.
6. Nelliyampathy Hill Station: The Serene Place.
Wanna experience some adventure in the Palakkad district. The Nelliyampathy hill station or nearest village positioned 465-1580 meters above sea level is ideal for trekkers. Besides all that, don’t miss to tour around Kesavanpara and Sitharkundu viewpoints to witness some scenic beauty from an elevated position. The nearest Victoria Church hills and Karappa Dam site are also notable landmarks for the trekkers there.
7. Malampuzha: All Seasonal Tourist Attraction.
There’s a reason why Malapuzha is known as the Vrindavan of Kerala because the region is blessed with natural beauty and architectural innovations. Marked among the popular places to visit in Palakkad, Malampuzha is nearly thirteen km away from the district. After the grand construction of the dam in that place, it turned into an all-seasonal tourist attraction. For children especially, the Malampuzha Garden has remained the most often attended spot. It’s a freshwater aquarium appearing in a giant fish layout.
Adults can try out several recreational means like fishing and boating in the reservoir, or they can play water sports in the Garden House. In the entire south of India, the passenger ropeway has been first constructed as a thrilling medium. MalamPuzha also hosts the Japanese Garden, Telescopic Tower, and the Fantasy Park.
8. Dhoni Hills: Trekking Destination.
If the trekking hype is not over from your head yet, then the Dhoni Hills located near Malampuzha is another most often trek place. Besides the green coverings, the hillside is also known for sheltering hundreds of swiss variety cattle. Across the mountain streams and nearest forest regions, several wild animals like elephants and leopards freely roam. For some picturesque moments, tour the local Sapal Waterfalls near Parasuram Kundu destination.
9. Jain Temple: Jainimedu.
Joining back the Jainimedu historical architectural evidence which is roughly over 500 years old. From the city center of the Kalpathy river banks, the temple is at a distance of 3 km and can be easily reached by taking a cab or two-wheelers. The Jain temple is built by the then-head Inchanna Satur tributing the life of the Jainese sage Chandranatha Swamy.
If we speak about the inner temple, then the main division which is the first one is meant for the idol of Chandranatha Swamy. While the second to fourth division consists of the idols of Jwalamohini, Rishabhanatha, and Parswanathan Swami. The inner temple is all about simplicity built with granite walls and the main altar.
10. Silent Valley National Park: the Tropical Evergreen Rainforest.
Among the evergreen places to visit in Palakkad district Kerala, the park is home to tropical rainforests. Approximately, spread over an average area of 90 Square kilometers, it is located on the northeastern edges of the district. What’s noteworthy about the tropical evergreen forest is that it hosts one of the richest biodiversity in the state. Around thousand flowering plant species and over thirty species of mammals, hundreds of insects, and butterflies are traced here. The national park also preserves thousands of tropical evergreen trees here.
11. Varikkassery Mana: The Aristroctatic Illam.
Varikkassery Mana is considered a significant region for anthropological and sociological studies. The Varikkassery Mana consists of many traditional Brahmanic illam or houses from the Namboothiri family. The houses follow Keralian architectural patterns and spread over an area of 4 acres.
The place is open for visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM and has remained an ideal destination for photography and filming purposes. The entry fee to the Mana is nominal with INR 20/- per head. The Mana was established by Krishnan Thampuran from the Varikkasseri family and has taken inspiration from western and Chennai-style architecture. The housing is built of oak where delicate carvings of the same can be seen in the windows, doors, and beams.
12. Kalpathy Heritage Temple and Village: For Hindu Devotees.
Also known as Kalpathy Agraharam, the palace has remained culturally significant for the locals. It’s one of the popular tourist places to visit in Palakkad because of the rich Brahmin township and the essence of holiness. For hundreds of years, the region has been celebrating the glory of Hindu culture in Palakkad. Kalpathy Agraharam next to the embankments of River Kalpathy is also famous among Shaivites and Hindu devotees. Every year pilgrims visit the sacred Vishwanath Swamy temple to seek blessings and experience the grandeur of the architecture. The Temple originally was built in 1425 AD and annually held many religious and cultural festivals.
Experience the beauty!
While we have mentioned the top 12 places to visit in Palakkad Kerala, that does not in any way limit the beauty of the district. The serene natural feel, cultural splendor, and royal historic valor can be felt in the nook and corner of every Palakkad village. Also, don’t forget to capture the scenic beauties while touring around the district.
Read More: Best Places to Visit in Pathankot
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