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Palakkad of Kerala
Palakkad
- Kerala
Palakkad
or Palghat lies at the foot of the gigantic
western ghats, on the border of
Kerala and Tamilnadu. It is situated 80 Km. north east of trichur
and 50 Km south west of Coimbatore. This district is desicribed as
the granary of the state of Kerala. This district with mountains ,
forests and fertile valleys, rivers and mountain streams are rich in
flora and fauna. There are many dams and irrigation projects such as
Walayar, Malampuzha, Pothundy, Parambikulam, etc. in Palakkad.
Places
To Visit
Palakkad
Fort: 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. It is now preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Ottappalam:
(35 km from
Palakkad): The town is known for its numerous places of worship and
their colourful festivals. Durga Temple the Pooram at Chenakkathur
the Nercha festival commemorating the Aulia.
Fantasy
Park: (1400
- 2100 hrs on week days and 1100 - 2100 hrs on Saturdays, Sundays
and national holidays). Ph: 815122 815124 Entrance fee: Adults Rs.
20 Children Rs. 10. Separate charges for rides and computer games.
Block tickets: Adults Rs. 80 Children Rs. 60
Thrithala:
(75 km from
Palakkad): This place is noted for its monuments and historic ruins.
The Siva Temple and the ruins of a mud fort near Thrithala on the
Chalissery road are notable cultural monuments. The Kattilmadam
Temple, a small granite Buddhist monument on the Pattambi-Guruvayoor
road, is of great archaeological importance. It is believed to date
back to the 9th/10th century AD. The Paakkanaar memorial, honouring
the Pariah saint, stands near Thrithala Koottanad road. This is also
the native place of renowned writer and social reformer VT
Bhattathiripad.
Pothundy:
(45 km from
Palakkad): Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy
Reservoir Complex is a charming location for picnics and half-day
trips.
Thiruvalathoor:
(10 km from
Palakkad) : The ancient temple here has some fine wood work and
stone sculptures.
Dhoni:
(15 km from
Palakkad): It takes a three hour trek from the base of the Dhoni
hills to reach this reserve forest area with its small, beautiful
waterfall.
Kottayi:
(15 km via
Poodur from Palakkad): This tiny village is the native place of the
late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.
Malampuzha
Garden: (10
km from Palakkad): This famous picnic spot which comprises a
dam and beautifully landscaped gardens, is situated on the lower
hills of the Western Ghats. There are frequent buses to this place
from Palakkad.
The
garden: Ph: 815280 Lush green lawns Well laid-out flower beds Cool
pools, fountains and pathways Rock garden
Ph: 815140 (Open 1000 - 1800 hrs) The rose garden has over a hundred
varieties of the flower An aerial ropeway across the garden The dams
and gardens are illuminated on Saturdays, Sundays and national
holidays from 1900 - 2000 hrs. On other days they are illuminated on
request for a fee.
The
reservoir: Boating and fishing facilities are available here.
Pedalboats, rowboats, water scooters and motorboats can be hired
from 1000 - 1800 hrs. A well maintained swimming pool (Tuesday
holiday). a fresh water aquarium (open1200 - 2000 hrs & 1300 -
2100 hrs on holidays) a snake park (open 0800 - 1800 hrs) a
children's park
The
passenger ropeway: This is the first of its kind in South India
Ph: 815129 (Open 1000 - 1300 hrs & 1430 - 2000 hrs) Road train
trips in the garden (0800 - 2000 hrs) Telescope tower (1000 - 1700
hrs)
Kollengode:
(19 km
south of Palakkad) : Kollengode or the abode of blacksmiths
enshrines the pristine beauty of rural Palakkad. The Kollengode
Palace, the Vishnu Temple and the poet P. Kunhiraman Nair Memorial
are worth visiting. Seethakundu and Govindamalai hills near
Kaachankurichi are ideal for adventurous trekkers.
Lakkidi:
(30 km from
Palakkad): Killikkurissimangalam at Lakkidi is the birthplace
of Kunchan Nambiar, the 18th century satirist and exponent of the
Tullal (classical art form). The poet's house has been
preserved as a monument by the State Government.
Meenkara:
(32 km from
Palakkad): This picnic spot is the site of a dam across the river
Gayathri which flows into the Bharathapuzha.
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