One of the fourteen districts of Kerala is Palakkad which has no coastal line. The largest district in Kerala from 2006 is Palakkad. This is bordered on the east by Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, on the northwest by the Malappuram District and on the southwest by the Thrissur District. During British rule, known as Palghat was Palakkad which is called as “Rice Bowl of Kerala”. One of the main granaries of Kerala is Palakkad district which is primarily agricultural in its economy. Palakkad is the only big city in the district which is the district head quarters. Here, the main occupation of the people is agriculture. In the hilly regions, the main crop is rubber. One of the most picturesque places in Kerala is Palakkad which is aptly known as the ‘granary of Kerala’ with vast sprawling tea plantations and paddy estates.
The third one according to which Palakkad owes its name to the Pala trees which is once occupied its major portion is the most believed version. A major centre of export for tamarind and mangoes is the Palakkad district. 88 village panchayats, 7 municipalities and 13 block panchayats are there in the Palakkad district. Thunchathu Acharya Vidhalaya is there in the remembrance of the father of Malayalam literature was Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan who had spent his last days here in Chittur. Contribution of Notable was made by an amount of famous artists of the district which inspiring and maintaining classical dance forms in Kerala district. A fusion of two Malayalam words is the commonly held belief is that the name Palakkad firstly during the Sangam period Pala which was the name given for ‘barren land’ and Kadu which means ‘forest’.
During the Paleolithic age, evidence in the form of relics suggests which Palakkad existed. Along with other Malabar territories passed off to the British is Palakkad with the defeat of Tipu in the third Anglo Mysore war of 1792. Palakkad became a part of it when Kerala came into existence in 1956. It has a strategic role in Kerala due to its geographical position. From the country, Palakkad was the gateway to Kerala before the commissioning of Konkan Railway along the Western Coast. The longest river in the state among the rivers includes Bharathapuzha. Celebrated in an amount of villages is a festival called Vela which includes a parade which is its highlight after harvesting in the March and April months. This is a popular festival which is also celebrated in neighboring state of Tamil Nadu and neighboring districts. Chinakkathur Pooram and Nemrana Vellangi Vela are two of the other festivals here.
When the deities of the temples are taken out on a procession in huge chariots also important is Kalpathy Ratholsavam which is a festival of the Tamil Brahmins. Some of the other well- known festivals celebrated in Palakkad include Saraswathy Pooja, Pongal and Vadakkanthara along with these. The advent of the Britishers to the region and the Palakkad Fort of Hyder Ali speaks volumes of Mysore invasions. Owing to Southwest winds, here mainly is the climate is rainfall, hot and wet. Since there is hardly any rain and the temperature is lovely, the best season to visit Palakkad is winter.
PLACES TO VISIT
Palakkad Fort
A wonderful historical monument which has gently integrated its high walls with its surroundings green gardens is the Palakkad Fort in the Palakkad district in Kerala. This was built by Hyder Ali in the 1766 which is one of the most well- preserved forts in the Kerala state. This fort is also known for its architecture which displays the workmanship of French engineers and is spread over an area of around 60702.84 sq m. Palakkad Fort is supported by bastions and walls in the shape of a square. An essential part of history is the majestic fortress of Palakkad. An open- air auditorium here as well is there. A truly humbling experience is Palakkad Fort which amalgamating the beauty of lush green gardens and impressive ancient architecture.
Vadakkanthara Temple
A popular temple of the district of Palakkad is Vadakkanthara Bhagavathy Temple which is located in Vadakkanthara town of the Palakkad district in the state of Kerala. A prominent bhagavathy temple in this district is Vadakkanthara Sri Thirupuraikal Bhagavathy Temple which is dedicated to Goddess Durga in Kanki forms where visited by devotees from neighboring states. An important festival of Vadakkanthara Temple is Vadakkanthara Veliya Villaku Vela which is celebrated in the Kumbam months in February – March. One of the popular festivals of Palakkad is Vadakkanthara Veliya Villaku Vela. The temple was shifted to the present location once when there was a war in Palakkad.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
A famous tourist spot as well is Palakkad destination which is best known for its constant efforts to preserve the dwindling tiger population. Home to rare wild animals is Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. This attracts tourists with its bounty of nature and picturesque charm. The most protected ecological terrain of the Western Ghats is the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. A rich amalgamation of lush green jungle and scenic landscapes is the park which perched on a hilly area amidst the Nelliampathy and Anamalai ranges. You can connect with the nature in a better way so in an utmost tranquil environment. Another attraction is a tree house in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu.
Kalpathy Heritage Village & Temple
The first heritage village in Kerala state is Kalpathy Heritage Village which is also known as the Kalpathy Agraharam. Situated just 3 km away from Palakkad a popular temple is Kalpathy Temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple organizes an annual Kalpathy Car Festival which influenced by the Vedic Tamil Brahmin culture. One such among the tourist places in Thrissur and Palakkad popular for its temple is Kalpathy and Kerala has a rich heritage of temple towns. During the Kalpathy Ratholsavam festival, among the finest places to see in Palakkad is the 14th century village. The place holds a strong connect with the musicians, scientists and scholars other then the architecture distinction.
Silent Valley National Park
A famous destination for wildlife as well as nature lovers all across the globe is this park with its lush green forests and wonderful views of the rich flora and fauna. One of the best places to visit in Palakkad is the Silent Valley. The absence of cicadas is very prominent at the park which though rich in biodiversity with substantial flora and fauna. This park is located in the Kundali Hills of the Western Ghats in Kerala which spread across an area of 89 sq. km. Panther, elephant, sambar, lion- tailed macaque, tiger, sambhar, wild pig and gaur are the ones who are most commonly seen here. Home for several specious of plants and trees is Silent Valley National Park is ever green forest. Among the best places to visit near Palakkad for an eco- friendly holiday is the Silent National Park.
Yakshi Statue
A wonderful touch to the picturesque beauty of the garden is Yakshi Statue which is a popular attraction in the Malampuzha Garden. From Kuttamath in Hosdurg Taluk in the state of Kerala’s Kasargod district, a sculptor is Kanayi Kunjiraman who is the Former Chairman of the Lalit Kala Academy. One of the major things to see at the garden of Malampuzha is the Yakshi Statue. Being Yaksh refers to a celestial and she seems to be sitting naked in a posture of yoga. Set amidst lush greenery, this garden has a Yakshi Statue. A majestic stone- carved piece of art is Yakshi Statue.
Malampuzha Dam & Garden
The largest reservoir in the state of Kerala is Malampuzha Dam which extending into a charming lake. The Malampuzha Gardens is another main attraction near the Malampuzha Dam. There is so much to see and enjoy in the garden well manicured lawns, fountains with sprinkling waters, different varieties of wonderful flowers. A notable work of art is the Yakshi statue sculptured by Kanayi Kunhiraman. The Rock Garden is another admired tourist location near the Malampuzha Dam. The surrounding of the dam appears serene and sound all day long with almost every patch of the garden covered with grasses. Also available for tourists are fishing and boating facilities.
Jain Temple
The Jain Temple at Jainimedu which reflects how Jainism has managed to thrive in this tiny section of Palakkad is an unlikely feature on the Palakkad tourist places list. The Jain Temple is well known for its granite walls which are 20 feet wide and 32 feet long at Jainimedu more than 500 years old. This ancient temple is enshrined with the images of Yakshinis and Jain Tirthankaras which is located on the south banks of River Kalpathy. One of the best places to visit in Palakkad to pay respect to Digambara is the interesting granite temple. Enshrined in the fourth segment of Jain Temple are Padmavati and Parashvanath. An air of austerity and spirituality in the temple where in a large number of devotee are visit.
HOW TO REACH
By Road: This district is well linked by roads with all major cities of India.
By Train: Major railway station connecting to all major cities are Palakkad and Shornur. The closest railway stations are Palakkad Town and Palakkad Junction.
By Air: Peelamedu Airport is the closest airport in Coimbatore which is well linked to the places in India. From Palakkad town, Coimbatore is about 55 km. |
