Palakkad, the land of hills, rivers, forests and lush valleys is situated at the foot of the Western Ghats. The name Palakkad literally means forest of Pala trees [Alstonia Scholaris], which means it was once thick jungle with sweet scented Pala flowers.

A 40 km low mountain pass between Palakkad and Coimbatore is known as the Palakkad Gap which is known as the gateway to Kerala. Palakkad is situated at the center of Kerala state sharing its border with Thrissur on the south west, Coimbatore on the east, and Malappuram on the Northwest. It is famous for its rich green paddy fields and hence earning the name “Rice bowl of Kerala”.

Sightseeing places

• Malampuzha Dam

  The Malampuzha Dam is the largest reservoir in Kerala, with the mighty Western Ghats on its background. It is 6,066 feet high and crosses Malampuzha River which is a tributary of Bharathapuzha, the longest river in Kerala. It was constructed in 1955 and since then the canal system is serving water to irrigate lands and the reservoir provides drinking water to the residents of Palakkad and surrounding areas too. The other attraction of Malambuzha Dam is the Malambuzha garden and parks surrounding it. There are boating facilities available to have some time floating enjoying the lush greenery of Malambuzha and the Western Ghats. There is a Rock Garden, a fish-shaped aquarium, a snake park and a ropeway too which is an exciting way to see around the park. Malambuzha Dam is 7.6 kms away from Palakkad and is easily accessible.

• Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

  Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is situated at Parambikulam of Chittur taluk in Palakkad. Parambikulam is situated in Annamalai hills in the Western Ghats. It is thickly forested by Bamboos, Sandalwood, Rosewood and teak. One of the main attractions of Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is the Kannimara teak tree, which is the largest in the whole Asia. You can spot wild animals like Tiger, Leopard, Sloth Bear, elephant and so on. You can locate Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary 92 kms away from Palakkad town.

• Nelliampathy Hills

  Nelliampathy is a scenic hillstation. Though less explored, it has got everything from rich greenery, serene and cool atmosphere, silvery waterfalls, cloud covered mountains and orderly layered tea and coffee plantations. There are orange and cardamom plantations as well. The road to Nelliampathy is narrow and there are 9 hairpins to negotiate with before reaching up hills. Trekking is an exciting activity here for sure. Sitharkundu trek is one of the most exhilarating and adventurous. Once you reach Sitharkundu, you will have a breathtaking view of the landscape. Nelliampathy Hills are 60 kms away from Palakkad town and you can take the road starting from Nenmara which is the only way to Nelliampathy Hills.

• Silent Valley National Park

  This 237.52sq km of natural rainforests is a land of mysteries, of which some are yet to be revealed. An interesting fact about Silent Valley National Park is that there are no cicadas present in the forest, and hence the name “Silent Valley”. There are more than 1000 species of flowering plants inside the forests along with 34 species of mammals, 200 species of butterflies, 400 species of moths, 128 species of beatles and more than 200 species of birds of which 16 are endemic species. Therefore it is considered as one of the most ecologically diverse areas on the whole planet. Permission from the forest department is mandatory to get inside the forest and visit the valley. Night halt is not allowed for any visitors. You can spot Silent Valley National Park 49 kms away from Palakkad Town.

Climate

Summer - Summer is hot and humid in Palakkad with highest temperature recorded of 37°c and minimum of 32°c. Summer Season at Palakkad is during March to May. If you do not mind the heat, it is a fair time to visit Palakkad.

Monsoon - Season starts by June and ends by November. This is when the Monsoon hits Palakkad. This time is good to make a visit, but sometimes heavy rainfall will be a problem during outing.

Winter - Winter starts by December and lasts till February. This is the best time to visit Palakkad. The lowest temperature recorded during winter is 19°c. The nights are cooler during the months of winter.

Travel Mode

By Road - The neighboring cities are Thrissur [90kms], Coimbatore [68kms] and Tirur [102kms]. There are frequent buses available from all these cities to Palakkad as well as all the cities in Kerala.

By Air - The nearest airport is Kochi [112kms] and Kozhikode [102kms] and Coimbatore [52kms]. All are connected through air to all the major cities in India as well as abroad. From the airport you can call a taxi or board in a Kerala Government Bus.

By Rail - Palakkad railway station is connected to all cities in India and there are regular trains from all the major cities in India. The railway station is huge and with all the necessary amenities for the travelers.

Why Palakkad?

Walk along the bright green rice paddies, sense all unseen at the Paramabikulam Wildlife sanctuary, exchange vibes with the silent woods of the Silent Valley National Park, witness and experience the untouched natural beauty of the Nelliampathy Hills. Palakkad is probably the most picturesque destination in Kerala, which you shall never miss to make a visit.