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Palakkad Fort |
Palakkad Fort is
one of the best preserved Forts in Kerala, was built by Mysore's
Haider Ali in 1766 AD. In 1790, the Fort was taken over and
renovated by the British.This old granite Fort is situated in the
very heart of Palakkad town.
Built By Haider Ali in 1790 |
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known as Tipu's Fort, Palakkad Fort was supposedly built to hasten
communication between Coimbatore and the West Coast. In 1784 AD,
after a siege lasting eleven days, the British Colonel, Fullerton
stormed the Fort. It later fell into the hands of the Zamorin's
troops but was recaptured by the British in 1790 AD. Martyr's
Column, Open Air Auditorium called "Rappadi" are located in the
spacious grounds of the Fort, now preserved by the Archaeological
Survey Of India. There is also a Children's park on one of the
sides of the Fort. |
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Attapady |
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Attapaddy is
40 km from Palakkad.
Attapaddy situated on the northeastern side of the district of
Palakkad and spread over an area of 827 sq. kms and has the
largest tribal settlement. The place consists of mostly hilly
highland terrain, fed by the tributaries of the River C.auvery.
An extensive mountain valley above the crest of the Ghat
ranges with numerous rivulets of the Bhavani River, Attapady
is inhabited mainly by tribes and some settlers from Tamil
Nadu. |
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A beautiful synthesis of mountains, rivers and forests, Attapaddy
is of great interest to anthropologists, as this is the habitat of
many tribes like the 'irolas' and 'mudugars'.The Malleshwaram peak
is worshipped as a gigantic 'Shivalinga', by the tribals who also
celebrate the festival of Shivratri with great gusto. The tribals
celebrate the festival by lighting the top of this peak.Silent
Valley National Park, Siruvani Drinking Water Reservoir are the
tourist centres of the valley. The highest peak in the district is
situated here.
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Ottapalam |
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Killikkurussimangalam, near Lakkidi, is the birthplace of Kerala's
famous poet and father of the traditional solo dance,
Ottamthullal, Kunjan Nambiar. It is 8 km away from Ottapalam. The
renowned Koodiyattam artiste late
Padma Shri
Mani Madhava Chakyar also hails from Killikkurussimangalam.
Kerala
Kalamandalam, the school dedicated to the training and
promotion of Kerala's own traditional art forms, is ocated in Cheruthuruthy, a few km away from Ottapalam. Founded in
1927 |
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the revered Malayalam poet Vallathol, Keralal
Kalamandalam trains students in Kathakali, Koodiyattam,
Mohiniyattam, Bharatanatyam and other indigenous
theatrical performing arts and music. These art forms, in the
oldern days, were generally performed in traditional theatres
attached to Hindu temples, known as Koothambalams. |
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Chittur Gurumadam |
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Chittur Gurumadam,
situated in Thekkegramam near Arikkode, on the banks of the
River Sokanasini (the destroyer of sorrows), Chittur Gurumadam
is a memorial to Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the author of 'Adhyatma
Ramayana'.
The poet-saint spent his last days here. A 'srichakra', some
of the idols worshipped by him, a stylus, wooden slippers and
a few old manuscripts are exhibited here.
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Chembai |
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Chembai, a small,
sleepy village of Kotai, 20 km from Palakkad town, is known
throughout the country and abroad because it gave birth to
this musician.
Chembai, as he is popularly known, took Carnatic music to
dizzy heights, opened a new era for it and created a niche for
Palakkad.
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Silent valley |
Silent
Valley National Park is 40 kms Palakkad
Silent Valley National Park located 40 kms from Mannarkkad in the
Palakkad district, echoes with the sounds of teeming wildlife.
The denizens of this sprawling habitat of endangered virgin
tropical forests include Rare Birds, Deer and Tiger.
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Perhaps, nowhere else can one also find such a representative
collection of peninsular mammals as in this park, which was
declared a National Park in 1980.
The park has a huge variety of wildlife, with over a 100 species
of Butterflies and 400 species of Moths and other animals like the
Ceylon Frog Moth, Great Indian Hornbill, the Nilgiri Laughing
Thrush and the Lion-Tailed Macaque.The park has around 26 species
of mammals and 120 species of avifauna, many of them considered
endangered. Apart from these, there are 11 species of snakes, 19
species of amphibians, and nine species of Lizards in the park.
The Silent Valley has over 110 plant species of medicinal value,
and seven new plant species have been discovered here. |
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Dhoni |
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Dhoni is 15Km from
Palakkad
Dhoni is a fairly long climb of a 3 hour trek from the base of
the Dhoni Hills. This reserve forest area with its small,
beautiful waterfall has many tourist all thrrough the year. It
is a splendid and captivating waterfall.. Dhoni provides
trekkers the opportunity to explore its hilly terrains.Its
lush green surroundings are a pleasure to watch. Dhoni is also
famous for its farmhouse, harbouring hundreds of cattle of
Swiss variety
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Nelliyampathy |
Nelliyampathy is 75 km from Palakkad.
The ranges here consist of a chain of ridges cut offf from one
another by valleys. The highest peak is Nellikota. The forest
contains teak of extraordinary height and girth. Estates of
tea, coffee, orange and cardamom dot the ranges. The cool
hills of Nelliampathy, nestling atop the Western Ghats, offer
a breathtaking view of the misty mountains and enchanting
valleys interspersed with sprawling tea, coffee, cardamom and
orange plantations.
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The bracing
climate and green magic of nature enhance the exhilarating
experience. For a vantage view of the spectacle, one must
visit Seethakundu, where a 100m high waterfall provides an
added attraction. It offers a fantastic view of the valley
below a wide-angled vision of one-third of the entire Palakkad
area. A forest range 75 kms from Palakkad, the Nelliyampathy
hills comprise a chain of ridges cut off from one another by
valleys of dense evergreen forests and orange. plantations.
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The height of the hills
ranges from 467 metres to the tallest peak Padagiri looming at
1572 metres. Nelliyampathy has immense trekking potential. The
community hall at Kaikatty provides a good camping ground for the
trekkers.
Accessing Nelliyampathy
from Palakkad is a sensation on its own, as one has to negotiate
over a dozen hairpin curves on the Ghat Road, passing through the
fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges. En route, 17 kms from
Palakkad, the shimmering Pothundi Reservoir and its manicured
surroundings make for the ideal stop over.
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Parambikulam |
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(Parambikulam is 97 kms
from Palakkad )
The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a reservoir of tranquil
greenery ensconced in a valley between the Annamalai ranges of
Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala. |
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Chollanoor Peacock Santuary |
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Mailadumpara, is situated 22 kms away
from Palakkad town and 5 kms from Peringothukrish, is also famed.
It is here the peacock protection center is located. Kunjan
Nambiar Smrudhi forest is also here. |
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Seetharkundu |
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Seetharkundu at
Nelliampathy offers a fantastic view of the valley below. The
1000 meters high water falls is one of the major attractions.
Legend has it that during the ‘vanavasa, Rama, Sita and
Lakshmana had lived here. Seetharkundu got its name from the
legend that Sita devi during the vanavasa period with
Rama, took a bath here.
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Malampuzha Dam |
At the Malampuzha dam, visit the snake park,
and the beautiful nursery near the bus parking lot.
Malampuzha is located 12 km away from Palakkad. A dam built in th
Bharathapuzha, Snake Park, Rope way, Rock Garden, Aquarium,
Sculpture of Yakshi etc are worth seeing. Malampuzha offers a
variety of amusements with its natural and artificial
amalgamation. Kalpathi Ratholsavam, the annual chariot festival at
Viswanatha Temple is one of the important festivals in this
region. The Malampuzha Garden known as the Vrindavan of Kerala,
exudes the charm and harmony of nature. The reservoir offers
amusement facilities for boating and fishing. The Garden House has
a unit of water sports. |
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Fantasy Park |
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Fantasy Park is located close to the
Malampuzha Gardens. Enjoy various joy rides on your Fantasy Park
Tour in Kerala with Kerala Travel Tourism. This amusement park
offers something to everyone. This park has beautiful gardens and
fountains offering tranquil environs.
Fantasy Park tour is a place for all age
groups from children to adults. Children can enjoy Baby Train
Ride, Battery Car Ride, Mini Tele Compact and Water Kiddy Ride.
There are also various joy rides where the entire family can have
fun together, which include Oriental Express Train, Pirate Boar,
Go Cart, Water Merry Go Round Dragon Coaster and many more.
Visitors should not worry about eating, as there is a delightful
restaurant and ice cream parlor onsite. |
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Siruvani Park |
Siruvani
(Reservoir)
48 Kms from Palakkad, the reservoir at Siruvani was built for
Tamil Nadu by the Kerala Government to meet the drinking water
requirements of Coimbatore. The gateways on either side of the
road across the dam are typical to the Kerala and Tamil
architectural style. Siruvani is also the home to certain tribes
like Mudugars and Irulars. |
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Mangalam Dam |
Mangalam Dam is 48 km from Palakkad
The Mangalam Dam is constructed on the river Cherukunnapuzha, a
tributary of the river Mangalam. A popular picnic site, The
Mangalam Dam is located south of Palakkad town. The construction
of the scenic dam was completed in the year 1956 |
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Pothundy Dam |
Pothundy (Picnic Spot)
Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir
Complex is a charming location for picnics and half-day trips.
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Meenvalam |
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There
are 10 steps of Water Falls at Meenvallam, the originating
point of Thuppanadu river. The height of the fall varies from
5 to 45 meters. Meenvallam is located at a distance of 37 kms
from Palakkad. |
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Kalpathy Car Festival |
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The annual chariot festival at the famous
Viswanathaswamy Temple at Kalpathy is held in the month of
November. Kalpathy is one of the ancient Brahmin Agraharam
(traditional house). Also known as Kalpathy Ratholsavam or
Kalpathy Theru festival, the festival is based on Vedic Tamil
Brahmin culture which lasts for seven days. On the last three
days, a spectacular procession of beautifully decorated three
temple chariots (Ratham) of lord Viswanadha swamy and Goddess
Parvathy, lord Visweswara and lord Subrahmanya are ceremoniously
drawn through the streets by thousands of devotees. The procession
is accompanied by caparisoned elephants and percussion. It is
believed that pulling the chariots will wash off all the sins for
a lot of generations |
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Chittur Konganpada |
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Kongan Pada, the only war festival in Kerala
is a festival of ritual drama associated with Chittur Kavu
Bhagavathy Temple. The festival is held every year on the first
Monday after the new moon in the Malayalam month Kumbam. i.e in
the month of February/ March. Chittur Kongan Pada is celebrated to
commemorate the victory of Nair's of Chittoor against King Rajadhi
Raja of Kong dynasy from Coimbatore. Chitturians believe that
Goddess Bhagavathy saved them from the Chola King. |
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Nenmmara Vella |
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Nenmara Vallangi Vela is
a renowned annual festival celebrated at Nellikulangara
Bhagavathy temple. Also known as Nellikulangara vela, it is a
joint invocation of the twoneighbouring villages Nenmara and
Vallangi. Held in the month of Meenam (Feb/ March), the
festival begins with the flag hoisting ceremony called
Kodiyettam on the first day of Meenam. During the vela,
several art forms like Karivela, Kummatti Andivela and similar
other folk rituals are performed. The major highlights of the
festival are the fireworks display and the pageant of 30
caparisoned elephants. |
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Thrissur
Pooram |
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Thrissur Pooram is the most colourful temple
festival of Kerala, south India. Thrissur Pooram attracts large
masses of devotees and spectators from all parts of the State and
even outside.Celebrated in Medom (April-May) it consists of
processions of richly caparisoned elephants from various
neighbouring temples to the Vadakumnathan temple, Thrissur. The
most impressive processions are those from the Krishna Temple at
Thiruvambadi and the Devi Temple at Paramekkavu which is quite a
significant event for its devotees
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Nercha Festival |
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Pattambi Nercha is the annual feast of the
Pattambi Mosque situated 61kms from Palakkad. The feast falling in
the month of February, is celebrated in memory of the Muslim saint
of South Malabar, Aloor Valia Pookkunjikoya Thangal. The festival
is an example of communal harmony. |
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Sree
Krishna Temple |
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A significant attraction at the temple are
the murals depicting ‘ Krishna Leela’, which were donated by a devotee in 2005. Adjoining the
temple is the Ganesh temple which pre-dates the Krishna temple. The
temple celebrates the 3 day festival around Sri Krishna Jayanthi every
year in a big way. The celebrations last for 10 days with Procession of 9
Elephants accompanied by Panchavadyam and Pandimelam. The night of
‘Ashtami Rohini’ witnesses a Kathakali performance which lasts throughout
the night. The 10 day celebration is marked by various temple arts and
musical performances by leading troupes of Kerala. |
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Hanuman Temple |
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This famous small worshipping place is
situated just behind the giant gate of the fort inside.This is
said to be built by the chief warrior of the Tippu Sultan's
battalion who was a hindu. |
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Jain
Temple |
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The 2,000-years-old Jain temple at Jainmedu
is the remnant of what was once a thriving community of diamond
traders. Four hundred Jain families lived here, with 24 wells,
each dedicated to a tirtanker, till Tipu's invasion drove them to
Wayanad. Descendants of one family are the keepers of its
fascinating history. It is an impressive, silent monument overhung
with trees and heavy with the weight of centuries. |
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Thiruvallathur Temple |
Thiruvalathoor (Ancient Temple)
10kms from Palakkad, the ancient temple here has some fine
woodwork and stone sculptures. |
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Guruvayur Temple |
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The Guruvayur Shri Krishna Temple is one of
the most important and sacred pilgrim centres of Kerala. It is
located in Guruvayur town of Thrissur district in Kerala ,India
and is easily accessible by road and rail. The presiding deity is
MahaVishnu, in the standing posture with four hands which carry a
Sankhu(conch), Sudarshana chakram (a serrated disk),lotus and
mace. He is worshipped as Balakrishna, the full avatar (Purnaavatara)
of Mahavishnu. The idol is made of a rare stone known as Patala
Anjana. |
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