Introduction

Palakkad District is one of the 14 districts of the Kerala State, which has been the largest district of the state from 2006. Palakkad city is the district headquarters. Most of the people of this district speak in Malayalam with a distinct flavour of Tamil. Palakkad is bordered on the northwest by the Malappuram District, on the southwest by the Thrissur District, on the northeast by The Nilgiris District, and on the east by Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. Palakkad District is known as "the granary of Kerala" and "Rice bowl of Kerala".

Etymology of Palakkad District

Earlier, Palakkad was also known as "Palakkattussery. According to some people, the connection of this district with ancient Jain Temple gave it the name from the Pali language. But historians believe that Palakkad word has been derived from "Pala", which means a tree that once densely occupied the land. Hence, Palakkad means "the forest of Pala trees".

Demography of Palakkad

According to the census of 2011, Palakkad has a population of 2,810,892 ranking in the 138th position in India out of 640. Sex ratio of the district is 1067 females for every 1000 males and literacy rate is 89.32%.

Economy of Palakkad

Several industries are located in Kanjikode Industrial Area, which is the second largest industrial area in Kerala. Along with that many government sectors are also located in Palakkad. The district became the first computerized collectorate in the country implemented under the "DC Suit" system and the first district where all the five taluk offices were computerized under the "Taluk Suit" and connected with the Collectorate. Palakkad is the most agrarian district of Kerala, which is mostly known for paddy cultivation. The district also occupies the first position in the state for producing groundnut, tamarind, turmeric, tuber, vegetables, pulses, mango, banana and cotton. Some other things cultivated here are Rubber, coconut, areca nut and black pepper.

Festivals of Palakkad

Palakkad is situated in the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala state. Hence, the art, culture and festivals of this place have influence of both the states. Some of the festivals of Palakkad are given here:

Kalpathi Rathotsavam : This is the annual festival of the Viswanatha temple of Palakkad. A large number of devotees gather here in November month every year to celebrate this festival. The main highlight of the festival is the temple Chariot Procession.

Vela at Manappulli Kavu : This is the annual festival of the Bhagavathy temple. It is celebrated in the month of March.

Kanniyarkali : This festival is an art form. It is patronised by the Nair Sect, which comes alive in the temples during the month of March or April.

Nenmara Vallengy Vela : This is a grand annual festival of the Bhagavathy temple near Nenmara. It is celebrated during the month of February or March. It is celebrated with brilliant fireworks.

Pavakkoothu : This festival of Palakkad includes a shadow play in the months of March or April. It is celebrated at some Bhagavathy Temples.

Kaalapoottu : This festival is a thrilling race among the oxen used in agriculture. This festival of Palakkad is generally celebrated in the month of January.

Konganpada : This is a ritual drama at the Bhagavathy temple in Chittur. It falls in the month of February or March.

Pattambi Nercha : This is an annual Muslim festival celebrated to commemorate the Saint Aloor Valia Pookunjikoya Thangal.

Tourist Places in and around Palakkad

Palakkad town is situated on the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. This beautiful town has several attractive visiting places in and around it. Some of these places are given here:

Loknayak Smrithivanam and Deer Park : It is situated 22 kms from Palghat. The Smrithivanam and Deer Park covers an area of 100 acres of reserve forest at Walayar along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Deer and other animals can be seen moving freely in this area. Facilities for elephant rides are also provided.

Thiruvalathoor : It is situated at a distance 10 km drive from Palakkad. It is an ancient temple with some wood carvings and stone sculptures.

Meenvallam : It is situated 8 km from Thuppanad junction on the Palakkad-Manarkad route. The waterfalls of this place are little known but they are combination of enchanting beauty and scenic splendour. The water falls from about 20 to 25 feet and the depth is around 15 to 20 feet. There are 10 steps of waterfalls, of which, eight are located in the upper hills inside the dense forest thereby remaining inaccessible.

Punarjani Guha : It is situated 2 km from the Tiruvilawamala temple. It is a natural tunnel in the rocky cliff. The main deity of the temple is Sri Raman. The idol here is believed to be `swayambhoo` i.e. born on its own and its abode is on the Western side.

Sri Vilwadrinatha Temple : This temple is about 15 km from Ottapalam, at `Thiruvilvamala`. It is dedicated to Lord Rama and Lord Lakshmana, the divine brothers in the great epic `The Ramayana`.

Sri Thirumandam Kunnu Bhagavathy Temple : This temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. It is situated at Kongad about 20 km from Palakkad.

Alathur Temple complex :This temple complex is situated at Alathur near Palakkad. It includes four temples dedicated to Lord Siva, Lord Krishna, Lord Varadaraja and Goddess Mahalakshmi.

Kottapuram Bhagavathy Temple : This temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy at Kottapuram. It is easily accessible from Palakkad.

Palakkad Fort : Hyder Ali of Mysore built this beautiful old fort in the heart of the city in 1766. In 1790, the British made some renovations and modifications to it. The Archaeological Survey of India is now taking care of this fort.

Fantasy Park : This is an amusement park, which offers to make the fantasies come true. The usual visiting time is from 14:00 to 21:00 hrs on weekdays and it becomes 11:00 to 2100 hrs on Saturdays, Sundays and National Holidays. The entrance fee is Rs.20 for adults and Rs.10 for children. There is extra charge for the pleasure rides and computer games.

Pothundy : It is situated about 45 km from Palakkad on the way to Nelliyampathy. The beautiful reservoir complex found here is perfect for short and sweet picnics.

Dhoni : This is a lavish sylvan region with a refreshing waterfall. The visitors need to trek for three long hours to reach to the foot of the beautiful Dhoni hills.

Malampuzha Dam : Malampuzha Dam is a wonderful dam in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This is a beautifully laid garden with a variety of brilliant and colourful flowers. It has the meticulously manicured grass lawn, the marvellous meadows and fabulous fountains displaying an orchestrated water show.

The site of the Malampuzha Dam lies in the cauldron formed by the Western Ghat. The great stretch of the serene lake formed by the dam provides boating facilities. During the cool dark night, numerous lights sparkle like bright pearls arranged on a black sheet of cloth. This is a rare beauty. These lights are usually illuminated only in the week ends. On other days, it can be arranged through the executive engineer after paying a fixed fee.

There is also a swimming pool with high diving stages in this dam. An aquarium and pleasure rides like the boating and the ropeway winch, a snake park and a children`s park are among other attractions of the Malampuzha Dam. The garden here opens by 10:00 hrs and closes by 18:00 hrs. One can enjoy the boat riding from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs. Swimming Pool remains open from 12:00 to 20:00 hrs. The tower remains open for the visitors from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs.

Kollengode
It is situated about 19 km south of Palakkad. The term `Kollengode` literally means `Abode of Blacksmiths`, who cherish the rural beauty of Palakkad. Ancient monuments like the Kollengode palace, the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the memorial of the renowned poet P. Kunhiraman Nair can be seen here.

Lakkidi
It is about 30 km from Palakkad. The house of the 18th century poet `Kunchan Nambiar` is situated here, which is a historic monument.

Meenkara dam
This is a beautiful dam across the enchanting river Gayathri. It merges with Bharathapuzha and is an exciting picnic spot.

Ottappalam
This town is well known for several places of worship here. A number of grand festivals celebrated here, makes it popular.

Mangalam Dam
This dam is located about 50 km from Palakkad. The beautiful Cherukunnath River, a tributary of the famous Mangalam River is intercepted by this wonderful dam. It is also a popular picnic spot.

Thrithala
It is situated about 75 km from Palakkad. This place is significant for the presence of ancient monuments and the dilapidated remains of the previously famous structures. One can find a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the ruins of a mud fort near this place. The archeologists visit here to research on the Kattilmadam Temple, which is a small but subtle Buddhist monument. It is supposed to be of the 9th or the 10th century and is made of granite on the Pattambi-Guruvayoor road.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary covers an area of about 285 sq. km. Several rare and the common creatures can be found here. Boating and cruising facilities are available here. The State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Anappady provide accommodations at the rest houses available there. The adventurous tourists interested to stay in the tree house, need to do advance reservation. `Kannimari`, the famous oldest teak tree can be seen here. The visitors need to take permission from the Divisional Forest Officer, Parambikulam to enter the sanctuary.

Siruvani Dam
It is about 48 km from Palakkad. This is a beautiful dam, which was built across the serene river Siruvani. It is a popular picnic spot. One of the two gateways on either side of the length of the dam is built in traditional Kerala style of architecture while the other in the traditional Tamil Nadu style.

Nelliyampathy
This hill resort is about 467meter to 1572 meter above the sea level. It is situated 40 km south of Nenmara. It is an evergreen forest spread lavishly along the incline. It is a good place for the trekkers. The DTPC, Palakkad provides accommodation.

Thenari
This place is famous for the temple dedicated to Lord Rama. There is a natural spring in front of the temple. The waters of this spring is considered to be as sacred as that of the magnificent, perennial, Holy river Ganges in which a dip cleanses souls.

Attappady
It is situated about 38 km on the northeast of Mannarkad. It has picturesque mountains, elegant rivers and thick verdant forests. Being the land of tribals, it attracts the anthropologists. The local people worship the Malleeswaram Peak, which looks like the Holy Sivalinga. Here, the Shivarathri festival is celebrated very enthusiastically. The PWD rest house and a few private hotels at Agali provide accommodations.

Thiruvegappura Sankaranarayana Temple
Sankaranarayana is the presiding deity of this temple. The deity is a unique combination of one half by Lord Siva and by Lord Vishnu on the other. It is a 14th century temple. The auditorium here is known as the `Koothambalam` and it is believed to be a later addition in the 15th or the 16th century.

Ongallur Taliyil Siva Temple
This temple is situated near Pattambi. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and displays the architectural skills of the period. Some of the most intricate laterite sculptures can be seen here. The Shivaratri festival is celebrated here annually.

Silent Valley National Park
It is situated about 40 km on the northwest of Mannarkad. Now, it covers an area of about 89.52 sq km. The persistent chirping of the cicadas, which is very common in sylvan regions, is absent here. This feature of the park makes it known as the silent valley. The visitors need to do a trekking of about 24 km since the Ghat terrain makes vehicle movement possible only beyond that distance. The visitors need to take the permission of the Wildlife Warden, Silent Valley National Park, Mukkali to go there.