Top Tourist Attractions in Palakkad
The months of November through February are the finest time to visit Palakkad. The temperature is still pleasant and suitable for outdoor activities like sightseeing. Here are a few top attractions in Palakkad that you can cover in a day or on a weekend.
- Malampuzha Garden
Nek Chand, a renowned artist and recipient of the esteemed Padmashree Award, created the one and only rock cut garden in South India in Malampuzha Garden in the Palakkad region. The lovely Malampuzha Township is located in the lower Western Ghats, and with its abundance of picnic places and lush flora, it is a must-visit location.
It features excellent hiking routes that are accessible to everyone with a desire for them. The Irrigation Dam and Malampuzha Gardens typically draw the largest crowds of tourists. In addition to providing excellent locations for picnics, the area is also attractive due to a wealth of fascinating lore.
Located on the front side of the Malampuzha Dam, Malampuzha Garden is a gorgeously designed garden. There are many well-maintained flower beds across the area’s lush green lawns. There are walkways where you may view a wide range of fountains and magnificent sculptures, such as the well-known Yakshi sculpture made by Sri Kanayi Kunhiraman in 1969. We are fortunate to still have this magnificent piece of art.
The rose gardens, flowerbeds, fountains, and overhead ropeway combine to make this a spot that quickly calms the soul. The ropeway provides an unparalleled aerial view of the landscape.
2. Snake Park, Malampuzha
The snake park is very near to the Malampuzha gardens. The Kerala Forest Department, Palakkad, is in charge of maintaining the Malampuzha Snake Rescue & Rehabilitation Center. The Snake Park exhibits a variety of hazardous and non-poisonous reptiles while taking the utmost precautions with them.
Tortoises and a crocodile are also on display here in addition to snakes. The two King Cobras kept in the two air-conditioned rooms are the major attraction of this park. There is a board with instructions that explains the behaviors of snakes as well as what to do in the event of a bite.
A little shop called “Pugmark Green Shop,” operated by the Forest Development Agency, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, is located inside the Snake Park. This stall provides natural nectar, sandalwood oil, cocoa, coffee, jute bags, and a variety of bamboo products for sale.
3. Fantasy Park
The stunning Western Ghats serve as the backdrop to Fantasy Park, one of Kerala’s best amusement parks. The visitors to this well-kept park adore the water exhibits. Super Splash, Harakirri, Striking Car, Paratrooper, Zip Zap Zoop, Dragon Coaster, and the Pirate Boat are a few of the popular park rides.
One of the busiest areas in the entire park, the Wave Pool is one of the largest in Kerala. One can even have a divine plunge in the Malampuzha Falls itself in addition to attractions like Water Blasters and enormous water tubes.
Without visiting the magnificent planetarium, where visitors young and old may marvel at the stars together, a trip to this location would be incomplete.
Palakkad, which is around 10 kilometers away, is the closest railway station. The closest airports are Coimbatore International Airport (65 km), Calicut International Airport (105 km), and Cochin International Airport (115 km).
4. Kava
Kava is close to Malampuzha (around 14 kilometers) and is full of surprises. While driving along the road, one is unaware of the incredible beauty that is just ahead. The long, winding road allows for stops so you may soak in the scenery.
It’s a lower dam region next to the Malampuzha Dam, and you may go there at any time of day for an amazing view of the dawn and sunset. If you enjoy taking pictures, there are many beautiful backdrops.
After Malampuzha’s activity, this location gives tranquility to the soul.
5. Palakkad Fort or Tipu Sultan Fort
In Palakkad, there is a military outpost from the 18th century that is home to a number of fascinating tales. The Palakkad Fort, also known as the Tipu Sultan Fort, is one of the main attractions of Palakkad and is one of the best-preserved stone-built forts in Kerala.
According to legend, Haider Ali restored this old fort in 1766. The fort was taken by the British in 1790, and they gave it a European makeover. This fort’s square shape can be entered from the north-east side through a contemporary bridge.
After entering, an L-shaped screen wall is in front of you. This structure, according to popular belief, was built to protect the door from any foreseeable attacks. There are bastions at each corner. The gateway was adequately safeguarded against outside attacks. The fort is surrounded by a moat.
You may observe a stucco pattern at the main gate that is reminiscent of temple architecture. In Kerala, the Palakkad Fort is the only place where these stucco designs can be found. The ancient doorway has been replaced with a more modern wooden one. You can enter the citadel by a different gateway after passing the main entrance. A passageway leading to a sub prison is accessible from the gate.
As you stroll along the fort, you’ll come across intriguing antique constructions and patterns that will astound you. The historic stone step well in this location is another fascinating building. The fort is enhanced with a nicely landscaped grass, however it is only accessible to the public in the mornings.
Everyone who sees it is impressed by the strong laterite walls. The area is popular with people who like to exercise and take leisurely walks. Public gatherings and significant events frequently take place on a sizable field that is located between the Fort and the town hall in Palakkad.
The employees of other government agencies work alongside tourists to keep the fort vibrant. On one side of the fort are the offices for the Revenue and Prison agencies. A museum is housed in another building and features sculptures and other items that were discovered on the property. For instance, numerous temple ruins were discovered during fort repairs.
Under the authority of the Archaeological Survey of India, the fort is a protected monument.
6. Dhoni Waterfalls
In Kerala, Dhoni is located approximately 15 kilometers from Palakkad town. The trailhead for the trek is close to the Teak plantations at the base of the hills. You may reach the pristine beauty of nature and the lush green surroundings after a two -hour journey from the base of the Dhoni hills.
On the climb up, one can see water running between the boulders on the unpaved roadways. A road has been stone-paved, making it commutable in all weather. We come across little streams quite frequently. The sun has minimal effect inside the forest. To prevent fatigue and a direct climb, the route is zigzagged with tight curves. However, avoiding that route and using shortcuts in line with our rationale can make the trek thrilling. These “unofficial paths” can be found all around the woodland. We may need the support of bushes, tree branches, etc. on such roadways.
The waterfall is accessible through a winding mountain road for bicycles and four-wheel drives, however private vehicles are not permitted on these roads. Plastics are not allowed anywhere in the vicinity.
There are two shifts: 10:30 and 1:30. You’ll be accompanied by a forest guard.
7. Varikkasseri Mana
One of Kerala’s oldest aristocratic Namboothiri family homes (illam), Varikkasseri Mana, dates back centuries. The building is situated in Manissery, a village in Ottapalam in Palakkad, and was constructed in the architectural style of Kerala on a plot of ground that is roughly 4 acres large.
Varikkassery Ravi Namboothirippad constructed The Mana around the beginning of the 20th century. The spacious and excellent detailing of the Padippura, or the gatehouse, will leave you speechless when you first arrive at the mana.
It is a well-liked site for Malayalam film shoots, and many commercially successful movies, including Devasuram, Aaraam Thampuran, Rappakal, Madambi, and Dhrona, were shot here. The number of Malayalam films that have included the mana has been so many that we have really stopped keeping track, but we are certain that it is well over 100. When no film is being shot, visitors are allowed to enter the mana and explore the beauty of it.