Palakkad: Forests, Waterfalls and Cultural Heritage

Palakkad reveals its diversity where forest landscapes and waterfalls meet historic sites and regional traditions. To plan your hotel stay, start by deciding: would you like to focus on wildlife and trekking, or include the fort, architecture and annual festival tradition?

Forests and Wildlife

Silent Valley National Park encompasses 89.52 square kilometres of preserved evergreen forest in the Sahya Ranges. You can drive only as far as Mukkali; from there, you must walk the rest of the way to the source of the Kunthipuzha. So if you choose this excursion, plan for a walk from Mukkali.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many rare wild animals. Boat trips and sightseeing tours are available on Parambikulam Reservoir. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve has three artificial reservoirs: Parambikulam, Thunakadavu and Peruvaripallam. Mayiladumpara, also called Choolannur Pea Fowl Sanctuary, is a sanctuary exclusively for peacocks. Hundreds of free-roaming peacocks can be seen there.

Trekking and Waterfalls

Nelliyampathy offers many trekking opportunities and lies about 1,500 metres above sea level. In Dhoni, a 3 km trek through pristine forest leads to a waterfall; the trek to Dhoni Waterfalls takes three hours. Forest permits and operating rules may change, and route conditions can also vary. Check conditions before your trek.

Meenvallam is a five-tier waterfall that plunges 45 metres into the Thuppanadu River. The forests around the falls are an extension of Silent Valley National Park. Palakkad therefore offers a range of nature destinations: forest trails, trekking routes and waterfalls, each with its own landscape features.

Fort, Architecture and Festival Tradition

Palakkad Fort was built in 1766 by Hyder Ali of Mysore; the fort houses an archaeological museum. Kalpathi Street is a historic street lined with similar houses and buildings in traditional architecture. Those interested in architectural styles will find a different focus here than at the fort.

Kalpathi Ratholsavam is an annual chariot festival at Sree Viswanatha Swamy Temple. The exact dates vary from year to year. If you plan to attend the festival, check the dates for your travel year.

Dams and Views

Pothundi Dam was built in Pothundi village across the Meenichiladipuzha and Padipuzha rivers. Its entrance garden has a walkway and an open-air gym. Malampuzha Dam has a rock garden and a ropeway; boat trips are offered on the river. Check the operating details for boat trips before your visit.

Kava Viewpoint is in Malampuzha. From there, you can enjoy views of mountain peaks and a reservoir.

Food from Palakkad

Popular dishes in Palakkad district include Palakkad Paddy Curd Rice, Kozhi Pidi and Ela Ada.

Explore more destinations: Kollengode, Vadakkencherry, Thenkurissi, Attappadi, Kozhinjampara, Padagiri, Vellinezhi, Koduvayur

For the main travel overview: Kerala.