India-Beach.com

Kerala Must See


Palakkad is a part of the erstwhile Malabar district of Madras Presidency. The district accounts for about 11.5% of the total land area of the state of Kerala, with the share of population is 8.20.%. The literacy rate of the district is low than the state. The district has got two types of climates. Ottappalam, Alathur and Mannarkkad are having a climate similar to that of other districts of Kerala , whereas Palakkad and Chittur are having rather a dry climate similar to Tamilnadu. However the average rainfall is good for cultivation. There are five taluks and 163 villages in the district. There are four Municipal towns and Ninety panchayaths in the district. The district is divided into 13 Community Development Blocks for the effective implementation of various developmental activities

Palakkad or Palghat is the land of Palmyrahs and Paddy fields. Along with Kuttanadu, Palakkad is a major Paddy growing area of the state. It is often called as the “Gateway of Kerala”. The Sahya Ranges bordering the region and the 32 k.m. long gap in the mountains exert a dominant influence on the climate of the region. This Gap is known as “Palakkad Gap”.

In the past, this land was known as Palakkattussery Etymologist trace the word Palakkad from Palanilam meaning the dry area. Palakkad has a long history dating back to the Paleolithic Period which was substantiated by a number of megalithic relics discovered from this region. It also housed the Capitals of two Kingdoms such as Palakkad and Kollengode, which were in prominence till a Century back.

The ancient history of Palakkad is shrouded. According to William Logan, the author of “Malabar Manual”, the Pallava Dynasty of Kanchi might have invaded Malabar in the second or third century. One of their headquarters was Palakkad, which could be the present Palakkad. For many centuries the Malabar region was ruled by Perumals. Malabar had been invaded by many of the ancient South Indian Rulers. After this the Malabar was divided among their Utayavars. The famous among them were the “Valluvakonathiri” (Ruler of Valluvanad) Kollengode Raja (Ruler of Venguvanad) and Sekharivarma (Raja of Palakkad) of Palakkattussery. The Palakkad Region was came under the control of Kollengode Raja and Sekharivarma Raja of Palakkad.

When the Kozhikkode Sammoothiri invaded Palakkad in 1757, the Palakkad Raja sought the help of Hyder Ali of Mysore. His help forced the Sammoothiri for retreat. Later Hyder Ali subjugated all territories in Palakkad which were under the possession of Kozhikkode Sammoothiri. Thus whole dominion of Palakkad passed into the control of Mysore Sulthan Hyder Ali Khan and his son Tippu Sulthan. The war between East India Company and Tippu Sulthan ended with the treaty of 1792 and all the possessions of Tippu in Malabar area ceded to the East India Company and it formed the Malabar District of the Madras Presidency.

PLACES OF INTEREST IN AND AROUND PALAKKAD

» Palakkad Fort
The old granite fort situated in the very heart of Palakkad town was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766.

» Fantasy Park
(1400 – 2100 hrs on weekdays and 1100 –2100 hrs on Saturdays, Sundays and National holidays) Attractions: Rides and computer games.

» Malampuzha Garden
This famous picnic spot which comprises a dam and beautifully landscaped gardens.

» Thiruvalathoor
The ancient temple here exhibits some fine wood work and stone sculptures

» Dhoni
It is a 3 hour trek from the base on the Dhoni Hills to this reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall.

» Kottayi
This village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.

» Kollengode
The Kollengode Palace, the Vishnu Temple and the Poet P.Kunhiraman Nair Memorial are worth visiting.

» Lakkidi
Killikkurissimangalam at Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar,. The poet’s house is preserved as a monument by the State Govt.

» Siruvani
The gateways on either side of the rod across the dam are typical of the Kerala and Tamil architectural styles.

» Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Sprawled across 285 sq.km. this Sanctuary is home to rare fauna. The oldest teak tree, Kannimari stands tall here. Boating/cruising facilities are available at the Reservoir.

» Nelliyampathy
At least 10 hair pin bends have to be negotiated on the Ghat Road through the evergreen forest . This hill station 467 m to 1572 m above sea level.

» Silent Valley National Park
The 89.52 sq.km national park is believed to be the sole surviving bit of evergreen forest in the Sahya Ranges.

» Chittur Garumadam
This memorial to Thunchath Ezhuthachan the author of Adhyatma Ramayana is located on the banks of the river Sokanasini.