[edit] Malampuzha Gardens
14-km from Palakkad. Malampuzha is a popular picnic spot. The Dam authorities have set up beautiful Gardens and an amusement park( daily 11akm-9pm). A sculpture of bare bodied Yakshi (demon) with head flung back and raised fisted hands positioned close to ears welcomes the visitors to the gardens. The landscaped gardens at the bottom of Western Ghats have many pluses. A rose garden with over 100 species of roses is a rare sight. The visitors can conveniently move around in the gardens and imbibe the beauty. The fantasy garden created by artist Nek Chand of Chandigarh fame is another hot spot.For more enthusiastic visitors a ropeway is set ready to have an exhilarating view of the grardens from the hanging and moving rope cabin from 60 ft height. The sky ride takes 20 minutes. On Saturday and Sunday nights, the site is illuminated.
The Snake Park in the gardens is home for several rare species of snakes, including Forsten’s cat snake, brown vine snake with no exception for king cobra. American green iguana and crocodiles have also respectable postion here.
The closeby Fancy Park has a menu of 20 rides. Saya Trooper and Swing Slambob are rated high on demand.
KTDC’s Garden House is ready with pedal boats, motor boats, row-boats and water scooters for a pleasant ride around the Reservoir.
The nature’s beauty Malampuzha has a more charming rival in Meenkara Dam, 18-km further north of Malampuzha. A beautiful place in all respects, Meenkara is a less known trourist spot, though it is an excellent showpiece. Probaly due to lack of information. Make use of Malampuzha and Meenkara in Palakkad destination.
