The most traditional of Kerala regions, Palakkad is the sun burnt heart of Kerala, bypassed by both tourists and modern India.

Palakkad sits to the North and inland of Cochin. It is bordered by the Ghats to the east and Thrissur to the West. It is flat paddy and farmland with only small villages and towns dotting the landscape which then rises through steep ravines and gorges into the Western Ghats. Palakkad is the home to Tipu's Fort which was not in fact the home to Tipu Sultan but is still revered as being as being a centre of resistance to English rule. Otherwise, there are few tourist sites and even fewer visitors which makes the experience curiously Kerala. It also seems the least populous region of Kerala perhaps because it is so unimproved and relaxed compared to other areas. We have a Palakkad guide if you would like to read more about the area.

The drive from Cochin takes about three hours or so taking in classic Kerala of coconuts palms and emerald green paddies of young rice plants. 

Kalari Kovalikom is set outside the town behind it's own walls and aside from distant chanting or temple music, it might be anywhere at all so remote does it feel with its twenty acres of gardens.