Guide to Palakkad in Kerala

Palakkad district has mountains, forests, fertile valleys, rivers and streams and are rich in flora and fauna. Many dams and irrigation projects glorify the district. The beautiful environs of the town harbours some of Kerala's most appealing heritage homestays and ayurvedic resorts. Further north, the Silent Valley National Park and the hill station of Nelliampathy are off track destinations and you may have to pick up transport to reach here.

To the East, Palakkad district borders the state of Tamil Nadu, South Thrissur district, Malappuram district on the west, Malappuram and Wayanad districts to the north.

Palakkad town is the headquarters of Palakkad district. Tipu’s fort is Palakkad’s motif (daily 8am -6pm). The fort on a small hill at the south end of the town is not grand but not unimpressive either. Built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766, it has an open auditorium and a small museum. A children’s park here is a great lure for children (daily 11am -8pm).

In the case of gold jewellery shops Palakkad ranks second to Thrissur district. Palakkad’s Valiya Angadi (big bazaar) is centre for bell-metal wares which include thooku vilakku (hanging lamp), mayil vilakku (peacock lamp) and nilavilakku (multi-tiered lamp). The antique ware-house located opposite to Nurani Saneeswaran temple, though nameless, is a treasure trove of bric-a-brac, objects d’art and furniture from Manas (Brahmin houses), Illams (Namboodiri houses) and Chetinad Palaces. Kerala souvenirs are easily available in Palakkad town at comparatively cheap rates.

Brahmins in Palakkad town are of Tamil Nadu origin.

Kathakali performances take place in the months of April and May. The Government Carnatic Music College has an excellent reputation and a small open air amphi-theatre next to the fort, catering to first class music and dance performances.

• Palakkad - At A Glance

• Visitors Attractions in Palakkad

Tourist Office: DTPC, West Fort Road, Palakkad. (Mon-Sat 9.30 am to 5pm; 0491/253 8996)

Getting to Palakkad

Air: Coimbatore Airport at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. Distance 60 km

Rail: Palakkad. Access from all important centres in India. Road: KSRTC , Palakkad. Access from all important centres of Kerala and Coimbatore.