Palakkad

Lies At The Foot of Gigantic Western Ghats

Palakkad lies at the foot of gigantic Western ghats, on the border of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. This district with mountains, forest and fertile valleys, rivers and mountain streams are rich in flora and fona. The Sahya ranges bordering the region and the 20 mile gap in the mountains exert a dominant influence on the climate of the region. Many rivers that flow in the Bharatapuzha, the life line of Kerala, arise from these mountains. 

In olden days, Palakkad was known as Paalakkattusery. Etymologists trace the word Palakkadu from Paalainilam, meaning dry area. Palakkad has a long history dating back to Paleololithic period. A large number of megalithic relics have been discovered from here.

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Silent Valley
Silent Valley is 80 kms from Palakkad. Ecologists desrcibe this area as the sole surviving bit of evergreen forests in the Sahya Ranges. This has been declared as a National Park recently.

Silent Valley covers about nine thousand hectares of land and the forest is devoid of the chirping cicedas. Kunthipuzha flows through the valley before merging with Bharatapuzha . There is a huge Wild tree of Kattuaiying variety. It is hollow within and can hide atleast 12 people in it. 

Malampuzha
Malampuzha is also known as the Vrindavan of Kerala. It exudes the charm of the harmony of nature, a perfect synchronisation of the grandeur of the mountains blending with the serenity of rivers. It is 10 kms from Palakkad. 

There are lush green lawns, innumerable flower beds, glittering pools, fountains and avenues. There is a fresh water aquarium, snake park and a Children's park with a toy train which await the pleasure and delight of children.

The reservoir is ideal for boating and fishing. The Garden house has a unit of Water sports also. A small garden in the Japenese style gives a touch of exotic charm to the landscape. So, does the hanging bridge across the canal.

Another item of interest in the park is the imposing concrete sculpture of YAKSHI , done by the renowned Kanai Kunhiraman

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