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Palakkad Travel Guide
 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
» 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.
Palakkad Travel Guide , Kerala
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