palakkad

Popularly known as the granary of Kerala, Palakkad shares it border with Tamil Nadu. Once a major route of commercial importance is the Palakkad Gap connecting the west and east coasts of India. Palakkad is a picturesque place and constituted by fertile plains, lush greenery, rivers, mountains, forests and streams.

The name is derived from Pala tree which is featured in many a myths and legends. Palakkad literally translates to the forest of Pala Trees. The culture of the land is a potpourri of Kerala and Tamil cultural blends. Carnatic music is in the blood of the people. Many world famous Carnatic musicians hail from here.

PALAKKAD/TIPPU’S FORT

Tippus Fort is an elegant imposing structure and marked as the major landmark of Palakkad. Centrally located right at the city’s heart, the Fort is one of the most well preserved Fort. Even if called Tippu's for the structure is built by Haider Ali, Tippu’s Father. He was invited by the then ruler of Palakkad to defend the onslaught of Zamorins. Seizing the opportunity, Haider helped the kingdom to eventually gain supreme control over this strategic area. The area was constancy changing hand between Mysore Rulers and the British. In the end, the British won the final battle and made Palakkad their strategic base. This advantage has resulted in the fall of Srirangapattanam.

MALAMPUZHA DAM AND GARDEN

This is Kerala's largest. Frequented by tourists this is a trekker’s dream come true and also a popular picnic spot. The large lake offers boating facilities. Other attractions are the amusement park, rock garden, Snake Park, a fish-shaped aquarium, swaying ropeway. The ropeway is much-loved attraction which offers an aerial ride over the park.