Palakkad aka Palghat is believed to be the the fusion of two Malayalam words, pala- meaning barren(during the sangam age), and kadu meaning forest. Rightly hailed as the gateway to Kerala, the famous Palakkad gap, a low lying mountain pass between Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu and Palakkad breathes life into the distinct topography of the place. The town is blessed with many small and medium rivers (tributaries of the Bharathapuzha). The place also very famous for it's largest dam the Malampuzha dam situated just 12 kms away from Palakkad. It's not just scorching sunny summers and dams that make Palakkad a fine nature's space. The place offers some really authentic places that is worth a visit. Onmanorama tells you five places in Palakkad where you can indulge in the finesse of mother nature.
1. Veettikunnu Island - get connected with nature
The Veettikunnu island in the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, a protected area at Chittur in Palakkad is the ideal place for you, if you are looking for solace in nature away from the hustles and bustles of life. Remember to book your stay at the island beforehand through the official website of the Tiger Reserve. The package will offer services of a naturalist and boatmen, but food is not involved. Visitors can however opt for services of a cook provided they make arrangements for the provisions. Maximum number of persons allowed is 5.
Read more: Veettikunnu Island – get connected with the nature
2. Surreal Kava: beyond the lake, beneath the hills
Kava is a not-so-popular destination in Palakkad. In fact, Kava is just one of the rustic villages around the catchment of the Malampuzha dam. The allure is heightened by its proximity of to the hills and the lake. Kava offers an ideal escape from the city life and the mundane daily grind.
Read more: Surreal Kava: beyond the lake, beneath the hills
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3. Silent valley -the pristine, virgin rainforest of Kerala
Silent valley is a pilgrimage for the nature lover. The silence of the forest masks the abundant life that thrives below the cocooned meshes of the evergreen foliage. It is a trip that takes you through verdant forests watered by a virgin river, Kunthipuzha that flows merrily without a care- a trip that reminds you to care for nature to keep it unblemished and pure.
Read more: The valley of silence: a visit you will never forget
4. Siruvani dam – tucked away in the wilderness
The Siruvani dam is 48 km away from Palakkad town and is 56 km north of Mannarkad. Though the source is in Kerala, it’s Tamil Nadu that enjoys the water rights. The dam was built across the Siruvani river to cater drinking water to Coimbatore.There are stories galore woven around the dam and why Siruvani is perhaps the sole reservoir in India which has been kept out of bound for visitors amidst indescribably beautiful landscape of the Western Ghats where forests, hills and vales, and flora and fauna have conspired to make it one of the most sought-after tourist destinations.
Read more: Siruvani dam – tucked away in the wilderness