Palakkad: where nature unleashes its beauty

Palakkad is often referred to as the granary of Kerala. Some would even call it the city of majestic forts. In fact this northwestern district is a store house of incredible sights and holds a significant position in the historical map of Kerala. Malampuzha dam, Tipu Sultan Fort, Kalpathy heritage village, Kanjirapuzha dam-garden and Nelliampathy are some of the amazing tourist destinations in Palakkad.

The mesmerizing sight of the exotic Palmyra trees, serene lake and its beautiful banks, makes Kava, the place where the Malapuzha River originates, a favorite destination of the nature lovers. One can reach Kava by travelling five kilometers towards Anakkal on the Malampuzha road. Clusters of lean Palmyra trees, which gained an iconic status through OV Vijayan’s Khasakhinte Ithihasam, and the serene banks of the Malampuzha dam offers a breath taking view for the visitors.

Also read: A trek to Dhoni waterfalls

Though waterfalls like Mayiladumpara and Karuvanpeta attract huge number of tourists, it would be dried up during summer. Absence of regular bus service through this route is a disadvantage. It is advisable to reach this place in own or hired vehicles. District tourism promotion council: 0491 2538996.

The ‘yakshi’ and the rock garden

Malampuzha has always enticed the imagination of the travelers with its hanging bridge, beautifully landscaped garden and the legendary granite sculpture of the Malampuzha Yakshi. The rock garden in Malampuzha, initiated by the district tourism council, is the first of its kind in South India. Renowned sculptor Nek Chand Saini, whom the country honored with a Padma Shri, has created the fascinating rock statues at the garden.

Rock figurines of fish, humans, deer and swans enthrall the visitors with its perfection and charm. Glass, mud tiles and granite pieces too are used to create these beautiful statutes that adorn the rock garden. Tourists can enter the rock garden from 10 am to 6 pm. Besides the entrance fee, extra amount will be charged for taking camera inside the garden. Malampuzha: 0491 2815295.

Kalpathy

The agraharam (Brahmin village) at Kalpathy, which earned the status of the first heritage village in the state, exudes an old world charm with its rows of houses and courtyards adorned with ‘kolam’(intricate designs drawn with rice flour). The rich and unique Brahmanic traditions and the Vishalakshi Sametha Vishwanatha temple give a spiritual significance for the place. The beautiful Kalpathy River which flows serenely through the village is truly an amazing sight to behold. One can reach Kalpathy by taking a left at the Palakkad – Olavakkad road after Chathapuram.