Welcome to Palakkad

Palakkad, also known as Palghat (anglicized), is a town and a municipality in the state of Kerala in southern India. It is the administrative headquarters of Palakkad District. Palakkad lies near the Palghat Gap, a pass or natural depression through the Western Ghats ranges that run parallel to the west coast of India, and connects Kerala to the plains of the state of Tamil Nadu to the east. The people of Palakkad generally speak Malayalam, though Tamil is also widely understood as it is close to the Tamil Nadu border. Palghat is one of the 14 districts of Kerala state in South India. The city of Palakkad is the district headquarters. Palakkad is bordered on the northwest by the Malappuram District and on the southwest by the Thrissur District. To the east lies the Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu. It is a predominantly rural district. Palakkad is the gateway to Kerala due to the presence of Palakkad Gap, in the Western Ghats. The total area of the district is 4480 km² which is 11.5% of the state's area. The district is nicknamed as the granary of Kerala. In the earlier times Palakkad was also known as Palakkattussery. Some etymologists trace the word "Palakkad" to be from the word Palanilam which means "dry lands". The commonly held belief however is that, it is the fusion of the two Malayalam words, Pala a tree (Alstonia scholaris) which is found abundantly in Palakkad and Kadu which means forest. Most part of the district fall in the midland region, except the Nelliampathy-Parambikulam area in the Chittur taluk in the south and Attappadi-Malampuzha area in the north, which are hilly and fall in the highland region. Some of the notable peaks in the district are Anginda, Karimala, Nellikotta or Padagiri and Karimala Gopuram. The climate is hot and humid for most part of the year. Palakkad is one of the hottest places in Kerala. There is sufficient rainfall. The district is blessed with many small and medium rivers, which are tributaries of the Bharathapuzha River. A number of dams have been built across these rivers, the largest being Malampuzha dam. The largest in volume capacity is the Parambikulam Dam[2] built in Udumalaipettai. The present Palakkad district, as an administrative unit, was formed on the first of January 1957, comprising of Palakkad, Perinthalmanna, Ponnani, Ottappalam, Alathur and Chittur. When the Malappuram district was formed on the 16th June 1969, Ponnani taluk excluding Thrithala firka and the villages of Vadakkekad, Punnayur and Punnayurkulam and Perinthalmanna taluk consisting of Mankada firka and Perinthalmanna firka excluding Karkidamkunnu and Chethalloor amsoms were transferred to Malappuram district. A new taluk, namely Mannarghat, was formed by grouping 19 villages of the erstwile Perinthalmanna taluk. While retaining the Trithala firka with Ottappalam taluk, the villages of Vadakkekad, Punnayur and Punnayurkulam were brought under Chowghat taluk of Thrissur district. The Paradur village of Tirur taluk was added to Ottappalam taluk. Recently some portions of Karavarakund village of Malappuram district were also added to Palakkad. At present the Palakkad district consists of two revenue divisions, five taluks and 163 villages. The revenue divisions are Palakkad and Ottappalam. Palakkad, Alathur and Chittur taluks form the Palakkad revenue division and Ottappalam and Mannarghat taluks form the Ottappalam revenue division. There are 13 development blocks and 90 panchayats in the district.
Agriculture is the main occupation. The most prominent crop is rice. Palakkad is known as the Rice Bowl of Kerala. But in recent times, rice cultivation has become remunerative due to high wages and low prices. Hence farmers have turned to other crops and the area under rice cultivation has decreased drastically. In the areas bordering Tamil Nadu, crops like sugar cane, groundnut, tomato, jasmine etc are cultivated. Rubber is the main crop in the hilly regions in the different parts of the district. Vegetables like pumpkin, ash gourd, bitter gourd, brinjal, pea etc. are now cultivated all over the district. Tamarind, Neem, Mango and Palm trees are seen in abundance in the Palakkad, like in Tamil Nadu. The district is a major centre of export for mangoes and tamarind. Jaggery, which is unrefined sugar, is made from sugarcane in Chittur Taluk. The main religion is Hinduism, with many castes - Nair (includes Menon's, Panickker's), Pisharody (Malayali Vaishnavaite ambalavasi), Ezhava, Ezhuthachan, Namboothiri (Malayali Shaivaite Brahmin), Iyer (Tamil Brahmin), Chettiar (equivalent to telugu Naidu),trader (Moothan), Gupthans, artisan community like carpenter (Asari), goldsmith (Thattan), blacksmith (Kollan) and potter (Kusavan). There are some tribals living in the forest areas within the Palakkad district. Nair's were traditionally the warrior caste. They are now actively involved in all fields of expertise (Science, Technology, Medicine, Legal Practices,...) within India and also abroad. The Late Sri M. G. Ramachandran was from a Nair family in Palakkad district. Namboothiris work as temple priests. Once upon a time they were highly influential landlords. A few Namboothiri families were also known for their knowledge in astrology and medicine. Ezhavas and Ezhuthachans were mostly farmers, the educated among them are into all fields of work now. The Tamil Brahmins of Palakkad require special mention. They migrated from Thanjavur of Tamil Nadu centuries back, on the invitation of the then ruler. They were settled in 96 villages called Agraharams in different parts of the district. They are also basically priests. They brought along their rich cultural heritage, Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam dance among them. Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, Palakkad Mani Iyer, M.D. Ramanathan are some of the prominent names in the field of Carnatic music. Muslims are in majority in the areas bordering Malappuram district. Here almost every family has male members in the Gulf region. Due to the remittances from these people, the area has substantially improved economically in the recent years. The earliest Christians in the district were from Thrissur district, who settled at Melarcode (R C Kambolam) around 1550 CE as traders of coconut oil and spices to near by districts. Later on, Christians from Idukki and Kottayam districts migrated to Palakkad and made the hilly terrains of the district their homes. The language spoken by the majority is Malayalam, with a distinct Tamil flavour. Also, the accent differs according the community of the speaker. Tamil is spoken in the areas bordering Tamil Nadu, by Tamil Brahmins and some Muslims who have roots in Tamil Nadu. There are some Telugu speaking people also, who are believed to have migrated to Kerala centuries ago as part of an invading army. There are no large cities in Palakkad district. Even the district Head Quarter (HQ) is a medium sized town. There are no big shopping malls or large hospitals. People usually go to Coimbatore for these needs. But recently, all the major jewellers of Kerala have opened their showrooms in Palakkad town.

Festivals
In the months of March and April, after the harvests, festivals called Vela are celebrated in many villages. These festivals consist of parade of caparisoned elephants, traditional orchestra of percussion instruments (called Panchavadyam, Thayambaka, Pandimelam etc) and fireworks. These festivals are very popular; people from neighbouring districts and Tamil Nadu come to witness them.
Nemmara Vallangi Vela and Chinakkathur Pooram of Palappuram
The vela season comes to an end with Mangalam vela, which usually happens in the month of May. Another important festival is the Kalpathi Ratholsavam. This is festival of the Tamil Brahmins. The deities of the various temples are taken out on a procession in chariots. It is believed that the God goes out to see his people on these days. The Anjumoorthy temple at Anjumoorthy Managalam, a village in Palakkad, is a unique temple in the district. The temple is considered to be the only temple in India where Sudharshana Chakram, a sharp spinning wheel carried by Lord Vishnu, is the primary deity. The belief is that Sudarshana Chakram self-manifested (Swayambhu) in the area where the temple now stands. The Navrathri Festival celebrated annually in Kodunthirapully Village is also famous. This village has the unique distinction of being two theoretical parts that celebrate the same festival on Ashtami and Navami, often with a lot of competitive edge. The festival although celebrated for every one of the night days culminates on Ashtami and Navami with caprisoned elephants, panchavadyam, a fireworks finale and musical stage shows.
Pattambi Nercha
Celebrated in Pattambi and nearby areas on the second Sunday of February in remembrance of Aloor valiya pookoya thangal. Another very famous festival is the "Puthur Vela". It is the annual festival held during the month of April of the puthur "Sree Thirupuraykal Bhagavathy kshethram" where 15 elephants unite for the famous "kudamattom".The "thayambaka" and "panchavadhyam" is a special treat for music lovers. The annual Ultsavam at the Thiruvegappura Mahakshetram is a large attraction to devotees. The annual sivarathri festival in East Vennakkara of palakkad municipality has a divine touch.
Kongan Pada - Chittur
Although there have been battles fought in Kerala none are really commemorated by Keralites. However the people of Chittur in Palakkad district do commemorate a battle every February (on first Monday after the dark lunar in Kumbam, Malayalam calendar) they fought and won. This is Konganpada, the only war festival in the state. The history of this festival is interwoven with myths. Chittur Bhagavathy temple, 11 Km away from Palakkad town, is famous for the konganpada festival. The festival, combines religion with mythology and history.It is held every year on the first Monday after the new moon night in Kumbhom (February-March), to commemorate the victory of Nair's of Chittoor over the militia of Konganadu (Coimbatore) led by the Chola King, Rajadhi Raja. The celebrations commemorate the victory of the Chittur Nairs over the militia of nearby Konganadu during 918 AD. It is said that there was constant fight in the Palakkad region between the Kerala kingdoms on the western side and the princely state of Konganad on the eastern side of the Western Ghat mountains. The festival starts with 'Chilambu' on Sivarathi in Kumbhom which reminds Kongan's (Chola Kings) declaration of war and the frightened people worshipping Bhagavathy and beseeching her help. On the third day of the Konganpada festival 101 rounds of the 'kathina vedi' (iron pipe crackers) commemorates the historic victory. Later, there is a kolam procession of little boys dressed as girls carried on the shoulders of men. At night men engage in mock fights wearing buffalo head masks to symbolize the dead buffaloes of the Konganpada (Kongan militia).
Manappullikavu Vela
It is a festival honouring the deity at Manapullikavu called 'Manapulli Bhagavathy'. The festival is celebrated between last week of February and first week of March based on the Malayalam Calendar year. The celebration starts with 'Kodiyettam' (flag hoisting on a bamboo pole) which declares the 'Vela'(Festival) has started. After the Kodiyettam, a week full of pooja ceremonies and evenings with colourful cultural programmes are organized by the 'Vela Committee' (Festival Committee) which all ends with the grand day 'Manapullikavu Vela'. Lots of devotees from various parts of Kerala and other southern states of India come for worshipping Bhagavathy on this auspicious day. The Vela day starts early with poojas to the Bhagavathy continuing with all day poojas. The 'Chaandh Abishekam', one of the important pooja during the day attracts flocks of devotees. 'Vedikettu' (Firework) is also an important attractive element of the festival which is organized in the evening around 9 PM and early morning by 4 AM. The Vela day is declared as Local Holiday which shows the importance of the festival. Manapullikavu Vela consists small velas from other desams. Velas from West Yakkara, Vadakkanthara, Vennakkara, Koppam are some of them. These small velas come together to make the final show. Plenty of chariots (bull carts and other motorised vehicles) take part in Manapullykavu Vela. Famous Annual Vela Festival of Sree Manapully Bhagavathy Temple, East Yakkara is being celebrated on a large scale from 15-05-2005 to 28-02-2008. The festival begins from 15-02-2008 Friday with Mahaganapathy Homam at 5.00a.m. and Kodiyettam at 6.30p.m. on the same day. Annadanam being the main offering to the deity, will be conducted on 28-02-2008 Thursday attracts a large crowd of devotees. The function is being conducted by receiving offerings from the public by way of Cash and Kind. Fabulous Cu,tura Programmes, Temple Arts and other Musical concerts are to be staged on all eveings from 15-02-2008 to 28-02-2008. Manpullikavu temple is near Yakkara Village, which was the origin of this temple. The name yakkara has derived from two words in malayalam- "YAGAM" & "KARA". These two words combine to form the name "Yagakkara" which changed into Yakkara in due course of time.
Vadakkanthara Vela (only once in 3 years)
Vadakkanthara is a place in Palakkad district in kerala, India. Vadakkanthra is known for its temple, Vadakkanthara Bhagavthy Temple and for the beauty of its natural places. It is a village in Vithara which mainly consists of Brahmins (Iyers). The majority of the people are ethnic Tamil Brahmins. Vadakkanthara bhagavthy temple - It is a temple in vadakkanthara. Devotees believe that Kanaki is the goddess and after burning Madurai Kanaki came here and sat aside of a tree. There are lot of festivals in Vadakkanthara but the main one is Vadakkanthara Veliya Villaku Vela. Vadakkanthara veliya villaku vela will happen once in three years. All the people in vthara will be gathered for this occasion. It is a festival for people both in vadakkanthara and vadakkanthara gramam.
Kalpathy Ratholsavam & Koduvayoor Ratholsavam

The week-long annual festival of Ratholsavam (Chariot Festival) begins in the month of November, every year. Thousands of devotees haul the huge, intricately carved temple chariots through the streets. Vedic ricitals are held in the temple throughout the festival. Throbbing with the Vedic chants sonorously recited by the Vedic scholars escorting the god, Kalpathy comes alive with the spirit of true devotion and joyous celebration. Perched on its lush green banks is the ancient Kalpathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. A pilgrim centre steeped in antiquity, the temple dates back to 1425 A.D. and is as revered in South India as Benares in the North India. Located near Palakkad, this temple is believed to be over 700 years old. The festival is dominated by three magnificent chariots, bedecked with flowers and flags, each sanctified by the presence of the lord. Teeming crowds of people and millions of hands try to reach out to be one of the privileged to have the honour of pulling the chariots, as they proceed in stately grandeur.
Tattamangalam Kuthira Vela or Angadi Vela
It is a festival conducted in a small village called Tathamangalam in Palakkad District of Kerala, south India. Kuthira meand "Horse" and Vela means "Festival" in Malayalam language. During this festival a grant Horse race is conducted by the local people. The riders are from neighbouring state Tamil Nadu. One can see so many volunteers painted in black with charcoal, these men are guards who controls the people standing on the road side to see the race, this is also called Kari Vela. Another is the Thattamangalam Ayyappan Festival at West Village.

Kannyar Kali
This is a festival usually celebrated in March or April in many of the Kurumba Bhagavathy temples in the Palakkad district of Kerala, India. Some prominent ones are in Pallassena, Vadavannur, Tathamangalam, Kozhalmannam and Kannanore Puthucode. Coyalmannam and Puthucode are two neighboring villages nearly 10 and 7 kilometers from Palakkad on the Palakkad-Thrissur road. Legend has it that the Kannyar Kali in these two places used to be celebrated in Coyalmannam originally but at some point, the Coyalmannam celebrations did not wait for the arrival of the Puthucode participants and the Puthucode villagers brought the Pandal along with the pillars and stuff and established the stage for the celebrations in Puthucode village itself. Though this festival is essentially that of the Nair community, there is contributions and participations of all other communities also in these celebrations. The celebrations last for a fortnight, the final three days are the full night celebrations which consist of pooja, vela, caparisoned elephant accompanied processions and fire works and a number of staged dramatic events in which the life of various communities in the villages are depicted. These dramatic presentations are enlivened by rustic humour some times embellished with sexual innuendos. The local men both young and old all participate in these celebrations. The women are mostly kept out of these activities except as devotees engaged in worship or as spectators of these dramatic presentations.
Places of interest
Palakkad Fort
Palakkad Fort is one of the best preserved Forts in Kerala, was built by Mysore's Haider Ali in 1766 AD. In 1790, the Fort was taken over and renovated by the British.This old granite Fort is situated in the very heart of Palakkad town. Also known as Tipu's Fort, Palakkad Fort was supposedly built to hasten communication between Coimbatore and the West Coast. In 1784 AD, after a siege lasting eleven days, the British Colonel, Fullerton stormed the Fort. It later fell into the hands of the Zamorin's troops but was recaptured by the British in 1790 AD. Martyr's Column, Open Air Auditorium called "Rappadi" are located in the spacious grounds of the Fort, now preserved by the Archaeological Survey Of India. There is also a Children's park on one of the sides of the Fort. This is the most beautiful and the best preserved fort of Kerala. The sober silence of the granite walls reminds us of old tales of valour and courage.
Malampuzha dam garden
Malampuzha is one of the important tourist places in Kerala, located in Palakkad district just 12kms away from Palakkad town. Malampuzha is situated on the lower hills of Western ghats. Major tourist attractions are Malampuzha Garden, Malampuzha Dam, Fresh water aquarium, Children park, Snake park, Telescopic tower, Rock garden,Passenger ropeway etc. Malampuzha Mini Hydro electric project built across Malampuzha river (A branch of Bharathapuzha River) is also the biggest irrigation project in Kerala with a large network of canal systems. Malampuzha Dam reservoir is ideal for boating and fishing. Rowboats, Pedalboats, water scooters and motorboats are available here. Main attraction of malampuzha is the lush green garden near the Dam. Well laid out flower beds, pools, fountains, fresh water aquarium and the childern park with a toy train here gives extreme pleasure for the visitors. There is a road train for amusement ride on wheels and the Telescope tower in the garden providing a terrestrial view upto 40 miles. The Passenger ropeway, the first of its kind in South India, offers a delightful air journey of 20 minutes across the gardens, giving an amazing view of the garden and Dam. The ropway equipped with 64 chairs, each can carry 2 persons and it is specially designed for the safe ride of the passengers. Another tourist attraction in the garden is the Sculpture of "Yakshi" created by the renowned sculptor Kanayi Kunhiraman. The first rock garden of South India, sculpted by the famous Padmashree Nek Chand Saini of Chandigarh is also at Malampuzha. The most interesting feature in the making of this garden is that, the whole place is made of unwanted things like broken pieces of bangles, tiles, used plastic cans, tins and other waste materials. It is quite thrilling, crossing the river through the hanging bridge across the river, connecting two sides of the garden. The Snake Park located close to Malampuzha Bustand, Started in 1984, is a major attraction for tourists and Snake lovers. The park consists of several rare species of snakes like King cobra, Forsten Cat snake and Brown vine Snake. Other species of snakes in the park are Indian Rock Python, Trinket snake, Kraits, Monocled Cobra, Common Cobra, Spectacled Cobra, Rock pit Viper, Wolf snake and a variety of Vipers like Saw scaled viper, Humb nosed pit viper, Rock pit Viper and Russel viper. Some varieties of water snakes, American Green Iguana (Only one in Kerala) and crocodiles are also housed here. The first amusement park of Kerala, named FANTASY PARK is at Malampuzha. Established in an 8 acre site on the main road and very close to the Malampuzha Gardens.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Tucked away in the valley between the Anamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala on the majestic Western Ghats is the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. This virgin valley that is the pride of Palakkad district is a glorious tribute to untouched nature. The reservoir harbours several varieties of aquatic fauna including mugger crocodiles that are often seen sunning on its banks. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is the most protected ecological piece of Anamalai sub unit of Western Ghats, surrounded on all sides by protected areas and sanctuaries of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the sanctuary is endowed with a peninsular flora and fauna which are excellently conserved due to total protection and minimal human interferences. The sanctuary being a major ecological continuum from Peechhi to Eravikulam through Anamalai aids the large viable populations of wildlife. It is the home ground for different races of indigenous people who are as well an integral part of the prevailing harmonious ecosystem. The thick, opulent habitat of the sanctuary with ample water supplys make it an abode for wildlife and there by for tourist who can have treasured memories of animal sightings and that of being in the lap of mother nature Western Ghats is one of the world’s 34 bio diversity hotspots. While considering the abundance of Wildlife and the adorable beauty of Nature, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is perhaps the most attractive piece of wilderness in the entire stretch of Western Ghats. Thus it is popularly revered as ‘Nature’s own abode’. It has a total area of 285 Sq. Kms, 135 km from Palakkad and adjacent to the Indira Gandhi National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Besides being an abode of elephants, wild boar, sambar, bison, guar, crocodiles, and a few tigers and panthers, it has rich diversity of flora and fauna. Treking in the forest is allowed with prior permission. Boating can be done at the lake. The Cannimare Teak Tree, which is said to be Asia’s largest, is here near Thunakadavu.
Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley National Park is called Sairandhrivanam (the forest in the valley). There are four distinct types of vegetation in this biodiversity intensive area. The rain forest has moist tropical evergreen trees with teak, rosewood, amla, bamboo and semal. Apart from this there are tropical hill forests, temperate forests and grasslands. The wildlife in Silent Valley National Park includes elephants, tigers, leopards, wild boar, sambhar, gaur and the endangered lion-tailed macaque. There are also a number of snake, lizard and amphibian species in the Silent Valley National Park. Not far from the Silent Valley National Park are the hill resort of Coonoor, the rapidly growing town of Coimbatore and a number of wildlife sanctuaries such as the Parambikulam sanctuary, the Attappadi or Mountain Valley, the Choolanur Peacock Sanctuary and the JP Smriti Vanam. This National Park is 80 km. from Palakkad. It is popularly known as the evergreen forest and noted for its eerie silence because of the lack of cicadas. It is an important biosphere reserve in the Western Ghats and Home of the tribal people. The Valley known for the rare Lion-Tailed Macaque. This National Park is a protected area for tigers also
Killikkurussimangalam
Birth place of Kunchan Nambiar and home of Mani Madhava Chakyar. The very famous and old Killikkurussi Siva temple is situated here. This cultural village has a memorial and library dedicated to the great Malayalam satire poet and founder of Ottamthullal art form Kunchan Nambiar. The home of authority of abhinaya (acting); legendary Natyacharya Vidushakaratnam Padma Shri Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar, who took Koodiyattam to new heights; is also a special cultural attraction of the village. Mani Madhava Chakyar Smaraka Gurukulam a school devoted to teach Koodiyattam (founded by late Guru Mani Madhava Chakyar) also situated in the same place.
Nelliyampathi
Known as Ooty of Kerala. Nelliampathy, is 75 km from Palakkad. By road it takes 2.30 hrs. The ranges here consist of a chain of ridges cut offf from one another by valleys. The highest peak is Nellikota. The forest contains teak of extraordinary height and girth. Estates of tea, coffee, orange and cardamom dot the ranges. Located at a distance of 52 kms from Palakkad, the cool hills of Nelliampathy, nestling atop the Western Ghats, offer a breathtaking view of the misty mountains and enchanting valleys interspersed with sprawling tea, coffee, cardamom and orange plantations. The bracing climate and green magic of nature enhance the exhilarating experience. For a vantage view of the spectacle, one must visit Seethakundu, where a 100m high waterfall provides an added attraction. It offers a fantastic view of the valley below a wide-angled vision of one-third of the entire Palakkad area. A forest range 75 kms from Palakkad, the Nelliyampathy hills comprise a chain of ridges cut off from one another by valleys of dense evergreen forests and orange plantations. The height of the hills ranges from 467 metres to the tallest peak Padagiri looming at 1572 metres. Nelliyampathy has immense trekking potential. The community hall at Kaikatty provides a good camping ground for the trekkers. Accessing Nelliyampathy from Palakkad is a sensation on its own, as one has to negotiate over a dozen hairpin curves on the Ghat Road, passing through the fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges. En route, 17 kms from Palakkad, the shimmering Pothundi Reservoir and its manicured surroundings make for the ideal stop over.
Sholayar
Highest peak in the district. Coffee, tea, plantations. Sholayar has a dam constructed in Chalakudy river and it is 65 km. East of Chalakudy town. The beauty of Athirappilly Water fall and Sholayar Dam can be enjoyed on the way to Sholayar. Athirappilly and TheVazhachal waterfall is a scenic and popular waterfall on the edge of the Sholayar forest range in Kerala.
Attappady
About 38 km. northeast of Mannarkkad. Above everything else, one will be awe-struck by the grandiloquence of the divine architect who created this loveliness of forests, rivers and mountains. It is also a place of great interest to anthropologists as many Irulas and Mudugas inhabit here. These Adivasis worship the mountain peak 'Malleswaran' as a gigantic Siv-Ling. This peak and the River Bhavani exert tremendous influence on the lives of the tribal. Attappati is an extensive mountain valley at the headwaters of the Bhavani River nestled below the Nilgiri Hills of the Western Ghats. It is bordered to the east by Coimbatore district in Tamilnadu, on the north by the Nilgiris, south by the Palghat taluk and on the west by Karimba, Pottassery and Mannarghat revenue villages of Mannarghat taluk of the Palghat District and Ernad taluk of the Malappuram district. The 249 km² Attappadi Reserve Forest is an informal buffer zone conjoining Silent Valley National Park to the West. 81 km² of this forest was separated to become most of the new 94 km² Bhavani Forest Range which is part of the 147.22 km² Silent Valley Buffer Zone formally approved by the Kerala Cabinet on June 6, 2007. The Cabinet also sanctioned 35 staff to protect the area and two new forest stations in Bhavani range at Anavai and Thudukki. The zone is aimed at checking the illicit cultivation of ganja, poaching and illicit brewing in areas adjacent to Silent Valley and help long-term sustainability of the protected area
Punarjani Guha
The Punarjani Guha is a natural tunnel 15 meters long in the rocky cliff. It is situated 2 km from the Thiruvilwamala Temple and the chief presiding deity is Sri Rama. The idol is believed to be ‘swayamboo’ ie. born on its own. It is believed that by performing ‘noozhal’ or crawling through the tunnel from one end to the other will wash away all of one’s sins and thus attain rebirth. Only men are allowed to do the ‘noozhal’ and women can only visit the cave. This ritual is practised only one day in a year on Guruvayur Ekadashi.
Chulanur
Peacock sanctuary in Kerala.
Dhoni
Dhoni a reserve forest area is about 15 km. from Palakkad. This forest has among other capivating sights a small but splendid waterfall. The site can be reached after a fairly long climb of three hours from the base of the Dhoni hills.
Jain Temple of Jainimedu
Situated on the western border of Palakkad town and not far from the Railway station, is a historic Jain Temple. The place around the temple is known as Jainimedu. This is one of the few places in Kerala where the vestiges of Jainism have survived without substantial damages. The granite walls are devoid of decoration. The 32 feet long 20 feet broad temple consists of four divisions with images of Jain Thirthankaras and Yakshinis in three of them. Kumaran Asan wrote his monumental poem 'Veena Poovu' (the fallen flower) at a Jain house here during his brief stay with his master Sri. Narayana Guru.
Vadavannur and Kollengode.
Vadavannur is a predominantly agricultural village in Chittur Taluk in the Palakkad District of Kerala, India. Vadavannur is also a Panchayat. Neighbouring Panchayats of Vadavannur are Kollengode, Puthunagaram, and Pallasena. Vadavannur is famous for its festivals, which happen once every two years. It starts from end of January and goes on till early April. The festival season starts with Kanyar. Then, there is a 7 day long Kummatti followed by a 7 day long Kali-Vela.