Silent Valley National Park, Ottapalam, Dhoni Waterfalls, Vadakkanthara Temple, and Attapadi are some of the best places to visit in Palakkad, Kerala. Whether youâre fascinated by untamed nature, exotic wildlife, ancient shrines, or historic architecture, youâll love visiting these marvels!
Tucked in the foothills of the Nilgiris, Palakkad is a beautiful destination blessed with undisturbed natural beauty, diverse landscapes, vibrant local culture, and age-old archaeological wonders that are something to write home about.
Whether youâre looking for a coupleâs vacation, seeking an adventurous sojourn with your friends, or browsing Kerala tour packages for a family holiday, youâll find something for everyone in these brilliant tourist places in Palakkad.
Top 10 places to visit in Palakkad, Kerala
From waterfalls to forests, backwaters, hills, and wildlife sanctuaries, there are tons of delightful attractions in Palakkad that you canât possibly explore in a single visit to Kerala.
So, we have compiled a list of the most unique and famous places in Palakkad that you shouldnât miss!
See what they all offer before you add them to your Palakkad trip itinerary.
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1. Ottapalam
Held annually at Sree Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple in February-March, the Chinakkathoor Pooram is a colorful festival featuring folk art, folk dance, Pulikali, caparisoned elephant processions, and traditional orchestra.
The idyllic village of Ottapalam on the banks of the Bharathapuzha river is one of the most tranquil places to visit in Palakkad with untouched natural beauty
Its swaying palms, clear blue skies, virgin meadows, and the azure river have also made it a popular shooting location among Tamil filmmakers!
Ottapalam is among the most frequented tourist places in Palakkad district for its notable festival of Chinakathoor Pooram, one of the many Poorams celebrated in Kerala in a grand fashion!
Itâs also known as the birthplace of famous Malayalam poet and writer Vailoppilly Sreedhara Menon whose literary works have impacted Keralaâs culture and traditions deeply.
2. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
The reserve is home to one of the 1,500 âsacred grovesâ of Kerala that the local tribal communities consider spiritual and have demarcated to protect the reserveâs biodiversity-rich areas from encroachment.
One of the most adventurous one day trip places in Palakkad, the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve covers an expanse of over 400 sq meters and is home to a plethora of flora and fauna.
In addition to a large population of Royal Bengal Tigers, you will also find lion-tailed macaques, wild boars, king cobras, Indian leopards, sloths, Malabar Flying Squirrels, and the Travancore Kukri snakes here.
The rare wildlife, scenic dam, and unique ecological design of Parambikulam forest inside the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve brings the worldâs eminent wildlife photographers and landscape photographers every month!
Itâs one of the best places to visit in Palakkad for a thrilling Jeep safari and trekking expedition in the mighty Anamalai and Nelliyampathy hills.
Timings: 7 AM – 4 PM
Entry fee:
- Light vehicles: INR 50/-
- Heavy vehicles: INR 150/-
- Jeep safari: INR 200/- (free for kids below 10)
ALSO SEE – Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: Timings, Booking, Forest Stay
3. Vadakkanthara Temple
The vibrant festival of Vishu celebrated here every April features unique rituals, hymn chanting, Kathakali and Mohiniattam performances, percussion music, flower rangolis, and a special âprasadamâ of Vishu Kanji (rice porridge with coconut and spices).
Dedicated to Goddess Kannaki, the beautiful Vadakkanthara Temple is among the most revered tourist places in Palakkad among Hindu worshippers. The Vadakkanthara Thirupuraikkal Bhagavathy Temple is the only temple in Kerala that celebrates the goddess in her complete idolic form.
It is located a mere 2 km away from Palakkad Railway Station in a stunning complex and attracts both Hindu and non-Hindu devotees with its brilliant architecture and spiritual aura!
You must visit during the evening aarti when the beautiful wooden carvings and traditional architecture of this holy shrine turn into a visually stunning spectacle under the light of a thousand fireworks!
Timings: 4:30 AM – 11:30 AM; 4:30 PM – 8 PM
Entry fee: Nil
4. Silent Valley National Park
Owing to its unique ecosystem, the park is absolutely silent and devoid of the loud calls of Cicadas typically heard in other rainforests, thus giving it the name of âSilentâ Valley!
Spread over an area of 89 sq km, Silent Valley National Park tucked away in the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is among the most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries in India.
This protected nature reserve is among the most pristine places to visit in Palakkad to witness animals like Asian elephants, Royal Bengal Tigers, wild boars, lion-tailed macaques, gaur, panthers, langurs, and sambar deer.
Visitors can also spot endangered bird species like the Sri Lankan frogmouth and Malabar trogon as well as over 1,000 flowering plant species and 128 types of orchids.
Known to be Indiaâs last remaining virgin tracts of tropical evergreen forests, Silent Valley is decked with lofty peaks, rare herbs, the crystal clear Kunthi River, and an eco-friendly safari schedule that ensures its wild inhabitants roam around undisturbed!
Timings: 6:45 AM – 2:45 PM
Entry fee: INR 50/-
- Still Camera: INR 25/-
- Video Camera: INR 200/-
- Jeep safari: INR 1,600
ALSO SEE – Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kerala
5. Palakkad Fort
Built by Mysore Sultan Hyder Ali, rebuilt by Tipu Sultan, captured by British colonizers, and now owned by the Archaeological Survey of India, the 18th-century Palakkad Fort has a long history of changing ownerships that couldn’t fracture its structure or tarnish its beauty!
Palakkad sightseeing is incomplete without a visit to its most important historical marvel- the Palakkad Fort!
Also called Tipuâs Fort, Palakkad Fort is among the most famous places in Palakkad with stunning French-style architecture, a state-of-the-art museum, well-preserved bastions, an open-air auditorium, and green gardens fit for fun picnics.
The other attractions of this square-shaped fortress like the Hanuman temple, sub-jail section, Martyr’s Column, and Anjaneya Swamy Temple also make it one of the most fascinating places to visit in Palakkad!
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry fee: Nil
6. Dhoni Waterfalls
Dilapidated ruins of an abandoned British bungalow called Kalavara Kunnu greet you on your way to the waterfall and offer breathtaking views of orange and cardamom plantations below.
Set 8 km away from Palakkad town and an hourâs drive from Kollengode, the cleanest village in Kerala, Dhoni Waterfalls is a refreshing blend of untampered nature, boundless adventure, and scenic beauty!
One can reach this crystal clear cascade set amid the lush Dhoni hills and the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve with an easy three-hour-long trek.
A rejuvenating trek to Dhoni Falls, one of the best tourist places in Palakkad, also offers a chance to spot wild animals along the way and stunning panoramas of Malampuzha Dam from a height!
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Entry fee: Nil
ALSO SEE – A Pocket Guide To Dhoni Waterfalls, Keralaâs Unspoiled Gem
7. Attapadi Reserve Forest
Attapadiâs indigenous tribes possess extensive knowledge of the diverse flora that surrounds them and use it to make traditional medicines for curing all sorts of ailments.
Located on the border of the Silent Valley National Park, Attapadi Reserve is a protected forest reserve in the Nilgiri Valley famous for the rare Attapadi black goats found here.
Spread over an area of 250 sq km, this untampered piece of wilderness with endless natural beauty is known to be one of the largest tribal settlements in Kerala.
Home to one of the oldest tribal populations of Kerala, this quaint little forest and village under government protection is unlike anywhere else in the world, making it one of the most bizarre places to visit in Palakkad, Kerala.
Timings: NA
Entry fee: Nil
8. Malampuzha Garden & Dam
The only rock-cut garden in South India made entirely from discarded materials like broken bangles, glass bottles, used plastic cans, and tiles.
Set in the foothills of the Western Ghats and on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River, Malampuzha Garden is one of the most fun tourist places in Palakkad for a picnic, boating, and a leisurely evening stroll! Malampuzha gardens, located in the lower hills of the Western Ghats, are the only rock-cut gardens in South India
This landscaped garden attracts families and couples with its enticing collection of well-maintained grasslands, artificial ponds and waterfalls, colorful flower beds, vintage sculptures, a rock garden, an aquarium, and an amusement park!
Home to artist Kanai Kanhiramanâs famed Yakshi Statue, this garden is the perfect place for relaxation as well as some delightful family photos with the stunning Malampuzha Dam in the backdrop!
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
Entry fee:
- Adults: INR 25
- Kids under 12: INR 10
- Still camera: INR 100
- Video camera: INR 1,000
ALSO SEE – 11 Most Unique Places To Visit In Kerala: Beyond the Usual
9. Kollengode Palace
One of the favorite venues of Indiaâs royalty, celebrities, and politicians for grand events, garden parties, and movie shoots owing to the palaceâs rustic yet regal appeal, antique furniture, and landscaped gardens.
The Kollengode Palace, built by Kollengode townâs blacksmith community, is a must-visit if you wish to get familiar with the true cultural heritage and history of Palakkad.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this palace-cum-hotel built in a mix of European and authentic Kerala style of architecture has a collection of murals, temples, manuscripts, and ancient stones and sculptures from all over Kerala.
Set amid lush paddy fields and the majestic Nelliyampathy Hills, this palace is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Palakkad for history and archaeology fanatics.
Timings: NA
Entry fee: Nil
10. Nelliyampathy
Visit the Kesavanpara Waterhole that doesnât dry up even on the hottest day of the summer!
The last one on our list of Palakkad tourist places you shouldnât miss is Nelliyampathy!
Palakkadâs crown jewel, Nelliyampahty is often referred to as the âtourist’s paradiseâ owing to its waterfalls, forests, bio-farms, and plantations of tea, coffee, pepper, and orange.
This small hill station is among the best attractions in Palakkad for thrilling experiences like trekking, wildlife viewing, Jeep safari, and birdwatching.
Nelliyampathyâs dedicated weaving community has also made it a popular location. Donât forget to visit the local handloom where you can buy traditional hand-woven fabrics!
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry fee: Nil
ALSO SEE – Nelliyampathy Tourist Places- Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do
Which of these fabulous places to visit in Palakkad will you explore first? If youâve already picked your favorites, all you have to do now is reach out to our team and let them brew you an exciting holiday in Godâs Own Country!
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