Palakkad

Palakkad is the gateway to Kerala from the North, a 40 kilometre break in the mountains due to the presence of the Palakkad Gap which gives access to this land situated at the foot of the Western Ghats. Celebrated as the granary of Kerala, the city derives its name from the Malayalam words Pala (Alsteria scholaris) and Kadu (forest). This place was once a beautiful stretch of forest covered with the sweet-scented flowers of the Pala tree. A potpourri of Tamil and Kerala culture, some of the finest Carnatic musicians hail from this region which continues to be largely agrarian society. Palakkad is a vast expanse of verdant plains interspersed with hills, rivers, mountain streams and forests. The town is famous for some of the best Ayurvedic treatment centers.

Tourist Attraction

Palakkad Fort

Palakkad Fort is situated in the middle of Palakkad town is also known as Tipu fort. On the directions of Hyder Ali, the work on this fort was started in the year 1766. In the war with the English in 1767 the fort was damaged and Hyder Ali reconstructed it on a solid foundation. Later fort came in control of Tipu Sultan. In 1787 the English and the Kozhikodu Zamorin captured this fort of vital strategic importance. Knowing this, Tipu Sultan sent a strong contingent and drove out the Zamorin and recaptured the fort.  In 1790 it was finally captured by the British under Colonel Stuart. It was renovated and was used as a base for operations that ended with the storming of Srirangapatnam. Now the fort ground is used to stage cricket matches, exhibitions and public meetings, earlier it had once served as a stable for the elephants and horses of Tipu's army.

Vishwanatha Temple

Vishwanatha Temple is locally known as kundukovil and is a famous Hindu temple located in the Kalpathy village of Palakkad. Located at a distance of 3 Kms from Palakkad Railway Station, the Kalpathy Vishwanatha Swamy Temple is the oldest Shiva temple in this region. The temple was built around 1425 AD by Kombi Achan, the raja of Palakkad and is situated on the banks of Kalpathy River. Dedicated to Lord Siva and his consort Visalakshi (another name for Parvati), it is the site of the annual Kalpathi Ratholsavam, which is one of the most famous temple festivals of Kerala.