At the base of the Western Ghats, Palakkad, also known as Palghat, is the entry point to Kerala. The places to visit in Palakkad are so immense, all thanks to its tall, beautiful coconut trees and verdant paddy fields. In addition, it is home to ancient landmarks, massive dams, evergreen forests, misty mountains, and wildlife sanctuaries. The tourist attractions in Palakkad brim with ancient architecture and natural wonders.
10 Places To Visit In Palakkad
From historical monuments to lush green meadows, Palakkad is, indeed, dotted with unique experiences. Some of the places to visit in Palakkad include:
1. Palakkad Fort
The Palakkad Fort, popularly known as Tipu’s Fort, is a historically significant tourist destination in Palakkad. Spend the day enjoying a picnic with your family on the fort’s expansive green grounds, appreciating the different statues throughout the complex. Additionally, history lovers can spend a few hours admiring the fort’s repair by the Archaeological Survey of India at the on-site museum.
Location: Palakkad Highway, Kenathuparambu, Kunnathurmedu, Palakkad, Kerala 678001
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fees: ₹15
Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kerala
2. Vadakkanthara Temple
Photo: Ajay Lamichhane / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
One of the most revered temples in Palakkad, the Sree Vadakkanthara Bhagavathy Temple extensively draws pilgrims from local states. The temple is on the Kannagi tale, and every three years, a significant celebration called “Vela” is held there. Furthermore, It is one of the most popular places in Palakkad and witnesses a wide range of Hindu celebrations and ceremonies.
Location: Vadakkanthara, Palakkad, Kerala 678012
Timings: 4:30 AM – 12 PM and 4:30 PM – 8:30 PM
3. Dhoni Waterfalls
Photo: Mario Dobelmann / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Dhoni is a mini hamlet near Palakkad and is widely known for its natural wealth. Experiencing the beauty of these falls is truly one of the magical things to do in Palakkad. The Dhoni waterfalls alongside the forests provide an escape from the heat and humidity of Palakkad. This tourist spot is one of the best Palakkad tourist places, especially for a single-day trip.
Location: Puthuppariyaram, Palakkad, Kerala 678591
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: ₹120
Suggested Read: Hill Stations In Kerala
4. Malampuzha Dam
The Malampuzha Dam is one of the famous places for the Palakkad trip, established in 1955. It’s a wonderful park and dam with still waters, making it one of the most prominent tourist spots during the monsoon season. Standing at a height of 2249 meters with granite cliffs and no vegetation growing above or below, the dam is a sight to behold. Your kids can enjoy the amusement park while you can admire the natural beauty of the place.
Location: Malampuzha Dam, Palakkad, Kerala 678651
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: ₹25 for adults and ₹10 for children
5. Nelliyampathy Hills
Photo: Shino Jacob Koottanad / Wikimedia Commons
The Nelliyampathy Hills are one of the remote locations to explore close to Palakkad. With its gorgeous cloud-covered highlands, this tourist spot is around 60 km from Palakkad. The drive to Nelliyampathy is truly unforgettable, with cool, refreshing air and gooseberry trees lining both sides of the road. Eventually, you can see the flashes from the Pothundi Reservoir. Gazing upon the verdant woodland, you can observe roaming deer, bison, elephants, and langurs peacefully.
Location: Nelliyampathy, Palakkad, Kerala 678651
Timings: Entry is restricted after 4 PM
Entry Fees: ₹20
Suggested Read: Jungle Safari In Kerala
6. Silent Valley National Park
Photo: PP Yoonus / Wikimedia Commons
The Silent Valley is one of the best tourist places in Palakkad. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you can observe its rich biodiversity all along the national park. These typically include animals like elephants, tigers, lion-tailed macaques and Malabar giant squirrels. Undoubtedly, this tourist destination is among the best tourist attractions in Palakkad for an eco-friendly holiday.
Location: Wildlife Warden, Silent Valley Division, Palakkad, Kerala 678582
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fees: Free
7. Mangalam Dam
Photo: Fayaz29 / Wikimedia Commons
The Mangalam Dam, encircled by lush green forests and stunning views of the surrounding scenery, is one of Palakkad’s most beautiful tourist attractions. The diverse flora and fauna make it a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Additionally, you can spend the day picnicking with your family or taking a boat ride on the reservoir. Also, the secluded area of this tourist spot is ideal for weary travellers.
Location: Dam Road, Mangalam Dam, Kerala 678706
Timings: 10 AM – 7 PM
Entry Fees: Free
Suggested Read: Water Sports In Kerala
8. Kollengode Palace
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons
Kollengode is a unique Kerala tourist attraction built in 1904 by Raja Vasudeva for his daughter. Hence, this historic palace is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Palakkad. You can unwind amid verdant surroundings while indulging in the hotel’s potent Ayurvedic treatments. Moreover, its surroundings are genuinely captivating due to the endless expanse of paddy fields that stretch as far as the eye can perceive.
Location: Kollengode Kunisseri Rd, Kollengode, Kerala 678506
Timings: 7 AM – 10:30 PM
Entry Fees: Free
9. Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Photo: Sivahari / Wikimedia Commons
The wildlife sanctuary covers approximately 400 square metres and is well-known among tourists visiting Palakkad for its Wild Tiger Reserve. It’s the perfect place for thrill-seekers and wildlife enthusiasts to spend the day among the sanctuary’s diverse flora and fauna, as well as the many majestic Bengal tigers that call it home. Additionally, the sanctuary, surrounded by the Anaimalai and Nelliyampathy Hills, is a nature lover’s haven.
Location: Thunakadavu Dam, Anapaddy, Parambikulam Road, Kerala, 678661
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM (Entry closes at 4 PM)
Entry Fees: ₹25 for Indians and ₹300 for foreigners
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kerala With Family
10. Meenkara Dam
Photo: Kamryn Collins / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Meenkara Dam, 39 km from Palakkad, is a lovely picnic place surrounded by nature. It spans the Gayathri River, which flows into the Bharathapuzha River and is famous for its picturesque splendour, with paddy and coconut fields nearby. Puthunagaram, Pallassana, and Kollengode are some of the accessible roads. Certainly, this dam is a highly recommended picnic spot near Palakkad, perfect for family travel in India.
Location: Palakkad, Kerala 678507
Timings: 24*7
Entry Fees: ₹10
Travelling to Palakkad offers a unique combination of natural beauty and historical attractions, hence, making it the best location for tourist attractions in Kerala. From Palakkad Fort to Meenkara Dam, these places to visit in Palakkad give your eyes a noteworthy experience. So, Plan your next trip to Palakkad with TripXL and experience an adventurous trip with your loved ones.
Cover Photo: Ravisankar S / Unsplash