# Palakkad District

Palakkad District is in Central Kerala, India. The population is 2.8 million and the density is 627 people per sq.km. Palakkad Gap is the only place where Kerala is not shielded by the Western Ghats mountain ranges.

## Cities

* 10.77916776.6547221 Palakkad, the district headquarters
* 11.10581476.6535532 Agali Hills, Hill station on Coimbatore road
* 10.64805676.5383333 Alathur,
* 10.776.754 Chittur, Hindu cultural centre
* 10.83600376.6814815 Malampuzha — famous Malampuzha Gardens
* 10.99222276.4641676 Mannarkkad, riverside town
* 10.7776.387 Ottappalam, paddyfield paradise
* 10.8276.28 Pattambi, riverside town
* 10.7776.289 Shornur, the railway town

## Other destinations

* 11.10581476.6535531 Attappadi , tribal settlements near Agali.
* 10.7376.482 Chulanur Peafowl Sanctuary —
* Nelliampathy Hills: Undulating tea estate and chilly climate with good accommodation available.
* 11.0680376.433733 Silent Valley National Park, Kerala — largest national park in Kerala that is virtually an undisturbed natural area that is home to several endangered or rare species of birds, plants and animals. Sairandhri hosts the visitor center for this park

## Understand

The culture of Palakkad district is unique because it is not pure Kerala culture. Centuries of coexistence with the Tamil culture across the Palakkad Gap has given it a unique Tamil flavor.

## Get in

There are railway stations in Palakkad, Olavakkod and Shornur. Buses are available from Coimbatore, Kozhikode and Kochi. The nearest airports are at Coimbatore and Kochi.

## Get around

Three wheelers charge ₹15 per km and buses are cheap @ ₹7 per for 3 km. Air-conditioned jeeps and cars are available at ₹1,000 for a day.

## See

* Attappady — Tribal villages. 38 km Home of Irulas and Mudugars
* Chulanur Peacock Sanctuary —
* Dhoni Reserve Forest — 15 km
* Jain temple — near the Railway Station
* Killikkurussimangalam — a cultural centre
* Malampuzha Gardens — 15 km
* Mahadeva Kshetram (Kiillikkurussimangalam) —
* Meenvallam Water Falls (Kalladikode) —
* Nelliyampathi — 'Ooty of Kerala' hill station.
* Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary — 135 km
* Pothundi Dam — with a garden and good views
* Sholayar Forest — Coffee and Tea estates
* Silent Valley National Park — 80 km. 'Evergreen forest' with many rare species
* Tippus Fort — 1 km
* Walayar Dam — 25 km.

## Eat

Palakkad is known for Tamil Nadu style food. The restaurants of Palakkad have issues with hygiene and travelers should take necessary precautions. European food is available only in expensive hotels and resorts.

## Drink

There are few decent bars/lounges/pubs/clubs.

## Stay safe

* Palakkad district is vulnerable to attacks from Naxals and Maoists. They once attacked the ticket counter of Silent Valley National Park, Mukkali. As the Maoists are armed and dangerous, be careful when you trek in lonely areas.
* Leeches are common in the hills. Carry some table salt to pour on them if any get on you. They do not like salt and will release their grip.

## Go next

* Coimbatore — Textile city, 56 km
* Kochi — coastal paradise, 145 km
* Kozhikode — Ancient Muslim city, 127 km
* Madurai — for Meenakshi Temple. 235 km.
* Ooty — major hill station, 162 km.
* Tirupur — The export city, 100 km.