Palakkad fort
The Palakkad Fort dates back to 1766 A.D., the fort is well preserved. It was built by Haider Ali of Mysore, supposedly to facilitate communication between Coimbatore and the West Coast. In 1784 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. It is now preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.
MALAMPUZHA GARDEN
This famous picnic spot which comprises a dam and beautifully landscaped gardens, is situated on the lower hills of the Western Ghats. There are frequent buses to this place from Palakkad. Situated at a distance of 10 km from Palakkad.
Nelliyampathy
A forest range 75 km 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 range from 467 mt to the tallest peak Padagiri looming at 1572 mt.
Accessing Nelliyampathy from Palakkad is hair-raising in itself with over a dozen hairpin curves on the ghat road passing through the fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges. En route, 17 km from Palakkad, the shimmering Pothundi Reservoir and its manicured surroundings make for an ideal stop over. This hill country is the delight of trekkers.
Lakkidi Hill Station
Lakkidi is at the crest of the Thamaraserri ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station. Lakkidi registers the second highest degree of rainfall in the world.
Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Parambikulam is endowed with luxuriant vegetation. Sprawled across 285 sq. km, and is 110 km from Palakkad. The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. It has one of the largest population of gaur (bison), sambar, spotted deer, jungle cat, lion-tailed macaque, common otter, sloth bear etc. are also seen. There are also a few tigers and leopards. Facilities for boarding and lodging are available at the sanctuary. There are forest rest houses at Thunacadavu, Thellikkal and Elathode. Motor transport and boat cruise can be arranged on request.
SILENT VALLEY NATIONAL PARK( 40 NORTHWEST OF MANNARKAD)
The 89.52 sq. km national park is believed to be the sole surviving bit of evergreen forests in the Sahya Ranges. An amazing factor of the Silent Valley forest is that it is void even of the chirping of cicadas. Elephants, tigers, wild dog, flying squirrel anlion-tailed macaque are found here. Situated at a distance of 40 km northwest of Mannarkad.
