Pālghāt, India
Region: Kerala
Geographic Coordinates: 10.779200, 76.654700
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Seasonal.
Population: 130955
Language: Malayalam
Pālghāt, Also known as Palakkad, Is a district located in the Indian state of Kerala. The region is situated at the foothills of the Western Ghats and shares borders with Tamil Nadu to the east and Karnataka to the north. Covering an area of 4, 480 square kilometers, It has a population exceeding 2.8 million people. Pālghāt has a rich history dating back to ancient times with evidence of human habitation found in several archaeological sites. It was ruled by various dynasties including Cheras, Cholas, And Pandyas before being annexed by Tipu Sultan in the late 18th century.
Later it came under British rule until India gained independence in 1947. One of Pālghāt’s most prominent landmarks is its fort which was built by Hyder Ali during his reign over Mysore kingdom. The fort has been preserved well and still stands as a testimony to its glorious past. Another popular attraction is Malampuzha Dam which is one of the largest reservoirs in Kerala that provides irrigation facilities for agriculture along with generating hydroelectric power.
Pālghāt’s cuisine includes traditional dishes like puttu (steamed rice cake), Kadala curry (chickpea curry), Sambar (vegetable stew) among others due to its proximity to neighboring states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The district also boasts several temples that attract pilgrims from all over India including Kalpathy Temple which hosts an annual chariot festival called Ratholsavam that draws thousands of devotees every year. In addition to religious sites, Pālghat has several natural attractions such as Silent Valley National Park which houses endangered species like Lion-tailed macaque and Nilgiri langur along with rare flora species.
The district also has several waterfalls like Dhoni and Siruvani that offer breathtaking views of nature. Overall, Pālghāt is a region that is steeped in history, Culture, And natural beauty. Its unique blend of traditions from neighboring states makes it an interesting destination for tourists looking to explore the diversity of India.
- Palakkad Fort
- Malampuzha Dam and Gardens
- Kalpathy Heritage Village
- Dhoni Waterfalls
- Jainmedu Jain Temple
- Tipu Sultan Fort
- Silent Valley National Park
- Nelliyampathy Hills
- Kollengode Palace
- Fantasy Park Palakkad
- Agriculture
- Textile manufacturing
- Food processing
- Engineering and automobile manufacturing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Information technology (IT) services
- Traditional handicrafts such as brassware and woodcarving
- Retail sector with shopping malls and markets catering to the local population
- Palakkad Fort: The Palakkad Fort, also known as Tipu Sultan’s Fort, is a historic fort located in the heart of Palakkad town. It was built by Hyder Ali in 1766 and later taken over by Tipu Sultan.
- Ottapalam: Ottapalam is a small town located in the eastern part of Palakkad district. It was once an important center for the spice trade and is home to several historic temples.
- P.K.Nair: P.K.Nair was a film archivist and founder of the National Film Archive of India (NFAI). He was born in Palghat and played a crucial role in preserving India’s cinematic heritage.
- K.R.Narayanan: K.R.Narayanan was India’s first Dalit President who served from 1997 to 2002. He hailed from Uzhavoor village near Pattambi, which is located in the southern part of Palakkad district.
- Vallathol Narayana Menon: Vallathol Narayana Menon was a renowned poet who founded Kerala Kalamandalam, an institution dedicated to promoting traditional dance forms like Kathakali and Mohiniyattam.
- Malampuzha Dam: Malampuzha Dam is one of the largest reservoirs in Kerala and plays an important role in irrigation and power generation. It also has a beautiful garden with sculptures depicting various episodes from Indian mythology.
- Silent Valley National Park: Silent Valley National Park is one of the last remaining tracts of evergreen forests in India and home to several rare species like lion-tailed macaques, Nilgiri langurs, etc.
- Vishwanathan Anand: Vishwanathan Anand hails from Mayiladuthurai Tamil Nadu but spent his early childhood years living with his family at 60, Raja Street, Puthur in Palakkad. He is a former World Chess Champion and is considered one of the greatest chess players of all time.
- Tipu Sultan Fort: This historic fort was built in the 18th century and is a popular tourist attraction in Palakkad.
- Malampuzha Dam and Gardens: This scenic spot is home to a beautiful dam, gardens, amusement park, and aquarium.
- Jainmedu Jain Temple: This ancient temple is one of the oldest Jain temples in Kerala and features intricate carvings and sculptures.
- Palakkad Fort: Another historic fort located in Palakkad that dates back to the 18th century.
- Kalpathy Heritage Village: A charming village with traditional architecture, narrow streets, and ancient temples.
- Kollengode Palace: A stunning palace built by the Zamorin of Calicut that now serves as a museum showcasing local art and culture.
- Silent Valley National Park: A protected area known for its diverse flora and fauna, including rare species like lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs.
- Nelliyampathy Hills: A picturesque hill station offering breathtaking views of the Western Ghats mountain range.
- Fantasy Park: An amusement park featuring thrilling rides, water slides, games, food stalls, and more for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
- Dhoni Waterfalls: One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kerala located near Palakkad district with lush greenery around it making it an ideal picnic spot too!
- Kalpathy Ratholsavam is a ten-day annual chariot festival that takes place in November in the Kalpathy village.
- Vela Festival is a ten-day annual celebration that occurs during January and February in various villages around Palakkad.
- Pooram Festival is an annual temple festival celebrated at several temples throughout Palakkad district, such as Thiruvalathur, Kollengode, and Cherpulassery.
- Navaratri Festival is a nine-day Hindu festival celebrated each year in September or October at numerous temples across Palakkad.
- Onam Festival is a ten-day harvest festival that people celebrate extensively throughout Kerala, including Pālghāt.
- Vishu Festival marks the Malayalam New Year on April 14th every year and brings joy to people of all religions across Kerala.
- Thiruvathira Festival takes place on the full moon day (Thiruvathira nakshatra) of Dhanu (December-January). It’s an exclusive women’s celebration where they perform traditional dances around a lamp called ‘Thiruvathira Kali.’
- Thrissur Pooram may not be located precisely in Pālghāt; however, it’s one of the most popular festivals held nearby which attracts thousands from all over India to witness its grandeur and charm every year during April-May.
- Kumbh Mela occurs once every twelve years near Triveni Sangam (the confluence of three rivers) at Allahabad/Prayagraj; it’s one of the largest religious gatherings globally drawing millions from across India and beyond to take a dip in the holy waters for spiritual cleansing and salvation.
- Malabar River Festival provides adventure enthusiasts who love kayaking & rafting activities with an opportunity to participate or watch this event held annually in July on the Tejaswini River in Kannur district, which is about 100 km away from Pālghāt.
Traditional Palakkad dishes:
- Palakkad sambar
- Puttu and kadala curry
- Avial
- Olan
- Thoran
Popular restaurants in Pālghāt, India:
- Aryaas Restaurant
- Hotel Fort Palace
- Sri Murugan Bhavan Hotel
- Kairali Restaurant
- Sree Krishna Sweets & Bakery
- Malampuzha Gardens and Dam is a popular park that features a dam, gardens, and amusement rides.
- Fantasy Park is an amusement park that offers water rides and other exciting attractions.
- Silent Valley National Park is a protected area renowned for its biodiversity and trekking opportunities.
- Dhoni Waterfalls is a scenic waterfall located in the Western Ghats that offers breathtaking views.
- Kalpathy Heritage Village is a historic village famous for its annual cultural festival that showcases local traditions.
- Nelliyampathy Hills is a hill station with tea plantations, trekking trails, and viewpoints that offer stunning panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscapes.
- Meenvallam Waterfalls is another picturesque waterfall located in the Western Ghats that attracts nature lovers from all over the world.
- Kava Island Park is an eco-park with boating facilities and nature trails where visitors can experience Kerala’s natural beauty up close.
- Palakkad Fort dates back to the 17th century and has been converted into a museum showcasing local history and culture for visitors to explore.
- Thiruvalathoor Bhagavathy Temple – A famous temple dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy located near Pālghāt town where devotees come from far away to pay their respects to this revered deity.
