palakkad

Palakkad, or Palghat, is a city in Kerala, a state in southwestern India. The city has a mix of Tamil and Malayalam speaking population; and the slang and accent used here is also unique and different from the other cities in the state.

Palakkad has various historically significant, religious as well as ecological attractions. Here are some of the popular ones to check out:

• Malampuzha Dam – The biggest dam in Kerala; a garden, park and aquarium are also located near it; makes for a lovely hangout spot with friends or family.
• Parambikulam Tiger Reserve – A sanctuary for wild animals, especially Indian Tigers, and various flora.
• Attapadi Reserve Forest – A beautiful ecological spot; protected area with many lush mountain peaks & waterfalls.
• Walayar Dam
• Dhoni Waterfalls

If you are planning a trip to Palakkad, do not forget to pay a visit to these below listed places :

• Tipu Sultan’s Fort
• Kalpathy Heritage temple
• Thiruvalathur Randu Moorthy Temple
• Sri Emoor Bhagavathy Temple
• Ottappalam mosque
• Panniyur Sri Varahamurthy Temple
• Sri Chinakkathoor Bhagavathy Temple

Other nearby attractions:

• Nelliampathy Hills
• Seethargundu Viewpoint

Best museum to visit in the city is:

• District Heritage Museum Palakkad – A museum housing many historical artifacts related to Palakkad, including a large collection of music instruments, for which Palakkad District is known for!

The major festivals celebrated in Palakkad are:

• Nellikulangara Vela – A festival celebrated to obtain the blessings of Nellikulangara Bhagavathy, by the people of Palakkad.
• Ottapalam Nercha Festival – A Muslim festival; during which Jumma prayers are held in the Ottappalam mosque on Fridays. To commemorate the death anniversary of a holy person called Uthman Auliya; this is usually held in January-February.
• Onam – One of the most important festivals in Kerala state, and is also celebrated in Kochi majestically. Street parades happen with dancers dressed like animals, and people decorate homes and streets with flowers in the form of Rangolis (also called Pookalam).
• Shivarathri – A festival dedicated to Lord Shiva. People usually fast during daytimes and pray to Lord Shiva during this festival. In Kerala, it is celebrated during the months of February/March.

Palakkad has many things to offer for the shopaholics too. People can buy things like - Travancore sarees, fancy jewellery and accessories, local handicrafts and so on at the markets here. Here are some good shopping spots to check out and shop at in Palakkad:

• Sai Junction
• Mannadiar Handicrafts
• Court Road

• Thappy’s Mall
• Joby’s Mall
• Orchid Mall

Palakkad’s cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines in the state of Kerala and is loved in the neighboring Tamil Nadu state too. Some popular dishes in this cuisine include:

• Olan – A creamy, spicy curry made with white pumpkin (ash gourd), cowpeas (lobia), coconut milk and local spices.
• Rasakalan.
• Kalan – A sour curry made with curd or buttermilk and vegetables like yam and plantain (raw banana).
• Vazhakka Erisseri – a mild, tempered curry of raw banana, with light sweet and salty tones.
• Prathaman – A sweet pudding made with rice (or pearl tapioca), coconuts, milk, jaggery and nuts toasted in ghee.
• Pulingari Mulagoshiam – A simple stew made with steamed gourds, and spiced with black pepper and tamarind.