The Anamalai Tiger Reserve, more famously known as the Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, located in the south of India is a unique reserve which has long since protected the endemic species of both plants and animals that reside here. The reserve was officially declared a Tiger Reserve in the year 2007. It lies in the Western Ghats which is a well-known hotspot for biodiversity. This also means that the species found in the tiger reserve are truly endangered and often rare and in need of protection.
Known For : Houseboats in Alleppey Alappuzha Beach Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple
Officially called Alappuzha, Alleppey is a city in the South Indian state of Kerala. Bordering the Laccadive Sea, it is known for its wide network of interlinking, palm-fringed canals called backwaters and rejuvenating Ayurvedic resorts. Allepey is also popular for its Houseboat cruises that pass through the serene backwaters, where you can catch glimpses of green paddy fields, choir making activities, beautiful avifauna and witness the life of locals in Kerala
Distance from Palakkad: 208 km
Best Time: June to March
Ottapalam is a quaint little town situated on the banks of the Bharatpuzha river. Blessed with the bounty of untouched natural beauty, this place serves as an abode for a large number of palm trees. Ottapalam finds many mentions in ancient history as it was the host site for many cultural events during the reign of the Zamorins of Calicut.
Distance from Palakkad: 35 km
Kerala's Palakkad district gives you a chance to venture right into the laps of the wild with its Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. Best known for its constant efforts to preserve the dwindling tiger population, this destination is a popular tourist spot as well. This sanctuary is also home to four different indigenous tribes- Kadar, Malasar, Muduvar and Mala Malasar. The surrounding beauty of the gently rolling hills and lazily flowing rivers make it the perfect place for the flourishing of its priceless flora and fauna population. Jungle treks and safari here are quite unique and eye-opening experiences.
Distance from Palakkad: 93 km
Lying on the foothills of the Silent Valley National Park, located in the Palakkad district of Kerala- is Attappadi. It lies at a distance of 38 kms from Mannarkkad. This place is a perfect vacation getaway if you are a nature lover. It is also a great place to be for those who appreciate wildlife. Attappadi is one of those pleasantly beautiful locations you surely do not want to miss. Most of this magnificent and alluring village town of Kerala comes under government protection as the Reserve Forest area. Attappadi is a perfect amalgam of mountains, forests, rivers and has a hilly terrain.
Distance from Palakkad: 57 km
Known For : Kozhikode Beach Kozhippara Falls Kappad Beach
Formerly known as Calicut, Kozhikode is located in Kerala. It was the Capital of Malabar during the Zamorin rule 500 years ago and is famous for its centuries-old trade in cotton and spices with Jews, Arabs, Phoenicians and Chinese. Vasco da Gama had set his foot on the remote beach of Kappad in Kozhikode in 1498 and 'Discovered India' and established spice trade routes with the west.
Distance from Palakkad: 126 km
Best Time: October to March
Mangalam Dam has been built on a tributary of River Mangalam and River Cherukunnapuzha for meeting the irrigation requirements in the region. The dam is a marvellous sight amidst dense forests. The wildlife thriving in the forest region can be spotted around the reservoir often. The region is quite a relief from the hustle and bustle of a city life and is a preferred picnic spot for many.
Distance from Palakkad: 45 km
Known For : Pothamedu View Point Eravikulam National Park Rose Garden Munnar
The idyllic hill station Munnar - famous for its tea estates, exotic lush greenery and craggy peaks, is located in the Western Ghats, in the state of Kerala. It serves as the commercial centre for some of the world’s largest tea estates. In addition, Munnar has many protected areas which are home to endemic and highly endangered species like the Nilgiri Thar and the Neelakurinji.
Distance from Palakkad: 158 km
Best Time: September to May
Known For : Mattancherry Palace Santa Cruz Basilica Kerala Folklore Museum
Situated on the south-west coast of India, Kochi or Cochin is a bustling commercial port city with a trading history that dates back to at least 600 years. Called as the Queen of the Arabian Sea, the city is the financial, commercial and industrial capital of Kerala. The city is marked by influences of Arabs, Dutch, Phoenicians, Portuguese, Chinese and the British city as well as that of the Indian rule of the Chera Dynasty followed by rule of the Feudal Lords.
Distance from Palakkad: 142 km
Best Time: July to April
The Silent Valley National Park, with its lush green forests and beautiful views of the rich flora and fauna, is a popular destination for nature as well as wildlife lovers all across the globe. Spread across an area of 89 square kilometres, the Silent Valley National Park is located in the Kundali Hills of the Western Ghats in Kerala in southern India. With its long, detailed history and the unique status of a rainforest, this national park is indeed a sight to visit. The well-planned Safari and the beautiful stop-overs around the park only make a trip to this part of Kerala more worthwhile.
Distance from Palakkad: 80 km
Kollengode Palace, located in Palakkad, Kerala is one of the few places that best represent the natural beauty of the village of Kollengode. It is a traditional shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu and flaunts authentic Kerala and European architectural styles. This prime attraction of Kollengode town is definitely a must-visit for those who want to see the true beauty of Palakkad.
Distance from Palakkad: 24 km
The Alappuzha beach, also known as the Alleppey Beach is famous for local getaways, its intrinsic beauty and a 150 years old pier which stretches into the sea. Relaxing under the palm groves and picnicking beside the beach are fantastic options available to those visiting the beach. Alleppey Beach is a host to many festivals like Sand Art festival and Alappuzha Beach Festival.
Distance from Palakkad: 190 km
Known For : Nilgiri Mountain Railway Ooty Lake Emerald Lake, Ooty
The Blue Mountains have always been shrouded in mysticism, and Ooty is no exception to that. For every mountain lover, the very idea of travelling to the city known as the Queen of the Hills holds an allure like no other. Once regarded as the summer headquarters of the East India Company (and for a very good reason), Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu which serves as a very popular tourist destination for anyone looking for a picturesque place to relax and unwind.
Distance from Palakkad: 137 km
Best Time: Throughout the year
Known For : Vadakummnathan temple Paramekavu Bhagavathy Temple Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores
Officially known as the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur is famous for fostering classical Keralan performing arts, religious sites and the renowned Thrissur Pooram festival, Onam festival and Vadakkumnathan Temple. Thrissur is the short form of Thiru-Shiva-Per-Ur which literally means “a city with three temples of Lord Shiva”. Thrissur later became anglicised to Trichur.
Distance from Palakkad: 68 km
Best Time: October - February; April, May
Known For : Karapuzha Dam Kanthanpara Waterfalls Shopping in Kalpetta
Kalpetta is a quaint town with a backdrop of majestic hills lurking in the shadows, lush green surroundings, fresh air and picturesque beauty. Housed in the Wayanad District of Kerala, at a height of 780 m above the sea level, Kalpetta is a perfect place for nature lovers as well as honeymooners.
Distance from Palakkad: 166 km
Best Time: October to March
Known For : Guruvayur Temple Punnathurkotta Elephant Palace Mammiyoor Shiva Temple
A small town in the district of Thrissur, Guruvayur is the most famous for the Guruvayur Temple - India's third-largest temple housing Lord Krishna. The temple is believed to be one of the 108 most divine Vishnu temples in the world. Guruvayoor has emerged as one of the most important places of worship in Southern India along with the likes of Tirupati and Sabarimala.
Distance from Palakkad: 94 km
Best Time: October to February
One of the oldest irrigation dams in India, Pothundi Dam is a stunning engineering marvel that has a core wall made of quicklime and jaggery. The dam is built across River Padipuzha and River Meenichiladipuzha forming a reservoir that expands over an area of 30 square kilometres. The serene surroundings of the dam with hills in the backdrop of the reservoir is a breathtaking sight.
Distance from Palakkad: 35 km
Known For : Vydehi Falls Adiyogi Shiva Statue Kovai Kondattam
One of the largest cities of Tamil Nadu, Coimbatore is a major hub for industry, textiles, and manufacturing, and is also the gateway to several other tourist destinations in South India. However, there is a lot more to Coimbatore than just that. From ancient temples to classy new buildings, from breathtaking mountains to jaw-dropping waterfalls, from a mouth-watering cuisine to pleasant weather all year round, Coimbatore has everything you could possibly need to make for a perfect holiday experience.
Distance from Palakkad: 53 km
Best Time: September to March