PALAKKAD
Palakkad district is having an area of 4480 sq. Km . Located to the North East is the district of Coimbatore , in T.N. , whereas to the North West Malappuram district encompasses , while to the South West rests Thrissur district . The name Palakkad , most of the people believe derives its name from Pala tree ( Alstonia Scholaris ) which is found in abundance reasoning out for Kadu . It is interesting to note that an area of about 1360 sq.Km of the district is covered under forest. The famous Silent Valley falls very well within this district , which claims to be one of the rarest tropical rain forest, rich in flora and fauna—80 Km from Palakkad Town . It derives its name from the very absence of Chicada ( noise making creature). The Palakkad gap , one of the largest ( 40 Km wide) in the Western Ghats , provides both South Western Monsoon as well as North Eastern rains , making Palakkad prone to rains for 6 months of the year. The average rainfall is about 260 cm .
Location : North Latitude 10 Degrees & East Latitude 76 Degrees.
It has 2 revenue divisions , 5 Taluks , & 163 villages. The 2001 census marks the district population to be nearly 26.1 lakhs .It may be interesting to observe that the highest population of Brahmins ( 14 % ) in Kerala in a given town is found in Palakkad Town . Why not make best of it for the benefit of the community?
Roots
Brahmin families from erstwhile Chola and Pandyan regions of Tamil Nadu, though settled down in Kerala centuries ago, still retain their linguistic identity and cultural practices. Where clustered living (Agraharams) were not possible, they pioneered the co-operative movement, by building common facilities for their anushtanas and prayers – the Samooha Madhoms in Kerala. Owing their origin to this co-operative enterprise of the community, the Samoohams were built with the sacrificing spirit of our fore-fathers, pooling their meager resources, centuries ago, to build, maintain and protect these centers of Brahmin tradition.
The Tamil Brahmins of Palakkad require special mention. They migrated from Thanjavur of Tamil Nadu centuries back, on the invitation of the then ruler. They were settled in 96 villages called Agraharams in different parts of the district. They are also basically priests.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS : PALAKKAD
Palakkad Fort
It is the fort which is situated in the middle of Palakkad town that first welcomes the tourists to this place. This fort tells the tale of many a subjugation and surrender. As per the directions of Hyder Ali, the Sultan of Mysore, the work on this fort was started in the year 1766 under the supervision of a team of French engineers. Hyder had settlements in Coimbatore, Malabar and Kochi (Cochin). His intention was to turn the Palakkad fort into a focal paint of these settlements and rule them. In the war with the English in 1767 the fort was damaged and Hyder Ali reconstructed it on a solid foundation. Hyder Ali was succeeded by his son Tippu Sultan as the Nawab of Mysore in 1782 and the fort came under his control. In 1787 the English and the Kozhikodu Zamorin captured this fort of vital strategic importance. Knowing this, Tippu sent a strong contingent and drove out the Zamorin and recaptured the fort.
In the war between the English and Tippu in 1790, the English again captured the fort. According to a treaty after 3rd Mysore war, in 1782 the British got Malabar region and the complete control of the fort therein. In 1797 the English mended the damaged parts of the fort. The war between Tippu and East India Company ended with the treaty of 1872 and all the possessions of Tippu in Malabar were ceded to the British. Gradually these formed part of the Malabar district of the Madras presidency.
Palakkad was only a taluk of old Malabar district of Madras presidency till the linguistic reorganization of the States in 1956. At present, some government offices and a sub jail are functioning at this fort.
Kottamaithanam, west of the fort, is very famous. It is said that it was here Tippu?s cavalry camped. This maithanam is used for conducting exhibitions and mammoth meetings. Nearby the fort, there is a children?s park and an open air stadium called ?Rappadi?.
Malampuzha
Malampuzha is the ?Vrindavan? of Kerala. It is 13 kms from Palakkad town. Since the completion of the dam in 1955, the place has been beautified into a tourist resort. The dam is located in idyllic surroundings with a hilly background. The beautiful garden on mughal model below the dam is the star attraction for the tourists. The small garden on Japanese style is also very attractive. The gigantic ?Yakshi? statue situated in the garden would cause surprise and wonder to anyone visiting Malampuzha. The fish-shaped aquarium is an added attraction. The snake park, the rock garden, the amusement park and the fancy park and the thrilling rides therein and the garden and fountain are the other attractions.
Parambikulam Wild Life sanctuary
Parambikulam in Western Ghats is about 125 kms from Palakkad. The dam and the wildlife sanctuary here are renowned. All sorts of animals and birds are seen here. There is a reservoir also. The place is famous for teak plantations. The oldest teak tree, ?Kannimaree?, stands here. There is a national park here, which is named after Salim Ali, the famous bird observer.
Chulannur Peacock Protection Centre
Mailadumpara, in Chulannur situated 22 kms away from Palakkad town and 5 kms from Peringothukrish, is also famed. It is here the peacock protection center is located. Kunjan Nambiar Smrudhi forest is also here.
Kottayi
Kottayi which is situated 15 kms from the district headquarters is also famous. Chembai Village which gave birth to Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavather, the maestro of Karnatic music is in Kottayi. The last resting place of Chembai is the pilgrim center of music lovers. The birth place of guru Kunju Kurup, the great Kathakali master is also in Kottayi. The famous Kandethan temple which attracts people from within and without the district is also situated here.
Seetharkundu
Seetharkundu at Nelliampathy offers a fantastic view of the valley below. The 1000 meters high water falls is one of the major attractions. Legend has it that during the ?vanavasa, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana had lived here. Seetharkundu got its name from the legend that Sita devi during the vanavasa period with Rama, took a bath here.
Killikurissi Mangalam
The first popular Malayalam poet and the father of Thullal Movements, Kunjan Nambiar was born in Kalakkathu house at Killikkurissi Mangalam of Lakkidi Perur panchayat in Palakkad district. Every day a number of literary men come here to pay obeisance to the ever burning lamp and the ezhuthani (pen) he used for writing. A center imparting training in learning the poet?s arts form like Ottam Thullal, Parayan Thullal and Seethankan Thullal is functioning here. Every year May fifth is observed as Kunchan Day and award is given to the best thullal artist of the State.
It is the Kunjan Memorial Committee working under the State Cultural Department that gives initiative to the activities here.
Silent Valley National Park
The ever green Silent Valley is in Palakkad district. The river Kunthi descends from the Nilgiri hills above the valley, at an altitude of 2000m, traverses the entire length of the valley and rushes down to the plains through a deep gorge. The Silent Valley National park, with an area of 90sq. kms is situated in the north eastern corner of the district. In the National Park it is estimated that there are more than thousand kinds of trees. The rarest species of animals and birds are seen in the valley. The valley has a fair representation of all peninsular mammals.
SILENT VALLEY - MYTH OR REALITY Date: 30th of Dec. 2007
My visit to Silent Valley , in the Palakkad District , 64 Km from Palakkad Town by road , was spellbinding as well as breathtaking since this place has been left pristine by preventing human interference till now or so the impression you get when you visit for a day.
One needs to get prior permission from the Asst. Wildlife Warden, Kerala Forest Department, Mukkali (Ph: 04924 253225, email ID: awlwsvnp@sancharnet.in ) informing about the composition of group, viz. nos. of adults above 10 years, the day of visit ( please note people above 60 years of age may not be able to undertake the small trekking of 1.5 Km in one direction down the valley since they need to climb up as well).The Silent Valley Park opens for visitors from morning 8 A.M. and visitors are allowed till 11 A.M. only.
These details are necessary because the Asst. Warden has to arrange appropriate Guide for accompanying the Group. It is mandatory. This is to take care of the fact that the visitors do not go astray and create problems for the animals in wild. Not only that, they must start leaving the Park by 4 P.M. that day, to reach the start of buffer zone , by sun set.
From Palakkad to Mukkali you can go by your own vehicle (40 Kms.) but from there onwards inside the Buffer Zone, Jeep or any similar vehicle is recommended for the balance 24 Km, since the so called road had been made by KSEB to cater to their requirements for moving machinery 15 years back when they had planned the dam across Kunthi river (tributary to Bharathapuzha) and hence not at all suitable for cars with low clearance. Jeeps are available near the Asst. Warden’s office at Mukkali at a nominal charge of Rs. 600/- for the day.
On reaching Mukkali, you need to contact the Asst.Warden’s office again physically for getting written permission giving names of people (and they need to sign the visitors’ register). If you carry still/ movie camera you need to declare the same, which will be charged a nominal fee for which you will get a receipt. Since you intend to enter a Biosphere reserve , it is an earnest request by Forest officials that you should not carry liquor / plastics AT ALL. At the same time you must also note that you must carry all food materials that you may require during the stay in the Silent Valley Park as only clear drinking water will be available inside the Park and no provision for any Food is made. It will take, normally, 1.5 hours to reach the ultimate destination – if you are lucky , you may sight a Nilgiri Monkey , Giant Squirrel , Lion Tailed Macau, Great Hornbill ( which happens to be the Kerala State Bird ) Wild Water buffalo. Beyond the first 5 Kms you leave all signs of civilization and reach wilderness with no contact on your mobile, no electricity (no wires or H T lines to carry electricity) An eerie silence envelopes you with occasional chirping of birds .This is where the Brits have named this land as Silent Valley as, even Chicadas which are otherwise found in to keep on chirping and create noises is absent in this zone. If your vehicle makes lots of noise, every chance is there that you may not sight any animals as they are scared of such noises. The numbers of hair-pin bends takes you through thick vegetation unique to this evergreen forest that you start wondering how animals survive. Yes, animals survive with the fruits / nuts that are made available to by the nature. You can see wild jackfruit variety in plenty for the monkeys, squirrels etc. to feed on. By the time you reach the end of 24th Km you are haunted by silence , Greens , occasional varied rainbow colours of new varieties of leaves that keep coming up. This defines the Ever Green Forest – before a set of leaves drop from a variety of trees, you can find trees laden with different hues of newly decorated leaves in plenty. This tempo only keeps the forest Ever Green all through the years , all through the years with an average rainfall of 4000 mm annually. Occasionally one can see the varied coloured snakes & variety of reptiles entangled on the trees, bushes etc. to have a sunbathe. The richness of flora and fauna is there, to be seen to be believed. At an altitude of 1000 m and above the chillness of the wind keeps one guessing for what the land awaits for – it can be anything except wild. On reaching the viewing point over the Tower gives an overall glimpse of the whole terrain that carries the smell of leaves, soil, and flow of water of Kunthi puzha in the Sairandhri Forest Range which forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere.
Then the trekking to the actual river bed starts down the hill for 1.5 Km and the noise of flow of water tells you why the much talked about controversial river water dam project in Kerala had been shelved. The view from the Eastern side is simply marvelous to define what a valley is about with the river already traveled 20 Kms of shores NOT TOUCHED BY HUMAN BEING looks like - pristine clear water keeps you guessing how such cleanliness is maintained by nature without any human intervention. Yes, the weather is chill with sun drenching the part of the river. The steel bridge dangling with the rhythm of visitors walk (constructed and commissioned by the Forest Dept. two years back) takes you to the Western end and the glimpse is complete with a circular view of the river flowing down to become Bharathapuzha later on flowing for another 100 Kms to join the Arabian Sea.
The trekking up the valley in the dampness of moisture gives additional strength to keep going up for treat of information provided by ever ready Forest Officials in their Information Centre – briefing the history, location of the park, the various audio visual effects of cries/chatters of birds /animals and their unique features adds knowledge to the members of the visiting team which cannot be obtained in any school.
Neral specie of tree, which has a girth of 10 feet, of which only seven nos. are alive in the world, Silent Valley accounts for the four nos. One of them, said to be 800 years old is on the verge of dissolving into earth’s soil is being addressed by the Guide on the way itself. The other three nos. are seen on the way down to the valley. It is understood that research officials have been able to create one no. of the said specie in the lab. The reason for not multiplication of the specie is attributed to certain kind of mice which eats away the seed on germination -- a truly sad story.
Having remained isolated from the world – for the five hours, without a mobile call, no electricity etc. gives a sense of belonging to the visitors along with the plants / trees/ animal/birds.
The return journey keeps the visitors on their tenterhooks for locating any new animal that lives in the wild, and not a wild animal. And this is REALITY.
For more info please log on to www.silentvalleynationalpark.com
Meenkara DamMeenkara is a fascinating sport due to the dam, garden, fish ponds and natural beauty. It is 32 kms, south east of Palakkad town. The dam here was constructed in the year 1960 across Meenkara river, a sub tributary of Gayathripuzha, which is the tributary of Bharathapuzha.
Chulliyar Dam
This dam and the surroundings at Muthalamada Panchayat offer a strikingly beautiful panorama of natural scenery. The work on this dam across Chulliyar, a tributary of Gayathripuzha was completed in the year 1960. A view from this dam at the sky kissing Nelliyampathy mountain ranges is superb.
Pothundi Dam
Pothundy is 38 kms south of Palakkad town, in Nelliyampathy route. The dam is across Padipuzha and Meenchadipuzha, the two sub tributaries of Ayilurpuzha, which is the tributary of Bharathapuzha.
Mangalam Dam
The work on this dam was completed in the year 1956. it is located 48 kms south of Palakkad town. The dam is constructed across Cherukunnupuzha, a tributary of Mangalam river. There are deer, wild elephants and rare species of birds on the fringes of the reservoir.
Siruvani Dam
The dam is the common reservoir of Kerala and Tamilnadu. It is 80 kms away from Palakkad town, and 22 kms interior from Edakkurissi which is in Palakkad manarcad route. The dam is constructed across Siruvanipuzha which is the tributary of Bhavanipuzha. It supplies drinking water to Coimbatore municipality. There is a water fall from 2000 feet height on the eastern side of the dam. The scenic beauty of Siruvani is really wonderful.
Thunchan Madom
In ?Sokanashini?, an old building at Chittoor Thekkegram village, Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam language spent his last years. People call it gurumadom. Thunchan madom on the banks of ?Sokanashini? (destroyer of sorrow) Chittoorpuzha is even today blessed with the presence of literary men. The ezhuthani (pen) he used for writing is kept here as a precious memento.
SILVER STREAKS ON NILGIRI RANGE
The mountain range that you see in these pictures are the ones that every users of NH 47 see during their journey between Palakkad and Coimbatore.But the uniqueness of these pictures are the numbers of white streaks running from top to bottom that for a normal passers-by will not be significant..
It can be seen only during the rainy season that too after heavy rainfall over the mountain .It so happened that on the evening drive from Coimbatore ,we have just crossed Walayar towards Palakkad and nearing Pampampallam . The weather has just cleared after heavy rains a few minutes back . This resulted in sudden appearance of water-falls over the Northern edge of the mountain looking towards setting sun resulting in these number of streaks giving rise to a feeling of the mountain being watered by rain God .
Within minutes of stoppage these water streaks disappeared as well.
The closer look at these shots reveals the baldness of the mountain top along with the thick vegetation at the foot of the hill.
A rare treat for nature lovers .
JP Smirthivanam & Deer Park
JP Smirthivanam and Deer Park are located at Walayar reserve forest which has an area of 100 acres. One can see here deer and other animals roaming about in their natural habitat. This is situated 22 kms away from Palakkad town in Palakkad-coimbatore road. Here facilities for elephant riding are also available.
Kudallur and Thasarak
The villages of Palakkad district have become the background of the novels of reputed writers like M.T. Vasudevan Nair and O.V. Vijayan. Kudallur, the birth place of M.T. Vasudevan Nair is the locale of his novels, ?Nalukettu? and ?Kalam? (time). In vijayans famous novel, ?Khasakkinte Ithihasom? (the epic of Khasakk) the locale is the palakkad village, ?Thasarak?. A number of people interested in literature visit these two places.
GREAT PERSONALITIES
Brahmins of Palakkad excelled in many fields which has no parallels. A few of them are highlighted here as reference.
Legal Luminaries :Possibly due to the tradition of Tamil Iyers, Kerala Iyers also took up to the profession of law. Many of them rose up to dizzy heights. The belief that they would be honest and would not deceive which was shared by all communities in Kerala made them very popular lawyers right from the Munsif court to the Supreme Court.
Justice A.S.P.Iyer of Ayilam, Palakkad, Justice V.R.Krishna Iyer of Malabar and Justice Vaidylingam of Chittur were possibly the only two who became Justices in the Supreme Court in India. Justice V.R.Krishna Iyer was also the law minister of the first elected Marxist government in the world. It was he who piloted some of the very revolutionary bills like the Bhoo Naya Bill and Education reform bill. He is a scholar in his own right. Justice A.S.P. Iyer is a famous writer in English and his novel Baladitya is possibly the first historical romance based on Indian History.
Great Politicians:
This is an area normally avoided by iyers. But small time functionaries do exist in all political parties of Kerala. Among those who made to the top are: -
Sri.V.R.Krishna Iyer who was the law minister in the first ever democratically elected communist government. (1956-57)
Prof.N.K.Seshan who was the finance minister of yet another communist government.
Sri.C.M.Sundaram minister for religious endowments and local self Government in the congress ministry headed by Sri.Karunakaran.
thrissur
Anakkayam
Anakkayam is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route, famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants which used to visit the place quite often and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants had been drowned in this lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.
Art Museum
Within the zoo compound is the small Art Museum which has a good collection of wood carvings metal sculptures, Kathakali figures, and ancient jewellery. There is also a wonderful collection of traditional Kerala lamps.
AthirappallyAthirapally and Vazhachal Waterfalls
East of Chalakudy, near the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges, are the beautiful waterfalls of Athirapally and Vazhachal, 5 km apart. These waterfalls are a place of scenic beauty , and is of 80 feet high.
Guruvayur (Pilgrim Centre)
Thrissur is a good base for a pilgrim trip to Guruvayur, 32km away. It is among India's most important pilgrimage centres and is also known as the Dwaraka of the South. The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims is said to date prior to the 16th centrury. Tradition has it that the temple was created by Guru - the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu - the lord of the Winds.
The temple is dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayur, and the idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka. It is at this temple that Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam'.
The temple is renowned for its healing powers. Several offerings are made to the deity here from the simple 'Archana' (offering of flowers) to the expensive and elaborate 'Udayastamana' pooja or Thulabharam' where a devotee is weighed against offering of bananas, sugar, jaggery or coconuts. Not surprisingly Guruvayur is the site for several weddings and 'Annaprasanam', the first feeding ceremony of child.
Cheruthuruthy (Kerala Kalamandalam)
North of Thrissur, 29km away near the Shoranur Railway Junction is Cheruthuruthy, home of the renowned repository of the tradition of the Kathakali dance form. It is in this academy that the best of Kerala's Kathakali performers get their rigorous training. The institution also offers training in music, drama, and other dance forms including Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam and Ottam Thullal.
Kathakali Mohiniyattam
Peechi Dam
Peechi Dam, 23km fromThrissur is an irrigation project site which offers boating facilities at the reservoir. If you are lucky, you might even spot a wild tusker or two on the forested banks, which form part of the 125 sq. km Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary.
Punnathur Kotta
Near Guruvayur, 2km away, is 'Punnathur Kotta', the place where the temple elephants (numbering over 40) are taken care of. Nowhere else can so many elephants be seen at any one time.
Vadakkumnathan Temple
This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architectrue. The temple contains the sacred shrines of Paramashiva, Parvathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. The central shrines and Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in wood. Legend goes that this temple was founded by Parasurama. ' Thrissur Pooram ' the grandest temple pageantry in Kerala, is celebrated here in April -May every year.
Zoo
Zoo For the animal enthusiasts, Thrissur boasts a zoo, 2km from the town centre. Within the 13.5 acres of the compound live a variety of fauna like the lion tailed macaque, sloth bear, species of birds and deer. The snake park has a reptilian collection of King Cobras, Kraits, Vipers and Rat Snakes.
Palakkad district is having an area of 4480 sq. Km . Located to the North East is the district of Coimbatore , in T.N. , whereas to the North West Malappuram district encompasses , while to the South West rests Thrissur district . The name Palakkad , most of the people believe derives its name from Pala tree ( Alstonia Scholaris ) which is found in abundance reasoning out for Kadu . It is interesting to note that an area of about 1360 sq.Km of the district is covered under forest. The famous Silent Valley falls very well within this district , which claims to be one of the rarest tropical rain forest, rich in flora and fauna—80 Km from Palakkad Town . It derives its name from the very absence of Chicada ( noise making creature). The Palakkad gap , one of the largest ( 40 Km wide) in the Western Ghats , provides both South Western Monsoon as well as North Eastern rains , making Palakkad prone to rains for 6 months of the year. The average rainfall is about 260 cm .
Location : North Latitude 10 Degrees & East Latitude 76 Degrees.
It has 2 revenue divisions , 5 Taluks , & 163 villages. The 2001 census marks the district population to be nearly 26.1 lakhs .It may be interesting to observe that the highest population of Brahmins ( 14 % ) in Kerala in a given town is found in Palakkad Town . Why not make best of it for the benefit of the community?
Roots
Brahmin families from erstwhile Chola and Pandyan regions of Tamil Nadu, though settled down in Kerala centuries ago, still retain their linguistic identity and cultural practices. Where clustered living (Agraharams) were not possible, they pioneered the co-operative movement, by building common facilities for their anushtanas and prayers – the Samooha Madhoms in Kerala. Owing their origin to this co-operative enterprise of the community, the Samoohams were built with the sacrificing spirit of our fore-fathers, pooling their meager resources, centuries ago, to build, maintain and protect these centers of Brahmin tradition.
The Tamil Brahmins of Palakkad require special mention. They migrated from Thanjavur of Tamil Nadu centuries back, on the invitation of the then ruler. They were settled in 96 villages called Agraharams in different parts of the district. They are also basically priests.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS : PALAKKAD
Palakkad Fort
It is the fort which is situated in the middle of Palakkad town that first welcomes the tourists to this place. This fort tells the tale of many a subjugation and surrender. As per the directions of Hyder Ali, the Sultan of Mysore, the work on this fort was started in the year 1766 under the supervision of a team of French engineers. Hyder had settlements in Coimbatore, Malabar and Kochi (Cochin). His intention was to turn the Palakkad fort into a focal paint of these settlements and rule them. In the war with the English in 1767 the fort was damaged and Hyder Ali reconstructed it on a solid foundation. Hyder Ali was succeeded by his son Tippu Sultan as the Nawab of Mysore in 1782 and the fort came under his control. In 1787 the English and the Kozhikodu Zamorin captured this fort of vital strategic importance. Knowing this, Tippu sent a strong contingent and drove out the Zamorin and recaptured the fort.
In the war between the English and Tippu in 1790, the English again captured the fort. According to a treaty after 3rd Mysore war, in 1782 the British got Malabar region and the complete control of the fort therein. In 1797 the English mended the damaged parts of the fort. The war between Tippu and East India Company ended with the treaty of 1872 and all the possessions of Tippu in Malabar were ceded to the British. Gradually these formed part of the Malabar district of the Madras presidency.
Palakkad was only a taluk of old Malabar district of Madras presidency till the linguistic reorganization of the States in 1956. At present, some government offices and a sub jail are functioning at this fort.
Kottamaithanam, west of the fort, is very famous. It is said that it was here Tippu?s cavalry camped. This maithanam is used for conducting exhibitions and mammoth meetings. Nearby the fort, there is a children?s park and an open air stadium called ?Rappadi?.
Malampuzha
Malampuzha is the ?Vrindavan? of Kerala. It is 13 kms from Palakkad town. Since the completion of the dam in 1955, the place has been beautified into a tourist resort. The dam is located in idyllic surroundings with a hilly background. The beautiful garden on mughal model below the dam is the star attraction for the tourists. The small garden on Japanese style is also very attractive. The gigantic ?Yakshi? statue situated in the garden would cause surprise and wonder to anyone visiting Malampuzha. The fish-shaped aquarium is an added attraction. The snake park, the rock garden, the amusement park and the fancy park and the thrilling rides therein and the garden and fountain are the other attractions.
Parambikulam Wild Life sanctuary
Parambikulam in Western Ghats is about 125 kms from Palakkad. The dam and the wildlife sanctuary here are renowned. All sorts of animals and birds are seen here. There is a reservoir also. The place is famous for teak plantations. The oldest teak tree, ?Kannimaree?, stands here. There is a national park here, which is named after Salim Ali, the famous bird observer.
Chulannur Peacock Protection Centre
Mailadumpara, in Chulannur situated 22 kms away from Palakkad town and 5 kms from Peringothukrish, is also famed. It is here the peacock protection center is located. Kunjan Nambiar Smrudhi forest is also here.
Kottayi
Kottayi which is situated 15 kms from the district headquarters is also famous. Chembai Village which gave birth to Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavather, the maestro of Karnatic music is in Kottayi. The last resting place of Chembai is the pilgrim center of music lovers. The birth place of guru Kunju Kurup, the great Kathakali master is also in Kottayi. The famous Kandethan temple which attracts people from within and without the district is also situated here.
Seetharkundu
Seetharkundu at Nelliampathy offers a fantastic view of the valley below. The 1000 meters high water falls is one of the major attractions. Legend has it that during the ?vanavasa, Rama, Sita and Lakshmana had lived here. Seetharkundu got its name from the legend that Sita devi during the vanavasa period with Rama, took a bath here.
Killikurissi Mangalam
The first popular Malayalam poet and the father of Thullal Movements, Kunjan Nambiar was born in Kalakkathu house at Killikkurissi Mangalam of Lakkidi Perur panchayat in Palakkad district. Every day a number of literary men come here to pay obeisance to the ever burning lamp and the ezhuthani (pen) he used for writing. A center imparting training in learning the poet?s arts form like Ottam Thullal, Parayan Thullal and Seethankan Thullal is functioning here. Every year May fifth is observed as Kunchan Day and award is given to the best thullal artist of the State.
It is the Kunjan Memorial Committee working under the State Cultural Department that gives initiative to the activities here.
Silent Valley National Park
The ever green Silent Valley is in Palakkad district. The river Kunthi descends from the Nilgiri hills above the valley, at an altitude of 2000m, traverses the entire length of the valley and rushes down to the plains through a deep gorge. The Silent Valley National park, with an area of 90sq. kms is situated in the north eastern corner of the district. In the National Park it is estimated that there are more than thousand kinds of trees. The rarest species of animals and birds are seen in the valley. The valley has a fair representation of all peninsular mammals.
SILENT VALLEY - MYTH OR REALITY Date: 30th of Dec. 2007
My visit to Silent Valley , in the Palakkad District , 64 Km from Palakkad Town by road , was spellbinding as well as breathtaking since this place has been left pristine by preventing human interference till now or so the impression you get when you visit for a day.
One needs to get prior permission from the Asst. Wildlife Warden, Kerala Forest Department, Mukkali (Ph: 04924 253225, email ID: awlwsvnp@sancharnet.in ) informing about the composition of group, viz. nos. of adults above 10 years, the day of visit ( please note people above 60 years of age may not be able to undertake the small trekking of 1.5 Km in one direction down the valley since they need to climb up as well).The Silent Valley Park opens for visitors from morning 8 A.M. and visitors are allowed till 11 A.M. only.
These details are necessary because the Asst. Warden has to arrange appropriate Guide for accompanying the Group. It is mandatory. This is to take care of the fact that the visitors do not go astray and create problems for the animals in wild. Not only that, they must start leaving the Park by 4 P.M. that day, to reach the start of buffer zone , by sun set.
From Palakkad to Mukkali you can go by your own vehicle (40 Kms.) but from there onwards inside the Buffer Zone, Jeep or any similar vehicle is recommended for the balance 24 Km, since the so called road had been made by KSEB to cater to their requirements for moving machinery 15 years back when they had planned the dam across Kunthi river (tributary to Bharathapuzha) and hence not at all suitable for cars with low clearance. Jeeps are available near the Asst. Warden’s office at Mukkali at a nominal charge of Rs. 600/- for the day.
On reaching Mukkali, you need to contact the Asst.Warden’s office again physically for getting written permission giving names of people (and they need to sign the visitors’ register). If you carry still/ movie camera you need to declare the same, which will be charged a nominal fee for which you will get a receipt. Since you intend to enter a Biosphere reserve , it is an earnest request by Forest officials that you should not carry liquor / plastics AT ALL. At the same time you must also note that you must carry all food materials that you may require during the stay in the Silent Valley Park as only clear drinking water will be available inside the Park and no provision for any Food is made. It will take, normally, 1.5 hours to reach the ultimate destination – if you are lucky , you may sight a Nilgiri Monkey , Giant Squirrel , Lion Tailed Macau, Great Hornbill ( which happens to be the Kerala State Bird ) Wild Water buffalo. Beyond the first 5 Kms you leave all signs of civilization and reach wilderness with no contact on your mobile, no electricity (no wires or H T lines to carry electricity) An eerie silence envelopes you with occasional chirping of birds .This is where the Brits have named this land as Silent Valley as, even Chicadas which are otherwise found in to keep on chirping and create noises is absent in this zone. If your vehicle makes lots of noise, every chance is there that you may not sight any animals as they are scared of such noises. The numbers of hair-pin bends takes you through thick vegetation unique to this evergreen forest that you start wondering how animals survive. Yes, animals survive with the fruits / nuts that are made available to by the nature. You can see wild jackfruit variety in plenty for the monkeys, squirrels etc. to feed on. By the time you reach the end of 24th Km you are haunted by silence , Greens , occasional varied rainbow colours of new varieties of leaves that keep coming up. This defines the Ever Green Forest – before a set of leaves drop from a variety of trees, you can find trees laden with different hues of newly decorated leaves in plenty. This tempo only keeps the forest Ever Green all through the years , all through the years with an average rainfall of 4000 mm annually. Occasionally one can see the varied coloured snakes & variety of reptiles entangled on the trees, bushes etc. to have a sunbathe. The richness of flora and fauna is there, to be seen to be believed. At an altitude of 1000 m and above the chillness of the wind keeps one guessing for what the land awaits for – it can be anything except wild. On reaching the viewing point over the Tower gives an overall glimpse of the whole terrain that carries the smell of leaves, soil, and flow of water of Kunthi puzha in the Sairandhri Forest Range which forms part of the Nilgiri Biosphere.
Then the trekking to the actual river bed starts down the hill for 1.5 Km and the noise of flow of water tells you why the much talked about controversial river water dam project in Kerala had been shelved. The view from the Eastern side is simply marvelous to define what a valley is about with the river already traveled 20 Kms of shores NOT TOUCHED BY HUMAN BEING looks like - pristine clear water keeps you guessing how such cleanliness is maintained by nature without any human intervention. Yes, the weather is chill with sun drenching the part of the river. The steel bridge dangling with the rhythm of visitors walk (constructed and commissioned by the Forest Dept. two years back) takes you to the Western end and the glimpse is complete with a circular view of the river flowing down to become Bharathapuzha later on flowing for another 100 Kms to join the Arabian Sea.
The trekking up the valley in the dampness of moisture gives additional strength to keep going up for treat of information provided by ever ready Forest Officials in their Information Centre – briefing the history, location of the park, the various audio visual effects of cries/chatters of birds /animals and their unique features adds knowledge to the members of the visiting team which cannot be obtained in any school.
Neral specie of tree, which has a girth of 10 feet, of which only seven nos. are alive in the world, Silent Valley accounts for the four nos. One of them, said to be 800 years old is on the verge of dissolving into earth’s soil is being addressed by the Guide on the way itself. The other three nos. are seen on the way down to the valley. It is understood that research officials have been able to create one no. of the said specie in the lab. The reason for not multiplication of the specie is attributed to certain kind of mice which eats away the seed on germination -- a truly sad story.
Having remained isolated from the world – for the five hours, without a mobile call, no electricity etc. gives a sense of belonging to the visitors along with the plants / trees/ animal/birds.
The return journey keeps the visitors on their tenterhooks for locating any new animal that lives in the wild, and not a wild animal. And this is REALITY.
For more info please log on to www.silentvalleynationalpark.com
Meenkara DamMeenkara is a fascinating sport due to the dam, garden, fish ponds and natural beauty. It is 32 kms, south east of Palakkad town. The dam here was constructed in the year 1960 across Meenkara river, a sub tributary of Gayathripuzha, which is the tributary of Bharathapuzha.
Chulliyar Dam
This dam and the surroundings at Muthalamada Panchayat offer a strikingly beautiful panorama of natural scenery. The work on this dam across Chulliyar, a tributary of Gayathripuzha was completed in the year 1960. A view from this dam at the sky kissing Nelliyampathy mountain ranges is superb.
Pothundi Dam
Pothundy is 38 kms south of Palakkad town, in Nelliyampathy route. The dam is across Padipuzha and Meenchadipuzha, the two sub tributaries of Ayilurpuzha, which is the tributary of Bharathapuzha.
Mangalam Dam
The work on this dam was completed in the year 1956. it is located 48 kms south of Palakkad town. The dam is constructed across Cherukunnupuzha, a tributary of Mangalam river. There are deer, wild elephants and rare species of birds on the fringes of the reservoir.
Siruvani Dam
The dam is the common reservoir of Kerala and Tamilnadu. It is 80 kms away from Palakkad town, and 22 kms interior from Edakkurissi which is in Palakkad manarcad route. The dam is constructed across Siruvanipuzha which is the tributary of Bhavanipuzha. It supplies drinking water to Coimbatore municipality. There is a water fall from 2000 feet height on the eastern side of the dam. The scenic beauty of Siruvani is really wonderful.
Thunchan Madom
In ?Sokanashini?, an old building at Chittoor Thekkegram village, Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam language spent his last years. People call it gurumadom. Thunchan madom on the banks of ?Sokanashini? (destroyer of sorrow) Chittoorpuzha is even today blessed with the presence of literary men. The ezhuthani (pen) he used for writing is kept here as a precious memento.
SILVER STREAKS ON NILGIRI RANGE
The mountain range that you see in these pictures are the ones that every users of NH 47 see during their journey between Palakkad and Coimbatore.But the uniqueness of these pictures are the numbers of white streaks running from top to bottom that for a normal passers-by will not be significant..
It can be seen only during the rainy season that too after heavy rainfall over the mountain .It so happened that on the evening drive from Coimbatore ,we have just crossed Walayar towards Palakkad and nearing Pampampallam . The weather has just cleared after heavy rains a few minutes back . This resulted in sudden appearance of water-falls over the Northern edge of the mountain looking towards setting sun resulting in these number of streaks giving rise to a feeling of the mountain being watered by rain God .
Within minutes of stoppage these water streaks disappeared as well.
The closer look at these shots reveals the baldness of the mountain top along with the thick vegetation at the foot of the hill.
A rare treat for nature lovers .
JP Smirthivanam & Deer Park
JP Smirthivanam and Deer Park are located at Walayar reserve forest which has an area of 100 acres. One can see here deer and other animals roaming about in their natural habitat. This is situated 22 kms away from Palakkad town in Palakkad-coimbatore road. Here facilities for elephant riding are also available.
Kudallur and Thasarak
The villages of Palakkad district have become the background of the novels of reputed writers like M.T. Vasudevan Nair and O.V. Vijayan. Kudallur, the birth place of M.T. Vasudevan Nair is the locale of his novels, ?Nalukettu? and ?Kalam? (time). In vijayans famous novel, ?Khasakkinte Ithihasom? (the epic of Khasakk) the locale is the palakkad village, ?Thasarak?. A number of people interested in literature visit these two places.
GREAT PERSONALITIES
Brahmins of Palakkad excelled in many fields which has no parallels. A few of them are highlighted here as reference.
Legal Luminaries :Possibly due to the tradition of Tamil Iyers, Kerala Iyers also took up to the profession of law. Many of them rose up to dizzy heights. The belief that they would be honest and would not deceive which was shared by all communities in Kerala made them very popular lawyers right from the Munsif court to the Supreme Court.
Justice A.S.P.Iyer of Ayilam, Palakkad, Justice V.R.Krishna Iyer of Malabar and Justice Vaidylingam of Chittur were possibly the only two who became Justices in the Supreme Court in India. Justice V.R.Krishna Iyer was also the law minister of the first elected Marxist government in the world. It was he who piloted some of the very revolutionary bills like the Bhoo Naya Bill and Education reform bill. He is a scholar in his own right. Justice A.S.P. Iyer is a famous writer in English and his novel Baladitya is possibly the first historical romance based on Indian History.
Great Politicians:
This is an area normally avoided by iyers. But small time functionaries do exist in all political parties of Kerala. Among those who made to the top are: -
Sri.V.R.Krishna Iyer who was the law minister in the first ever democratically elected communist government. (1956-57)
Prof.N.K.Seshan who was the finance minister of yet another communist government.
Sri.C.M.Sundaram minister for religious endowments and local self Government in the congress ministry headed by Sri.Karunakaran.
thrissur
Anakkayam
Anakkayam is roughly 20 kms from Chalakudy on the Sholayar Peringalkuthu route, famous for its lake with cool and placid waters. The place got its name from a herd of elephants which used to visit the place quite often and the legend goes that the place got its name because some elephants had been drowned in this lake. The place is breathtakingly beautiful with its rushing waters, chiseled rocks and silent streams.
Art Museum
Within the zoo compound is the small Art Museum which has a good collection of wood carvings metal sculptures, Kathakali figures, and ancient jewellery. There is also a wonderful collection of traditional Kerala lamps.
AthirappallyAthirapally and Vazhachal Waterfalls
East of Chalakudy, near the entrance to the Sholayar forest ranges, are the beautiful waterfalls of Athirapally and Vazhachal, 5 km apart. These waterfalls are a place of scenic beauty , and is of 80 feet high.
Guruvayur (Pilgrim Centre)
Thrissur is a good base for a pilgrim trip to Guruvayur, 32km away. It is among India's most important pilgrimage centres and is also known as the Dwaraka of the South. The Sree Krishna Swamy Temple, which attracts thousands of pilgrims is said to date prior to the 16th centrury. Tradition has it that the temple was created by Guru - the preceptor of the Devas, and Vayu - the lord of the Winds.
The temple is dedicated to Krishna known here as Guruvayurappan or the Lord of Guruvayur, and the idol is said to have been worshipped by Lord Brahma himself at Dwaraka. It is at this temple that Melpathur Narayana Bhattathiri composed his well-known Sanskrit devotional poem 'Narayaneeyam'.
The temple is renowned for its healing powers. Several offerings are made to the deity here from the simple 'Archana' (offering of flowers) to the expensive and elaborate 'Udayastamana' pooja or Thulabharam' where a devotee is weighed against offering of bananas, sugar, jaggery or coconuts. Not surprisingly Guruvayur is the site for several weddings and 'Annaprasanam', the first feeding ceremony of child.
Cheruthuruthy (Kerala Kalamandalam)
North of Thrissur, 29km away near the Shoranur Railway Junction is Cheruthuruthy, home of the renowned repository of the tradition of the Kathakali dance form. It is in this academy that the best of Kerala's Kathakali performers get their rigorous training. The institution also offers training in music, drama, and other dance forms including Mohiniyattam, Koodiyattam and Ottam Thullal.
Kathakali Mohiniyattam
Peechi Dam
Peechi Dam, 23km fromThrissur is an irrigation project site which offers boating facilities at the reservoir. If you are lucky, you might even spot a wild tusker or two on the forested banks, which form part of the 125 sq. km Peechi Vazhani Wildlife Sanctuary.
Punnathur Kotta
Near Guruvayur, 2km away, is 'Punnathur Kotta', the place where the temple elephants (numbering over 40) are taken care of. Nowhere else can so many elephants be seen at any one time.
Vadakkumnathan Temple
This temple is a classic example of the Kerala style of architectrue. The temple contains the sacred shrines of Paramashiva, Parvathy, Sankaranarayana, Ganapathy, Sri Rama and Sri Krishna. The central shrines and Koothambalam exhibit exquisite vignettes carved in wood. Legend goes that this temple was founded by Parasurama. ' Thrissur Pooram ' the grandest temple pageantry in Kerala, is celebrated here in April -May every year.
Zoo
Zoo For the animal enthusiasts, Thrissur boasts a zoo, 2km from the town centre. Within the 13.5 acres of the compound live a variety of fauna like the lion tailed macaque, sloth bear, species of birds and deer. The snake park has a reptilian collection of King Cobras, Kraits, Vipers and Rat Snakes.
