Silent Valley National Park, Ottapalam, Dhoni Waterfalls, Vadakkanthara Temple, and Attapadi are some of the best places to visit in Palakkad, Kerala. Whether you’re fascinated by untamed nature, exotic wildlife, ancient shrines, or historic architecture, you’ll love visiting these marvels!
Tucked in the foothills of the Nilgiris, Palakkad is a beautiful destination blessed with undisturbed natural beauty, diverse landscapes, vibrant local culture, and age-old archaeological wonders that are something to write home about.
Whether you’re looking for a couple’s vacation, seeking an adventurous sojourn with your friends, or browsing Kerala tour packages for a family holiday, you’ll find something for everyone in these brilliant tourist places in Palakkad.
Top 10 places to visit in Palakkad, Kerala
From waterfalls to forests, backwaters, hills, and wildlife sanctuaries, there are tons of delightful attractions in Palakkad that you can’t possibly explore in a single visit to Kerala.
So, we have compiled a list of the most unique and famous places in Palakkad that you shouldn’t miss!
See what they all offer before you add them to your Palakkad trip itinerary.
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1. Ottapalam
Ottapalam is a tiny village on the banks of the Bharatapuzha river and one of the most tranquil places to visit in Palakkad.
If you’re looking for a rustic village with untouched natural beauty, Ottapalam will make for an idyllic destination for your holiday!
Its swaying palms, clear blue skies, virgin meadows, and the azure river have also made it a popular shooting location among Tamil filmmakers!
Ottapalam is also among the most frequented tourist places in Palakkad district for its notable festival of Chinakathoor Puram.
2. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve
If you’re seeking adventurous one day trip places in Palakkad, the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve should be at the top of your list!
Covering an expanse of over 400 sq meters, this wildlife sanctuary is home to a plethora of flora and fauna that brings wildlife enthusiasts here from all over the country.
In addition to a large population of Royal Bengal Tigers, you will also find lion-tailed macaques, wild boars, king cobras, Indian leopards, sloths, Malabar Flying Squirrels, and the Travancore Kukri snakes here.
It’s one of the best places to visit in Palakkad for a thrilling Jeep safari and trekking expedition in the mighty Anamalai and Nelliampathy hills.
Timings: 7 AM – 4 PM
Entry fee:
- Light vehicles: INR 50/-
- Heavy vehicles: INR 150/-
- Jeep safari: INR 200/- (free for kids below 10)
ALSO SEE – Parambikulam Tiger Reserve: Timings, Booking, Forest Stay
3. Vadakkanthara Temple
Dedicated to Goddess Kannaki, the beautiful Vadakkanthara Temple is among the most revered tourist places in Palakkad among Hindu worshippers. The Vadakkanthara Thirupuraikkal Bhagavathy Temple is the only temple in Kerala that celebrates the goddess in her complete idolic form
It is located a mere 2 km away from Palakkad Railway Station in a stunning complex and attracts both Hindu and non-Hindu devotees with its brilliant architecture and spiritual aura!
You must visit during the evening aarti when the beautiful wooden carvings and traditional architecture of this holy shrine turn into a visually stunning spectacle under the light of a thousand fireworks!
Timings: 4:30 AM – 11:30 AM; 4:30 PM – 8 PM
Entry fee: Nil
4. Silent Valley National Park
Spread over an area of 89 sq km, Silent Valley National Park tucked away in the Western Ghats is among the most celebrated wildlife sanctuaries in the country.
Though small in size, this park is among the most well-preserved nature reserves in India with virgin forests, untouched flora, and an eco-friendly safari schedule that ensures its wild inhabitants roam around undisturbed!
It’s among the most pristine places to visit in Palakkad to witness animals like Asian elephants, Royal Bengal Tigers, wild boars, lion-tailed macaques, gaur, panthers, langurs, and sambar deer among various endangered species of birds.
Known to be India’s last remaining virgin tracts of tropical evergreen forests, Silent Valley is decked with lofty peaks, rare herbs, and the crystal clear Kunthi River that runs through the forest.
Timings: 6:45 AM – 2:45 PM
Entry fee: INR 50/-
- Still Camera: INR 25/-
- Video Camera: INR 200/-
- Jeep safari: INR 1,600
ALSO SEE – Top 10 Wildlife Sanctuaries In Kerala
5. Palakkad Fort
Palakkad sightseeing is incomplete without a visit to its most important historical marvel- the Palakkad Fort!
Also called Tipu’s Fort, Palakkad Fort is among the most famous places in Palakkad that attracts everyone from history lovers and archelogy enthusiasts to couples and families with kids!
Along with stunning French-style architecture, a state-of-the-art museum, well-preserved bastions, and an open-air auditorium, this square-shaped fortress has several green gardens fit for fun picnics.
Its other attractions like the Hanuman temple, sub-jail section, Martyr’s Column, and Anjaneya Swamy Temple also make it one of the most fascinating places to visit in Palakkad!
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry fee: Nil
6. Dhoni Waterfalls
Set 15 km away from Palakkad city center, Dhoni Waterfalls is a refreshing blend of untampered nature, boundless adventure, and scenic beauty!
One can reach this beautiful cascade set amid the lush Dhoni hills and a pristine forest in the heart of God’s Own Country with an easy three-hour-long trek.
The rejuvenating experience of trekking to this crystal clear waterfall has made Dhoni a popular locale among adventure seekers and one of the most mesmerizing tourist places in Palakkad!
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Entry fee: Nil
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7. Attapadi Reserve Forest
Located on the border of the Silent Valley National Park, Attapadi Reserve is a protected forest reserve in the Nilgiri Valley famous for the rare Attapadi black goats found here.
Spread over an area of 250 sq km, this offbeat and untampered piece of wilderness with endless natural beauty is known to be one of the largest tribal settlements in Kerala.
It’s a quaint little forest and village area under government protection unlike anywhere else, making it one of the most bizarre places to visit in Palakkad, Kerala.
Timings: NA
Entry fee: Nil
8. Malampuzha Garden & Dam
Set in the foothills of the Western Ghats and on the banks of the Bharathapuzha River, Malampuzha Garden is one of the most fun tourist places in Palakkad for a picnic, boating, and a leisurely evening stroll! Malampuzha gardens, located in the lower hills of the Western Ghats, are the only rock-cut gardens in South India
This landscaped garden attracts families and couples with its enticing collection of well-maintained grasslands, artificial ponds and waterfalls, colorful flower beds, vintage sculptures, a rock garden, an aquarium, and an amusement park!
Home to artist Kanai Kanhiraman’s famed Yakshi Statue, this garden is the perfect place for relaxation as well as some delightful family photos with the stunning Malampuzha Dam in the backdrop!
Timings: 9 AM – 8 PM
Entry fee:
- Adults: INR 25
- Kids under 12: INR 10
- Still camera: INR 100
- Video camera: INR 1,000
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9. Kollengode Palace
The Kollengode Palace, built by Kollengode town’s blacksmith community, is a must-visit if you wish to get familiar with the true cultural heritage and history of Palakkad.
Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this palace-cum-hotel built in a mix of European and authentic Kerala style of architecture has a collection of murals, temples, manuscripts, and ancient stones and sculptures from all over Kerala.
Set in the midst of lush paddy fields and the majestic Nelliyampathy Hills, this palace is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Palakkad for history and archaeology fanatics.
Timings: NA
Entry fee: Nil
10. Nelliyampathy
The last one on our list of Palakkad tourist places you shouldn’t miss is Nelliyampathy!
Palakkad’s crown jewel, Nelliyampahty is often referred to as the “tourist’s paradise” owing to its tranquil natural beauty, charming waterfalls, deep forests, and aromatic plantations of tea, coffee, pepper, and orange.
This small hill station is among the best attractions in Palakkad for adventure seekers given that it offers thrilling experiences like trekking, wildlife viewing, Jeep safari, and birdwatching.
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM
Entry fee: Nil
ALSO SEE – Nelliyampathy Tourist Places- Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do
Which of these fabulous places to visit in Palakkad will you explore first? If you’ve already picked your favorites, all you have to do now is reach out to our team and let them brew you an exciting holiday in God’s Own Country!
