Palakkad has played a major role in Kerala’s **cultural heritage** and offers a rich tapestry of destinations and traditional art forms, temple festivals, and rituals that make it a prominent region in Kerala tourism. Kerala is considered one of the most beautiful and scenic areas in the East, perfect for nature tourism. Today, beyond leisure travel, various focused tourism categories such as academic tourism, adventure, contract tourism, cultural tourism, eco-tourism, nature tourism, safari tourism, scientific tourism, and soft tourism are gaining popularity. Ayurveda is also a major factor that attracts foreign tourists to Kerala. In the government sector, the **Kerala Tourism Development Corporation (KTDC)** and at the district level, the District Tourism Promotion Councils (DTPC) play a vital role in tourism development activities.

## Major Tourist Spots in Palakkad

### Malampuzha Garden

Known as the Vrindavan of Kerala, Malampuzha is located 13 km north of the district headquarters. Highlights include the rock garden made from recycled materials, designed by Nek Chand Saini, Kerala’s first amusement park—Fantasy Park—with thrilling rides, and the botanical gardens, waterfalls, and telescopic tower that enhance the natural attraction of Malampuzha. A suspension bridge and swimming pool offer additional charm. The dam was built in 1955, with a beautiful garden developed under the guidance of K. C. S. Panicker, modeled after Mysore's Krishnarajasagara Gardens. Malampuzha’s Mughal-style garden has become a major tourist attraction, along with a miniature Japanese garden and the prominent 'Yakshi' sculpture by renowned artist Kanayi Kunhiraman.

Other attractions include the aquarium shaped like a fish, ‘Matsyakanya’ (Mermaid), Snake Park, road train, children’s park, South India's first passenger ropeway, and handicraft shops catering to tourists. The DTPC manages various development and restoration activities in the Malampuzha area.

### Kanjirappuzha

One of Kerala’s major irrigation projects, the Kanjirappuzha dam irrigates 20,000 hectares across Mannarkkad and Ottapalam taluks. Started in 1961 and completed in 1990, the dam has a capacity of 6 crore cubic meters. The region is also home to scenic hills and a rejuvenated garden managed by the DTPC.

### Velliyankallu

Located in Thrittala, Velliyankallu is famous for legends such as the one regarding three spears given by a Chola king to a priest—iron, silver, and gold spears placed at different locations as per tradition. Associated with temple sites like Pakkanar’s Kummattikkavu, Kaykatha Kanjiram, Erattinkal Colony, and others, the DTPC is developing a parking facility here.

### Parambikulam

Situated 120 km southeast of the district headquarters, Parambikulam is known for three dams and a wildlife sanctuary situated in the Eastern Ghats. Historically, it was ruled by the Tamil chieftain Pari of the Anamala region. The sanctuary, spread over 275 sq. km, is home to elephants, gaur, tigers, leopards, sambar, chital, and many other animals, as well as rare bird species. The famous ornithologist Dr. Salim Ali has a research center and national park named after him nearby, at Kuriyarkutty. The area also has Ancha tribal settlements and is part of Parambikulam-Aliyar project benefitting irrigation in neighboring regions.

A legendary “Kannimari” teak tree, said to be the largest and oldest in Asia, attracts tourists. Facilities include observation towers and accommodation for visitors, with recent additions like a tiger conservation center and information museum in Anamalai. Parambikulam forest division controls this area.

### Nelliyampathy

Known as the ‘Queen of Palakkad hills,’ Nelliyampathy is renowned for its landscape and historical Tamil Sangam civilization remnants. From Seetharkundu viewpoint, one can see nearly half the district at a glance. Situated 52 km south of the district headquarters, Nelliyampathy features lush estates of tea, orange, cardamom, and government-run orange and vegetable farms. The mountain ascent from Nenmara to Pothundy is scenic, with hairpin bends, eventually leading to tea and coffee plantations, along with fruit farms making it a unique attraction.

Once famous for an orange squash plant, it now produces guava jams, with few remaining tea factories and fruit orchards. British colonizers once considered this area paradise, especially for its beautiful sunrise and sunset views.

### Silent Valley National Park

Located in southern Palakkad hills, Silent Valley (‘Nishabdathazvara’) is famed for its biodiversity. Accessible via Mannarkkad-Chinnathadakam road and Mukkaali forest area, Silent Valley is an essential destination for students and nature lovers. Facilities here are minimal, mainly at Mukkaali.

First recognized for its beauty by the British, Silent Valley was later threatened by a proposed hydroelectric project, which was stopped following widespread environmental protests. In 1984, it was declared a National Park by the central government.