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PALAKKAD (PALGHAT)

[ At a Glance | History | Fair and Festivals | Wildlife |  Pilgrim Centres | Places to Interest | Hotels ] 

 

 

PALAKKAD - AT A GLANCE

Palakkad or Palghat is one of the fourteen revenue districts of Kerala. Its geographical position, historical background, rural nature, educational status, tourist attractions and above all, the developmental activities are wide and varied.

 

Bharathapuzha, the longest river in Kerala, originates form the highlands and flows through the entire district. Forests, numerous streams, several dams and the gardens have made this district a tourist paradise. The district is one of the main granaries of Kerala and its economy is primarily agricultural. Agriculture engages more than 65 per cent of the workers and 88.9 per cent of the district’s population is rural in nature. The proximity and easy approach to Tamil Nadu have caused the admixture of Malayalam and Tamil culture, here. This district is perhaps the foremost in fostering Carnatic music. Great musicians like Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar and Palakkad Mani Iyer, who have enriched carnatic music by their contributions, hailed from this district.

A BRIEF HISTORY

Historical too, Palakkad district has its own special characteristics. The fort of Hyder Ali tells us the story of Mysore invasions and the advent of the British to this part of the country. The Victoria College, started in 1866, marks the beginning of higher education in Malabar. The Jain temple near Chunnamputhara speaks of the magnanimity of the King of Palakkad who provided shelter to the people who escaped the religious persecutions of the King of Mysore, five hundred years ago.

The ancient history of Palakkad is shrouded. According to William Logan, the author of the Malabar Manual, the Pallava dynasty of Kanchi might have invaded Malabar in the second or third century. One of their headquarters was a palace called Palakadu which could be the present-day Palakkad. Malabar had been invaded by many of the ancient South Indian rulers. For many centuries, it was ruled by the Perumals. They had under them some powerful Utayavars who held authority in their own respective territories. After the rule of the Perumals, the country was divided among these chieftains. The Valluvakonathiri (ruler of Valluvanad), the rulers of Vengunad (Kollankodu Rajas) and Sekhari Varma (Raja of Palakkad) were the prominent rulers of this region, after the Perumals.

When the Zamorin of Kozhikkode invaded Palakkad in 1757, the Raja of Palakkad sought the help of Hyder Ali of Mysore.Hyder Ali’s help forced the Zamorin to retreat. Later Hyder Ali subjugated all territories in Palakkad which were under the possession of Zamorin. Thus the whole area possessed by the Raja of Palakkad passed in to the hands of the Mysore rules - Hyder Ali and his son, Tippu Sultan. The war between Tippu and the 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.

Physiography

Based on the physical features, the district is divided into two natural divisions-midland and highland. The midland region consists of valleys and plains. It leads up to the highland which consists of high mountain peaks, long spurs, extensive ravines, dense forests and tangled jungles. While Ottappalam taluk lies completely in the midland region, all other taluks in the district lie in the midland and highland regions. The road and rail links between Kerala and Tamil Nadu pass through the Palakkad gap.

The Western Ghats has an average altitude of 5000ft. except for two peaks of more than 6000ft. The important peaks above an altitude of 4000ft. - are Anginda peak (7628 ft.), Karimala peak (6556 ft.), Nellikotta or Padagiri peak (5200ft.) and Karemala Gopuram (4721 ft.).

Topography and Climate

Palakkad district lies between north latitude 10° 46` and 10° 59` and east longitude 76° 28` and 76° 39`. It is bounded on the east by the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, on the north and northwest by Malappuram district and on the south by Thrissur district.

The climate of the district is tropical. The obvious fact which strikes an observer, according to William Logan, is the uniformity of temperature in the Malabar area. During dry weather, hot winds blow form the bringing plains of Coimbatore through the Palakkad gap. Palakkad district has uniform rainfall as well.

Arts and Culture

Palakkad District has a glorious cultural tradition.It is saidthat Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, father of Malayalam Literature spent his last days in Chittur (Thunchathu Acharya Gurumadom) Kunchan Nambiar the founder of Thullal, the most popular Poet ofMalayalam had his birth in a small village called Killikurissimangalam (Lakkidi) in this district.Mani Madhava Chakkiar for Koothu and Vazhenkada Kunjhu Nair for Kathakali are two famous names to be remembered in this context.The district has become blessed with the birth of Sri. Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavather, the exponent of Carnatic Music and Sri. Palakkad Moni Iyyer the inimitable master of Mridangam.Sri. C.Sankaran Nair belongs to Mankara is also in this district.The great modern poet of Malayalam Literature Mahakavi Kumaranassan wrote his famous poetry “Veena Poovu” at Palakkad.The Life and growth of modern literary men M/s. P.Kunhiraman Nair, Olappamanna Subrahmanian Namboothirippad, M.T.Vasudevan Nair, O.V.Vijayan are intimately connected with Palakkad.

The eminent personalities of the district are late K.P.S.Menon and .K.P.Kesava Menon, Swadesabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai spent his life in exile at Vadakkenthara near Palakkad town. The Ex.Chief Election Commissioner Sri. T.N.Seshan is also belongs to Thirunellayi Village of Palakkad Town. The President of India HH K.R.Narayanan first entered in Parliament from Ottappalam Parliament Constituency of Palakkad District.The first Communist Chief Minister Sri. E.M. Sankaran Nampoothiripad belongs to Elamkulathu Mana in Palakkad District..Simillarlya number of Politicians are from this district gave their service to the nation.

Population

The total population of the district according to 2001 census is 2,617,072 of which the male population is 1,265,794 and female population is 1,351,278. The density of population is 584 per sq.km.

Socio-Economic Conditions

As in any other part of the State, the social and economic status of the people in the district is undergoing changes. The breaking up of the joint family system and the increasing partition of old tharavads have led to the disappearance of the importance of high-cast Hindus in the society. A survey of the social and economic scene shows that the values based on caste and land have been replaced in recent times by those of education, employment, trade, commerce and industry.

Administration

The present Palakkad district, as an administrative unit, was formed on the first of January 1957, comprising of Palakkad, Perinthalmanna, Ponnani, Ottappalam, Alathur and Chittur.

When the Malappuram district was formed on the 16th June 1969, Ponnani taluk excluding Thrithala firka and the villages of Vadakkekad, Punnayur and Punnayurkulam and Perinthalmanna taluk consisting of Manarkad firka and Perinthalmanna firka excluding Karikadamkunnu and Chethalloor amsoms were transferred to Malappuram district. A new taluk, namely Mannarghat, was formed by grouping 19 village of the erstwhile Perinthalmanna taluk. While retaining the Thrithala firka with Ottappalam taluk, the villages of Vadakkekad, Punnayur and Punnayurkulam were brought under Chowghat taluk of Thrissur district. The Paradur village of Tirur taluk was added to Ottappalam taluk. Recently some portion of Karvarakund village of Malappuram district were also added to Palakkad.

At present the Palakkad district consists of two revenue divisions, five taluk and 145 villages. The revenue divisions are Palakkad and Ottappalam, Palakkad, Alathur and Chittur taluks form the Palakkad revenue division and Ottappalam and Mannarghat taluks from the Ottappalam revenue division. There are thirteen development block and 89 panchayats in the district. The total area of the district is 4480 sq. km.

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FAIR AND FESTIVALS

Kalpathy Cart Festival

It is celebrated at Kalpathy Viswanatha SwamiTemple, which is the oldest Temple in Malabar.It was built in A.D.1425 by H.H.Kombi Achan, the then Raja of Palakkad.The Retholsavam was celebrated during the last three days of Alpasi (Thulam)There are four chariots in this Grammoms.The centre of attraction of the festival is Kalpathy, Tamil Brahmin’s Village. (see the chapter Kalpathy Car Festival)

Chittur Konganpada

Konganpada is a grand festival of historical importance, celebrated in the Bhagavathy temple at Chittur, ten kilometres from PalakkadTown.It is held every year on the first Monday after the new moon night in Kumbhom (February-March), to commemorate the victory of Nairs of Chittur over the military of Konganadu (Coimbatore) led by the Chola King, Rajadhi Raja. The festival starts with “Chilambu” on Sivarathri in Kumbhom which reminds Kongan’s (Chola Kings) declaration of war and the frightened people worshipping Bhagavathy and beseaching her help

Jain Festival

There is an ancient Jain temple at Jainmedu, near Palakkad town.According to a legend, one sutar (head of the Jains) built this temple 500 years ago for the Jain sage.Chandranathaswamy.The Jains who came here from Mysore fled from this place during the invasion of Tippu Sulthan.

Nemmara Vallenghy Vela.(Nellikulangara Vela)

To invoke the blessingsof Nellikulangara Bhagavathy, the people of Vallenghy and Nenmara conduct a festival on 20th Meenam (March-April) every year.This is the famous Nemmara Vallanghy Vela.This beautiful temple is in the Vallenghy Village of Chittur Taluk.The flag hoisting ceremony in connection with the vela is held jointly by the residents of Vallenghy and Nemmara on 9th Meenam.On all days following the flag hoisting till the eve of the vela,Kummatti, Karivela,Andivela and similar other folk rituals are performed.These three ceremonies together are known as Kanyar.The pomp and splendeour of the festival would put it in second place, perhaps only to the Pooram festival of Thrissur.

Ottappalam Nercha Festival

Juma prayers are held in Ottappalam mosque on Fridays.To commemorate the death anniversary of a saintly person by name Uthman Auliya, an annual festival is held in January-February.The special feature of this festival is the grand procession which ceremoniously brings various things such as rice, coconuts etc. to the mosque as offerings.On the next day, a feast is held where the various articles received will be cooked and distributed to the poor.

Sivarathri Festival at Kallekulangara

The festival is conducted for nine days and ends withan arattof the Diety Hemambika in KalpathyRiver.The festival is celebrated in the Kallekulangara BhagavathyTemple,at Akathethara.

Manappulikavu Vela

The important festival of Manappullikavu at Yakkara is the annual Vela

Aratt Festival in KachanamkurichyTemple

Kachanamkurichy temple is an important Vishnu temple. The Arrat festival here in the month of May attracts many people.

Navarathri festival in Pallavur Siva Temple

Amavasi Festival in Trippallur Siva Temple, Pooram festival in Kongad Bhagavathy temple and Retholsavam at Kodumba Subrahmanya Temple are some of the important festivals which attracts a large number of devotees.Mahamakom is also held in the Kodumbu temple once in twelve years.

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WILDLIFE

Parambikulam Wildlife Santuary

Ideally suited to the growth of teak, the tract encouraged large scale teak plantations through artificial regeneration in the early 20’s. this was, however, abandoned when a full-fledged Wildlife department was formed in 1985. 9000 ha of teak plantations in the sanctuary are being managed in such a way as to restore the forest’s original status. A giant teak tree 40m high and 6.4m in girth is a standing monument of the past aptly named ‘Kannimaram’.

Several streams originate from the hill ranges and flow down westward to join the river Chalakudi. The terrain is most undulating with a valley in the basin. The karimala Gopuram is the highest peak (1444m). The average elevation is about 600m.

The sanctuary receives much heavier rains between June and August. The eastern part of the sanctuary receives more rain in October-November. Temperature drops substantially and mist envelopes the sanctuary in the morning hours.

Three dams have been built by the Tamil Nadu Government under the Parambikulam-Aliyar Project. The reservoir harbours several kinds of aquatic fauna.

Administration : The Sanctuary is headed by a Divisional Forest Officer with headquarters at Thunacadavu and is under the direct control of the Field Director, Project Tiger.There are four ranges with 13 sections.

The sanctuary is accessible by road, Buses ply between Pollachi and Parambikulam.Pollachi is 60 kms away and has a Railway Station.The nearest airport is at Coimbatore, 100 kms away .Visitors can have boat rides in the Parambikulam lake and tour the sanctuary with the help of guides.There is a forestrest houseat Thunacadavu. The Parambikulam Project also provides accommodation.There are several hotels in Pollachi and Coimbatore.

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PILGRIM CENTRES

Jain Temple of Jainmedu

Situated in Vadakkanthara village on the western border of Palakkad town. This historic 32 feet long and 20 feet wide granite temple devoid of many decoration, displays images of the Jain Thirthankaras and yekshinis. The region around the temple known as Jainmedu is one of the few places in Kerala where the vestiges of Jainism have survived. It is in a Jain house here, where the famous poet Kumaranasan wrote his monumental famous poem 'Veenapoovu' which means the 'Fallen Flower'

Kalpathi Temple

The most important of all the temples, Kalpathi Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The car festival or the Rathotsavam is held here in November

Ongallur Taliyil Shiva Temple

Situated near Pattambi, this temple has some of the most intricate laterite sculptures in Kerala.

Punarjini Guha (Natural Tunnel)

Situated 2 kms from the Thiruvilwamala Temple, this Guha is a natural tunnel in the rocky cliff. Sri Raman is the temple's chief deity of the idol is believed to be 'Swayambhoo' (Born on its own), and its abode is on the Western side. One can reach there either by foot, along the rugged hills or to the foot of the hills through the motor able road down and then climb up. The narrow tunnel is inside the road, about 15meters long. It is believed that performing 'noozhal' which means crawling through the tunnel from one end to the other will wash away one's sins and thus attain rebirth. Only men are allowed to do the noozhal (crawling) normally, and women can do it only once a year on Ekadeshi Day.

Thenari (Natural Spring)

It is believed that the waters of this natural spring, located in front of the old Sree Ram Temple here, is as sacred as the water of the Ganges. Legend goes that when Lord Rama and Sita were on exile. One day Sita felt thirsty and there was no water nearby. Lord Rama used his bow and arrow made a spring to quench Sita's thirst.

Thiruvegappura Sankaranarayan Temple

This Temple in Palakkad district dates back to the 14th century, while its Koothambalam (Temple Theater) was probably added in the 15th or 16th century

Thrithala

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PLACES TO INTERESTS

Nelliampathy

Nelliampathy Hills are extremely fascinating and offer an easy escape from the soorching summer of Palakkad.About 75 kms from Palakkad is this cool hill resort. The height of the hills ranges from 467 metres to 1572 metres.It has immense trekking potential.Seethargundu, at Nelliampathy offers a fantastic view of the valley below, a wide angled panoramic picture of about one third of Palakkad, beautiful and resembling the Green Valley of Kodaikanal.The total area is about 82 sq.kms.The highest peak in the range is Nellikotta, also called Padagiri.It is 1585.08 metres above sea level.The other major peaks are Vellachimudi, Valiyavana,Mayanmudi and Vela Vanchan, each about 1200 metres high. The annual average rainfall in the area is 4.244 mm.The temperature varies between 15’ C in December and 30C in April, the mean temperature being 22’C.The Pothundi reservoir glints in the distance like sapphire in a sea of emerald.The 1000 metre high waterfall is one of the major attractions. Seethar gundu got its name from the legend that Sita Devi, during the vanavasa period with Sri Rama, took a bath here.During Deepavali, a large number of devotees gather here.

Malampuzha

The reservoir is ideal for boating and fishing.The Garden House has a unit of water ports.A small garden in the Japanese style gives a touch of exotic charm to the landscape. So does the hanging bridge across the river.Another items of interest in the part is the imposing concrete sculpture of YAKSHI, done by the renowned Kanai Kunhiraman. The Passenger ROPEWAY, the first of its kind in South India, offers adventurous and delightful air journey of 20minutes across the gardens, giving a soul string view of the gardens, the distant hills that kis s the heavens and the blue strip of the reservoir. There is a ROAD TRAIN for amusement ride on wheels.In the vast expanse of the Malampuzha Garden and its visinity.. There is a TELESCOPIC TOWER in the garden providing a terrestrial view upto 40 miles.The first ROCKGARDEN emerged from the Master creator Padmashree Nek Chand of Chandigarh, in South India is at Malampuzha.Modeled after AppuGhar of Delhi and Essel World of Bombay the first Amusement Park of Kerala named FANTASYPARK is at Malampuzha.The Park has modern thrilling Rides over 8 acres plot landscaped beautifully with Garden and Fountains.

Pothundy

Pothundy is 38 kms south of Palakkad town.An irrigation project was commissioned here in 1968 with an estimated cost of Rs.234.25 lakhs, consisting of an earthen dam with a spillway section across the tributaries of AyalureRiver.Its 10 kms right bank canal ad 8 kms left bank canal irrigate an area of 5465 hectares in Chittur and Alathur Taluks.The project also provides water supply to Nemmara and Ayalure Villages.

Ottappalam

This was the centre of political as well as tenant movements in South Malabar of the erstwhile Malabar province of Madras Presidency.The festival at Chathan Kandar Kavu is very famous one in Ottappalam.The legend goes that the temple was built by the local Kanjoor Namboodiri family at a place where a scheduled caste person called Chathan found a stone bleeding while he was sharpening his knife on it. The deity of this templeis Durga.The annual festival is Talapolli which is celebrated on Avitam day n Meenam. Nercha festival in the Ottappalam mosque attracts the local Muslims in large numbers.It is said that a saintly person by name Uthaman Auliya had lived and dies at this place.An annual festival is held at this mosque on his death anniversary

SilentValley

The SilentValley National Park, with an area of 90 sq.kms, is situated in the north eastern corner of the district.It rises abruptly to the Nilgiri Plateau in the north and overlooks the plains of Mannarkkad in the south.The river Kundhi descends from the Nilgiri hills above, a altitude of 2000 meters traverses the entire length of the valleys and rushes down to the plains through a deep gorge.River Kunthi never turns brown, it is crystal clear, perennial and wild.The SilentValley National Park, is probably one of the most magnificent gift of nature to mankind, a unique preserve of tropical rain forests in all its pristine glory with an almost unbroken ecological history.Thanks largely to its difficult terrain and remoteness the extent of degradation is minimum comparison with other sanctuaries. There is a huge wild tree of Kattualying variety.It is hollow within and can hide at least 12 people in it.

Mangalam

Located 48 kms south of Palakkad town, Mangalam is mainly occupied by settlers from other parts of the State.Mangalam dam is located near the NH 47 about 14 kms. South of Vadakkencherry village.The dam is constructed across Cherukunnapuzha a tributary of MangalamRiver.It is located in picturesque surroundings.The reservoir fringes on the forest area where there are deer, wild elephants and a variety of birds.There are beautiful parks and lawns adorned with statues.

Siruvani

The Siruvani Project is in Sholayur Panchayath.The dam constructed across the River Siruvani, is for supplying drinking water to Coimbatore Corporation of Tamilnadu. The dam is surrounded by reserve forests.The distance from Edakkurissi to Siruvani Dam is 22 kms.The scenic beauty of Siruvani is simply enchanting.Muthikulam hill is situated on the eastern side of the dam.There is a natural water fall in the hill.

Meenkara

Meenkara Chulliar is a fascinating spot by virtue of the dam, garden, fish ponds and natural beauty.It is 32 kms.south east of PalakkadTown.This Dam is built in the river Gayathri which flows into Bharathapuzha.

Dhoni

Dhoni is a reserve forest area, 15 kms from Palakkad town.The forest has among other captivating signs, a small but spendid waterfall.The site can be reached after a fairly long climb of 3 hours from the base of Dhoni Hills.

Parambikulam

Parambikulam wild life sanctuary extends over an area of 280 sq.kms.It is 110 kmsaway from Palakkad via. Pollachi.The oldest and highest teak tree “Kannimari Teak”is situated here.Three Dams were constructed on the hill top.They are Paruvarippallom,Thunakadavu, and Parambikulam. for the irrigation of Pollachi Taluk of Tamilnadu and Chittur Taluk of Palakkad District.It is the place which is famous for teak plantations.Boat cruises is provided in the Parambikulam Reservoir.The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thunakadavu, Thellikkal and Elanthode and a tree house in Thoonakkadavu offer lodging facilities.The Giant Kannimari Teak and the wild animals in the forest area are a sight to dream of.

Kanjirapuzha

Kanjirapuzha Dam is situated about 38 kms. from Palakkad.The water spread of the dam lies in a single stretch.An evergreen forest, by name ‘Vettilachola’ is immediately beyond the reservoir which is surrounded by hills and during rainy season, the mountain will be covered with mist.All this makes the area extremely beautiful and picturesque. There are three islands in the reservoir with plenty of fish (including commercial varieties) grown by the Fisheries Department.

J.P.Smrithi Vanam

Loknayak J.P.Smrithi Vanam and Deer Park is in an extent of 100 acres of reserve forest at Walayar in the border of Kerala and Tamilnadu on theside of N.H.47. Deers and other animals move freely in this park.Facilities for elephant ride is provided.The distance from Palakkad town is 22 kms.

Mayiladumpara – Peacock Sanctuary

Myladumpara Choolannur Peacock Sanctuary is 30 kms. away from Palakkad.It is well known as a grove abounding in Peacocks

Palakkad Fort

Kottayi

It is 15 kms away from Palakkad. Kottayi is the native place of the Late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Karnatic Music.

Mennvallom

There are 10steps of Water falls at Meenvallom, the originating point of ThuppanaduRiver.The height of the falls varies from5 to 45 metres.The distance from Palakkad is 37 kms.

Attappadi

Thunchan Gurumadom

Across the lush green fields, two kms. from ChitturTown on the banks of river Sokanasini an old building where Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, regarded as the father of Malayalam Language, lived in the 16th Century.People call it Gurumadom and it is here that he translated the two great Sanskrit epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharatha, for the common people.At the Gurumadomone Srichakra and a few idols worshipped by himthe stylus the wooden slippers (Padukom) and a few old manuscripts are exhibited.It is on Vijayadasami day that the memorial gets the maximum number of visitors with hundreds of children brought here for a ritualistic initiation into learning.

Kunchan Smarakom

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