Area Attractions

Literally, Thullal means dance. But Nambiar developed it into a new style of verse narration. According to legend, Nambiar was a Mizhavu (traditional drum) player for Chakiyar Koothu. Once during the performance he dozed off and was humiliated by the Chakiyar for playing wrong notes. An infuriated Nambiar vowed to come up with an alternative art form to Chakiyar Koothu. The result was Ottan Thullal that ridiculed prevalent socio-political equations and prejudices of society. With Thullal, Nambiar is said to have lit the fuse for a social revolution in the inequity-ridden society of Kerala in the 17th century.The Kunchan Nambiar Smarakam, the memorial at his birthplace incorporating his ancestral Kalakkath house, was opened in 1976. The Memorial, which is an initiative of the Government of Kerala, includes a kalithattu (stage) for staging Thullal and other art forms, a library and a museum. The museum displays traditional Thullal costumes and paraphernalia.

Every year, 5^th May is observed as Kunchan Day at the Memorial. Various programmes are arranged on the premises. The Centre also celebrates Vijayadasami by holding the Vidyarambham ceremony to initiate children into the world of letters. The Centre conducts regular training programmes in Ottan Thullal.

Killikkurissimangalam, Lakkidi
Telephone: +91-466 2230551

Distance: 15 km (30 minutes)

Vellinezhi is a small hamlet known for its contributions to Keralan cultural especially to the classical dance form, Kathakali. It is said that there is not a single family in the village, which has not produced at least one dancer or percussionist. Vellinezhi is home to Olappamanna Mana, a centuries-old feudal Namboothiri (Kerala Brahmin) mansion (Illam). Now a vacated abode, Olappamanna lets its premises out for weddings and film/docu/teleserial shoots and is well worth a visit. Revolving around the cultural patronage of the Olappamanna Mana and local temples, Vellinezhi has grown in stature as a centre of Kathakali, the technical precision and aesthetic quality of which rose to great heights during the life and times of Pattikkamthodi Ravunni Menon who polished and developed the Kalluvazhi style of the art. It is his disciples, along with the playback musicians, percussionists, make-up and costume specialists that he groomed, who later made Vellinezhi proud. The village has a house named Kothavil which has specialised in the designing and making of Kathakali costumes. Cherplasseri Road Distance: 25 km (45 minutes)

Kathakali Sadanam or Gandhi Seva Sadan Kathakali and Classic Arts Academy was founded in 1953 by the (late) Gandhian and freedom fighter K. Kumaran, known for his unflagging devotion to the promotion of the arts. Having celebrated its golden jubilee, Kathakali Sadanam is one of the four oldest schools providing training in the classical dance-drama of Kathakali in the traditional residential (gurukula) style.

Located on the banks of the Nila River, the Sadanam has groomed several artistes who have gained acclaim in the field as actor-dancers, musicians, percussionists, make-up men and greenroom assistants. Not far away from its main campus, the Academy has an impressive indoor-cum-outdoor auditorium that provides a venue for the Sadanam’s functions during special occasions like anniversary celebrations and the Pattikkamthodi Jayanti (September 28).

The Academy conducts regular programmes gas well as short-term courses oriented towards foreign students. It also runs a teachers training institute, a senior secondary school and a computer training center under its management.

Perur, Pathirippala, Ottapalam.

Telephone: +91-491-872263
Email: svasadan@satyam.net.in, enquiry@kathakalisadanam.com.
Website: www.kathakalisadanam.com

Distance: 15 km (30 minutes)

Palakkad Fort, also known as Tipu’s Fort, is situated on a small hillock in the heart of Palakkad town.  The square-shaped fort has majestic granite walls, a moat, a drawbridge at the entrance, bastions at the four corners and at the centre, and various other architectural peculiarities that stand testimony to the fort’s strategic importance during the 18th and 19th centuries.  Inside the fort, there is a Martyr’s Column and an open-air auditorium named Rappadi, named for a songbird that sings at night. The Palakkad sub-jail is situated inside the fort. The fort is now under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India. The ground around the Fort, the Kotta Maidan, played an important part during the invasion of various armies. It was a stable for the horses and elephants that were used by Tipu’s troops. Today, it is a popular venue for fairs, circuses and sports. The Fort is said to have existed from very ancient times, but believed to have been constructed in its present form in 1766. Little is known of its early history. The local ruler, Paliyath Achchan, was originally a tributary of the Zamorin, but had become independent before the beginning of the eighteenth century. In 1757 he sent a deputation to Hyder Ai seeking help against an invasion threatened by the Zamorin.  Hyder seized the opportunity to gain possession of the strategically important location and from that time until 1790 the fort was continually in the hands of the Mysore Sultans or the British. It was first taken by the latter in 1768, but retaken by Hyder Ali a few months later. It was recaptured by the British in 1783 after a siege that lasted eleven days but was abandoned the following year. It later fell into the hands of the Zamorin’s troops. In 1790 it was finally captured by the British under Colonel Stuart, when it was renovated and was used as a base for operations that ended with the storming of Srirangapatnam. The fort continued to be a garrison until the middle of 19th century. In the early 1900s it was converted into a taluk office. Palakkad. Visiting hours: 8 am to 6 pm Distance: 35 km (60 minutes)   Kalpathy Agrahara, Kerala’s first heritage village, is a characteristic Brahmin settlement situated on the banks of the Kalpathy River. The settlers here are said to have fled from Thanjavur during the 1790s fearing an attack by Tipu Sultan. They were on their way to Kozhikode when the Raja of Palakkad invited them to settle at Kalpathy. The Brahmins set up an agrahara which is, today, a combination of four agraharas – Chathapuram, Govindarajapuram, Old Kalpathy and New Kalpathy.The agraharas were constructed according to prescribed architectural principles, with each house opening onto the street and offering a view of the temple at the end of the street A Siva temple dating back to the fifteenth century is located in the heart of the agraharam. The temple resembles the famous Kashi Viswanath temple of Varanasi. The flagstaff of the Kalpathy temple is known for its size. An impressive ten-day chariot festival, the Kalpathy Ratholsava, is held every November. Palakkad. Distance: 40 km. (1 hour)

THRISSUR

Thrissur (Trichur) is said to be the cultural capital of Kerala. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Cochin, the city reflects the rich history, diverse culture, eclectic beliefs, and colourful traditions of the region. Some of the earliest human settlements in the country have been found near Thrissur, which also served as an important trading centre during the medieval period, and was ruled for varying periods by the Dutch, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.  The city hosts an International Film Festival and a Drama Festival, besides various religious and cultural festivals, the most important being the Pooram (temple festival) at the Vadakunnathan Temple. Distance: 50 km. (90 minutes)

Vadakkunnathan Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the oldest and most magnificent temples in Kerala. It is a classic example of the Kerala style of architecture and has many murals and pieces of art. It is here that the spectacular Pooram is celebrated annually in April-May. The festival is renowned for its magnificent procession of scores of caparisoned elephants marching to the beat of panchavadyam (five traditional instruments). A fireworks display and a plethora of rituals and cultural programmes also take place.

Shakthan Thampuran Palace, the erstwhile residence of the royal families of Thrissur, was built by Raja Rama Varma IX in 1791. A blend of Kerala and Dutch forms of architecture, the palace also houses a museum that showcases numerous artefacts from the past.

Our Lady of Dolours Basilica is the third tallest church building in Asia and the largest in India. Completed in 1814, it is a minor basilica of the Syro-Malabar Catholic Church. Built in fine Indo-Gothic style with an area of 25,000 square feet, it has soaring belfries at the entrance, double storeyed aisles along the nave and transepts, embellished with exuberant decorations.

Archaeological Museum: Situated in the Shakthan Thampuran Palace, the museum houses models of ancient temples and monuments, manuscripts written on dry palm leaves, a megalith collection consisting of earthen pots, burial urns, black and red wares, russet coated ware, stone age tools, excavations from the Indus Valley Civilization, and excavated materials from megalithic sites from Cheraman Parambu (Kodungallur), stone sculptures ranging from the first millennium CE, bronze sculptures from the 12th century, etc.

Veerkallu (hero-stones) are a feature of the museum. These stone engravings and sculptures of figures and weapons from the distant past and were found in the forests of Thrissur and Wayanad. The temple models are some of the best representations of Hindu holy sites across Kerala.

Visiting hours: 10 am to 5 pm, except on Mondays and national holidays

Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda Museum showcases the richness, variety and evolution of traditional Ayurveda medicine. The Museum was inaugurated in 2013. The exhibits include a diorama presentation of the history of Ayurveda from mythological times to the present, a library of texts on Ayurveda, descriptions of various branches of Ayurveda, an exclusive section on the physician Susrutha, a picture gallery, a 3-D gallery, and a digital library.

The Museum is housed in a traditional two-storeyed 100 year-old building. Audio-visual presentations depicting the origin, growth and development of Ayurveda are a feature of the Museum. There are also exhibits manifesting facts and myths associated with the history of Ayurveda.

Visiting hours: 10 am to 6 pm, except on Mondays and national holidays

Heritage Homes

Varikasseri Mana is a traditional aristocratic Namboothiri house (illam). The ‘tharavad’ (ancestral home) of the Varikasseri clan, the well-preserved 3-storeyed Mana built of red sandstone and its out-houses are spread over four acres of land. An impressive portico with massive pillars and wooden ceilings provides a space that was used for cultural performances. An open-to-sky courtyard forms the central focus of the building. The living quarters and utility areas lead off a corridor that forms a perimeter to the courtyard. The large dining area (ootupura) and kitchen are located on the eastern side. A large pond and bath-house, and a temple are located at a corner of the compound. An interesting wooden structure served as a store-house (pathayam) for farm produce.

The house is said to have been used in almost a hundred Malayalam movies. Visitors are allowed when there is no film-shooting.

Manikasseri.

Distance: 10 km (20 minutes)

Olappamanna Mana in Vellinezhi is the ancestral home of a Namboothiri family who were patrons of art, expecially Kathakali. The mana was not just a home, it was an institution which produced many big names in the field of Kathakali.  The Mana was also a cradle of classical music and literature and many renowned scholars hail from this family.

The 300-year old Mana is built in characteristic Keralan style in accordance with the norms of Vasthusastra, the ancient Indian science of architecture. The building is a combination of eight structures with eight open quadrangles. Rosewood and teak have been extensively used, and generations-old artefacts are on display. The expansive construction housed teachers and students besides the family. It is said that 50 kg of rice was cooked every day in the kitchen.

The Mana is now managed by a trust and is frequently rented out for film shoots.

Vellinezhi, Cherplasseri Road.

Distance: 25 km (45 minutes)

Kollengode Palace was once the seat of the Kollengode Rajas. In 1975, the Department of Archaeology acquired the property and converted it into a museum. Some personal belongings of Vasudeva Raja the original owner are on display. The architecture of the palace is a unique blend of traditional Keralan architecture with western embellishments. The Palace now houses a unique Museum of Mural Art.

Kollengode.

Distance: 50 km (90 minutes)

RELIGIOUS

Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple is one of the most important places of worship for Hindus and is often referred to as ‘Bhuloka Vaikunta’ (Holy Abode of Vishnu on Earth).

The presiding deity of the Guruvayur Temple is Vishnu, worshipped in the form of his avatar Krishna (or Guruvayurappan). The central icon is a four-armed standing Vishnu carrying a conch, a discuss, a mace and a lotus, with a basil garland. This image represents the majestic form of Vishnu as revealed to Krishna’s parents around the time of his birth; this is the reason why the Lord is worshipped in his baby form.

The temple is called the Dwarka of South India due to Krishna’s widespread presence. He is worshipped according to routines said to be laid down by Sankara. The temple tank on the northern side of the temple is called Rudratheertham. Legend says that for thousands of years Shiva (or Rudra) and his family worshipped Vishnu at this pond, the current location of the temple.

The temple is home to the largest population of captive male Asian elephants. Guruvayur Keshavan is the most famous among those, who, even four decades after his demise, is fondly remembered. To honour the royal one, every year on his death anniversary, homage is paid to a life-sized statue of the late tusker followed by a grand feast for his successors.

The temple enforces a strict dress code. The precincts can be extremely crowded on special days and even otherwise can entail long waits in serpentine queues. It is advisable to ascertain puja timings.

Guruvayur, Thrissur District.

Distance: 60 km (100 minutes)

Mammiyur Temple in Guruvayur, dedicated to Shiva, is also worth a visit.

Vilwadrinatha Temple, in the picturesque village of Thiruvilwamala, is a temple dedicated to Lord Rama, the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu, and his brother Lakshmana. This is one of the four major temples in Kerala dedicated to Lord Rama, and is also one of the few temples housing Lakshmana. Niramaala and Ekadashi are important festive occasions.

Situated on a hillock overlooking the Bharatapuzha, the second longest river in Kerala, the temple commands a breath-taking view of the river, rice paddies and rolling hills beyond.

Temple timings: 5-11 am and 5-8 pm.

Thiruvilwamala, Thrissur District.

Distance: 15 km (30 minutes)

Thiruvalathoor Bhagavathy Temple is an ancient temple dedicated to Devi known for its woodwork and stone sculptures. There are about 4000 stone lamps fixed on the walls which when lit provide a stunning spectacle. A huge mizhavu (a percussion instrument) can be seen inside the temple, which is said to be the biggest of its kind. According to legend, the outer wall of the temple was constructed by an army of gods who worked through the night but left the work incomplete at dawn to avoid being seen by mortals. Even after several attempts, the work remains incomplete, reinforcing the belief that mere humans cannot finish this task.

Thiruvalathoor, Palakkad District.

Distance: 40 km (90 minutes)

Varahamurthy Temple is believed to be the first temple in Kerala, consecrated by Parasurama nearly 4000 years ago. The temple houses Varahamurthy, the third avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is depicted with Goddess Bhumi after the killing of Hiranyaksha. Till about a millennium ago, Varahamurthy is said to have been worshipped as the supreme god of Kerala. Recently found stone engravings, reveal the existence of an extensive community devoted to carrying out the various cultural and religious activities of the temple.

The temple is unfinished, behind which there is an interesting story.  The construction of the temple by master craftsman Perumthachan is said to have proceeded so well that it was expected to outshine the temples in heaven. Indra, the god of the gods, grew jealous and repeatedly harassed the craftsman to ensure that the temple would remain incomplete.

Timings: 6 – 10 am and 5.30 to 7.30 pm.

Panniyur, Palakkad District.

Distance: 45 km (90 minutes)

Jain Temple at Jainamedu has a history of more than 1500 years and is believed to have been built by two diamond merchants from Karnataka. The first Jain settlers here were Shettys and they named the place Jainamedu.The main deity here is the eighth Thirthankara, Chandraprabha. The temple has sections to house images of Jwalamalini, Brahmadevar, Padmavathi Devi and Vijayalakshmi respectively, apart from the Thirthankara. The simple granite walls of the temple, though devoid of any decoration, provide an air of quiet serenity. About 400 Jain families lived in Palakkad during the 17th and 18th centuries, practicing Ahimsa (non-violence). They fled their homes in the face of Tipu Sultan’s invasion in the 18th century leaving their jewellery hidden in various places. Tipu’s forces plundered the whole of Jainamedu and destroyed the boundary walls of the temple.  The temple is in a dilapidated condition now with only one family to attend to the rituals there.  It is one of the last vestiges of Jainism in Kerala. The annual Jain festival and rituals practiced here throw light on their customs and culture. Timings: 5-7 pm. Jainamedu, Palakkad. Distance: 40 km (90 minutes)

Pattambi Mosque is famous for its Nercha or annual festival held in memory of Aloor Valiya Pookunjikoya Thangal, a Muslim saint of Malabar. On the day of the festival, the town is illuminated with colourful electric bulbs and crowds throng to participate in the celebrations.  An impressive procession comprising scores of caparisoned elephants, colourful floats and traditional musical ensembles like thayambaka and panchavadyam are major attractions of the festival. Folk arts like Duffumuttu and Kolkali are performed. The celebrations rise to a crescendo as the procession ends late at night on the banks of the Bharatapuzha. Pattambi, Palakkad District. Distance: 25 km (45 minutes) Temples in Ottapalam Several quaint Hindu temples are scattered within a radius of 5 km; well worth visiting for their tranquil beauty. Timings are generally from 6-9 am and 5-8 pm. Vengeri-Siva (15 minutes on foot) Chenakkathoor-Devi (5 km) Chathankanda Kavu-Devi (5 km) Parthasarathy Krishna Temple (3 km) Unnikrishnan Temple (3 km) NATURE Silent Valley National Park, with a core zone of 237 square km, the Park is located in the beautiful Nilagiri Hills, in Palakkad District. This is one of the last undisturbed tracts of mountain rain forest and tropical moist green forest in India. A ‘bio-diversity hotspot’, the Park is part of Western Ghats World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO in 2007. Locally known as Sairandhari’s Forest, legend has it that during their 13-year long exile the Pandavas and Draupadi (or Sairandhari) came upon this magical valley, where rolling grasslands met wooded ravines and a deep green river bubbled its course through impenetrable forest, where at dawn and twilight the tiger and elephant would drink together at the water’s edge, where all was harmonious and man unknown. Declared a National Park in 1984, Silent Valley is the outcome of people’s movement to protect natural heritage. The forests of the Silent Valley National Park harbour some of the most pristine, unique and productive forests in the world. In a bio-geographical sense, Silent Valley and adjoining forests represent ‘ecological islands’ which reflect conditions that prevailed before anthropogenic activities took their toll. Exceptional species diversity and endemic value of evergreen and semi-evergreen communities is exemplified here. 41 mammals, 211 birds, 49 reptiles, 47 amphibians, 12 fishes, 164 butterflies and 400 species of moths have been counted. The Park harbours a viable population of lion-tailed macaque, which is the flagship species of the Park. Indigenous tribal groups that live within the park boundaries include Irulas, Kurumbas, Mudugas and Kattunaikkars. Silent valley is a pioneer in nature education and awareness in Kerala. Conservation-oriented one-day nature camps are conducted every month at Mukkali village (primarily for young people). Two-hour jeep rides are also organized from Mukkali through Silent Valley. The 23 km drive along winding roads, provides an unforgettable feel of the forest. Silent Valley National Park has also been championing the cause of conservation through ‘Walk with the Master’ programmes. These are paid nature camps that allow nature lovers to meet and interact with experts from diverse fields. Camps are planned over 2-3 days for 15-20 selected participants. Mukkali, Mannarkkad, Palakkad District. +91 8589895652, 9645586629 mail@silentvalley.gov.in Distance: 60 km (2 hours) Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, which also includes the erstwhile Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, is a well-protected portion of the Nelliampathy-Anamalai segment of the southern Western Ghats covering 390 square km. The wildlife sanctuary is a ‘bio-diversity hot-spot’ having large viable populations of tropical wildlife. The world’s largest teak tree is located here. The sanctuary is the home of four different tribes of indigenous people settled in six colonies. The Tiger Reserve implements a participatory management scheme whereby people from tribal colonies inside the reserve are engaged as guides for treks and safaris, and are provided employment through various eco-tourism initiatives. The Reserve hosts many capacity building training programmes conducted by Parambikulam Tiger Conservation Foundation in association with various organisations. Ecotourism activities at the Tiger Reserve are held in the buffer zones, avoiding the core areas.  Parambikulam provides visitors with a number of opportunities for nature education. Trekkers can engage experienced forest guides through the information centre. There are also opportunities for rafting on the water bodies. A variety of accommodation, including tree-top houses, is available. These needed to be booked in advance. Safari vehicles managed by Forest Development Agency conduct visitors through the Reserve. Private vehicles are allowed inside the tiger reserve only if they have overnight bookings inside the tiger reserve. Anappady, Palakkad District. www.parambikulam.org parambikulamsanctuary@gmail.com Tel: 944-2201690, 944-2201691 Distance: 120 km (3 hours) Nelliyampathy Hills are a cloud-caressed part of the Western Ghats that range in altitude from approximately 500 m to 1500 m. The lush tropical foliage is home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, including myriad bird species. The road proceeds from Nenmara to the scenic Pothundy Dam and further, through 10 hairpin bends, to Nelliyampathy. Pothundy Dam is a beautiful locale for picnics with facilities for boating. As the Ghat road winds its way up to Nelliyampathy, splendid views can be had of the plains with lush paddy fields forming a verdant carpet. The Palakkad Gap, which is a geographical phenomenon in the Western Ghats, comes into view, offering glimpses of adjoining Tamil Nadu. Privately managed farms demonstrate sustainable organic farming. Rolling slopes with vast expanses of tea plantations are a feature of the area. The hills of Nelliyampathy are also well known for orange cultivation. Seetharkundu is another scenic spot with a breathtaking view of the valley and of a 100 m high waterfall. This is an excellent area for treks, either through forest or through tea, cardamom and coffee plantations. Gaur, elephants, leopards, giant squirrels etc. can be spotted, besides being a paradise for birdwatchers. Distance to Nelliyampathy: 70 km (2.5 hours) Malampuzha is a major tourist attraction and picnic spot. The Malampuzha Dam was constructed in the 1950s and is the first large irrigation project in Kerala. The huge reservoir is an impressive sight viewed from atop the dam. Visitors can walk along the top till the right-hand end and enter the manicured gardens at the foot of the dam. Apart from the flower beds, rose garden and musical fountains, this is also the site of the only garden in South India designed by Nek Chand, the renowned artist. This garden is designed entirely with waste: broken pieces of bangles, tiles, used plastic cans, tins and other debris. Also situated in the gardens is the striking sculpture of Yakshi (enchantress) by Kanayi Kunhiraman, a respected sculptor of the state. Malampuzha also features a cable car offering views of the reservoir and gardens, suspension bridges, a snake park, aquarium and children’s play areas. Visiting hours: 9 am to 8 pm. Distance: 45 km (90 minutes)   Mayiladumpara Peacock Sanctuary is the unique home of hundreds of peacocks. As you proceed on the winding road, bordered by tall trees and scattered rocks leading to peacock country, you will be greeted by the piercing squawks of these beautiful creatures. The birds can be seen mostly at dawn and dusk. The dance of these free, wild birds on overcast days is breathtaking. The sanctuary, which is not fenced or gated, allows free access to all. Palakkad District Distance: 50 km (90 minutes) Athirappally Falls are among the most majestic waterfalls in Kerala. Water crashing into the Chalakkudy river from a height of 80 feet against a backdrop of lush greenery, makes this a memorable sight. Also located nearby are the Vazhachal and Charpa Falls. Exotic fauna and rare bird sightings, including of the hornbill, make this a nature lover’s paradise. Thumboormuzhy Butterfly Park, the natural habitat of scores of species of butterfly, is an important eco-tourism destination. Athirappally, Thrissur District Distance: 60 km (90 minutes) Chavakkad Beach lies at a confluence of river and sea on the Arabian Sea coast. Barely 5 km from Guruvayur Sri Krishna Temple, the beach is largely unexplored by tourists, clean and good for swimming. The nearby lighthouse is an attraction as well. Near the beach is Ramachapadam, a vast Ayurvedic herbal farm. The evening fish market attracts crowds. Distance: 60 km (90 minutes) Treks The Nila or Bharatapuzha River on which Ottapalam is located, is an important river of Kerala and closely inter-twined with the cultural ethos of the countryside. A wide roaring torrent during the monsoon, it dwindles into a meagre stream that can be forded on foot later in the year. The river bed and its banks are good for pleasant strolls. Rice paddies, the hallmark of Kerala, are scattered within walking distance and are ideal therapy for frayed nerves. Especially when the young paddy is lush green, or golden brown just before the harvest, a walk through the rice fields is an enriching experience. Anangamala, a hill about 5 km distant, and said to be an extinct volcano, offers opportunities for serious trekking (about 2 hours each way). From the top of the hill, which is completely uninhabited, panoramic views can be had of the surrounding countryside. Mampara Peak, Dhoni Falls, Chimmini Wildlife Sanctuary, (further afield) besides Parambikulam and Silent Valley National Parks, Nelliyampathy, Attapady and Athirappally, offer opportunities for trekking of varying levels of rigour.