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Palakkad |
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Palghat or Palakkad 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. |
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This district, situated almost in the centre of the State, has no coastal line. The district opens the State to the rest of the country through the Palakkad gap. This 32 to 42 km. wide natural gap in the 960 km. long Western Ghats, is perhaps the most influential factor for the unique characteristics of the district such as climate, commercial as well as cultural exchanges between the State and the rest of the country. Palakkad witnessed invasions of historical importance that have left indelible impressions on the history of Kerala. 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. |
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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 |
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History |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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Malampuzha |
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Malampuzha Garden is the Vrindavan of Kerala. Malampuzha exudes the charm of the harmony of nature, a perfect synchronization of the grandeur of the mountains blending with the serenity of rivers. It is 12 Kms. from Palakkad. There are lush green lawns, innumerable flower beds, glittering pool, fountains and avenues.There is a fresh water aquarium also.A snake park and a children's park with a toy train which await the pleasure and delight of children. 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 artiste Kanai Kunhiraman. The Passenger ropeway is the first of its kind in South India, offers adventurous and delightful air journey of 20 minutes across the gardens, giving a soul stirring view of the garden. There is a road train for amusement ride on wheels. There is also telescope tower in the garden providing a terrestrial view upto 40 miles. The first rockgarden emerged from the Master creator Padmasree Neck Chand Saini of Chandigarh, in South India is at malampuzha. Modelled after Appu Ghar of Delhi and Essel world of Bombay, the first amusement Park of Kerala named fantsay park is at Malampuzha |
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Nelliampathy |
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The beautiful cool hills of Nelliampathy is in the midst of the majestic Western Ghats. It is the queen of Palakkad hills, clothed with the original beauty of picturesqe mountains and enchanting valleys, interspersed with the panoramic tea, coffee, cardamom and orange plantations. The bracing climate and green magic of nature will provide an exhilerating and unforgetable experience |
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Nelliampathy, 52kms. from Palakkad town and about nine kms. from Nenmara, adjoins the Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary where leopards, elephants, bisons and deers abound. The total area is about 82 sq. kms. The highest peak in the range is Nellikotta, also called Padagiri. It is 1585.08 meters above sea level. The other major peaks are Vellachimudi, Valiyavana, Mayanmudi and Vela Vanchan, each about 1200 meters high. The annual average rainfall in the area is 47.244 mm. The temperature varies between 150 C in December and 300 C in April, the mean temperature being 220 C |
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Seethakundu at Nelliyampathy offers a fantastic view of the valley below. The 1000 metre high waterfall is one of the major attractions. Seethakundu 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 |
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Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary |
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Tucked away in the valley between the Anamalai Ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala on the majestic Western Ghats is the Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary, a fine example of serene, tranquil and undisturbed eco system. Situated in Palakkad district, it was originally a smalltractofreserveforestof48sq.km. However, owing to growing wildlife needs, it was expanded in 1962 and today it is a vast expanse of greenery of 285 sq.kms. in area |
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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. 9000ha.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' |
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Silent Valley National Park |
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The Silent Valley 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 Kunthi descends from the Nilgiri hills above, an altitude of 2000m., traverses the entire length of the valley and rushes down to the plains through a deep gorge. River Kunthi never turns brown; it is crystal clear, perennial and wild |
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The core of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, the Silent valley National Park, is probably one of the most magnificent gifts 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 minimal in comparison with other sanctuaries |
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The valley has a far representation of all peninsular mammals. They are Lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri Langur, Bonnet Macaque, Tiger, Leopard (Panther), Leopard Cat, Jungle Cat, Fishing Cat, Common Plam Civet, Small Indian Civet,Brown Plam Civet, Ruddy Mongoose, Stripe necked Monogoose, Wild Dog, Sloth Bear, Otter, Flying Squirrel, Malabar Giant Squirrel, Indian Pangolin (Scaly ant eater), Porcupine, Wild Boar, Sambar, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Gaur and Elephant. Birds include rare species such as Indian Black-crested Baza, Bonellis Hawk Eagle, Rufous Bellied Hawk eagle, Shaheen Falcon, Short-Eared Owl, Penisular Scops Owl, Ceylon Frog Mouth, Great Indian Hornbill, Nilgiri Laughing Thrush, House Marin, Rufous Bellied-Shortwing, Malay Bitten etc. About 170 species have been recorded, of which 31 are migrants |
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Kunchan Smarakam |
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Kalakkath Kunchan Nambiar represents an age and its culture in the field of Malayalam literature. He was the native of Killikurissi mangalam in Palakkad. Now, the Kunchan Smarakam is a national monument and is being governed by a committee appointed by the Government |
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A three year course on Ottan Thullal, Seethankan Thullal and Parayan Thullal was started with the help of artistes attached to this monument. The smarakam celebrates Navarathri festival with much pomp and grandeur. Every year, May 5th is celebrated as Thunchan Day. A library and an auditorium are attached to this monument |
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Palakkad Fort |
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Palakkad Fort, situated in the Palakkad town, is beautiful and best preserved forts in Kerala. the sober silence of the granite wall reminds the old tal of valour and courage. It was constructed in 1766 by Hyder Ali of Mysore and his son Tippu Sulthan. In 1790 the fort was taken over and re-modified by the British East India company. The fort is protected by the Archeological Survey of India. Martyr's Column Open Air Auditorium called "Rappadi" and Tourism Information Centre of Distric Tourism Promotion council are there in the spacious Fort Maidan. The children's park and Vatika' are just on the side of the Fort. the fort was situated in the middle of Palakkad Gap with an area of 15 acres |
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