Transport and Communication Air - Nearest Airport : Coimbatore (55 kms). Cochin International Airport (120 kms), Nedumbassery, Ph: 0484 2610115. Calicut International Airport, Ph: 0483 2719491 Rail - Palakkad Junction Railway Station, an important railhead in Southern Railway, is well connected with the major towns in and outside Kerala by an extensive rail network ( 5 kms away from the city). Railway enquiry Ph: 139, 1397. Road - Palakkad is connected by road with several tourist centres and cities in India. Long distance buses and inter state buses operate from the KSRTC Bus Station. Ph: 0491 2520098. Local Transport - Buses, Taxis and Autorikshaws. Tourist Information Offices - DTPC Information Counter, Near Children’s Park, Palakkad, Ph: 0491 2538996. Nelliyampathy, Ph: 04923 246357. Silent Valley National Park, Ph: 04924 253225.
Places Interested Ottappalam: (35 km from Palakkad) The town is known for its numerous places of worship and their colourful festivals. The Chathan Kandar Kavu which was built by the local Kanjoor Namboothiri family in Varode Desam is famous. Namboothiri built temple where Chathan, a Harijan, found a bleeding stone while he was sharpening his knife and the presiding deity is Durga. On the Avittam day of Meenam (March/April) the temple celebrate its annual festival Thalapoli. Kalpathy V iswanatha Temple: This temple is dedicated to Lord Siva. The temple festival which is held in November every year is known as Kalpathy Ratholsavam and becomes the spectacular festival of the district. Thiruvalathoor: (10 km from Palakkad) The ancient temple here has some fine wood work and stone sculptures. Chittur Gurumadam: Located on the banks of the River Sokanasini (the destroyer of sorrows), this is a memorial to Thunchath Ezhuthachan, the author of Adhyatma Ramayana, who spent his last days here. A srichakra, some of the idols worshipped by him, a stylus, wooden slippers and a few old manuscripts are exhibited here. Fascinating Destinations Attappady | Chittur Gurumadam | Chulliar Dam | Dhoni Temple | Olavakkode | Jain Temple | Kalpathy Temple | Kollengode | Kottayi | Lakkidi | Loknayak Smrithivanam | Malampuzha Garden | Mangalam Dam | Mayiladumpara | Meanvallam | Meenkara | Nelliyampathy | Ottappalam | Palakkad Fort | Pothundy | Parambikulam | Punarjanani Guha | Silent Valley | Siruvani | Thenari | Thiruvalathoor | Thrithala | Vellinezhi
326
PALAKKAD TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS