Lying near a natural depression in the Western Ghats, Palakkad is a small but poised settlement in Kerala. Once known as Palakkattuchery, Palakkad is famous for its rice fields and natural beauty. It is also famous for the temple of 'Anjumoorthy', the only temple in India where the Sudarshan Chakra, a sharp spinning circular weapon that is carried by Lord Vishnu is worshipped as a deity. It is believed that the Sudarshan Chakra appeared on itself in the area where the temple stands today.

Though it is not a top of the list tourist destination in Kerala, Palakkad does not disappoint. Unlike most of the tourist attractions of Kerala, Palakkad has a fort, called as the Palakkad fort. Situated in the town, this fort is known to be the best preserved fort in entire Kerala. A sight of this majestic fort reminds courageous kings and tales of dynasties who lived and thrived. The fort of Palakkad was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766. The fort is also called as the Tipu's fort after Hyder Ali's son Tipu Sultan. Today, it is being preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.

On the western border of the town is an ancient Jain temple. It is one of the few places in Kerala where Jainism is known to have existed. The temple is not very artistic or loud. The temple is divided into four parts. Three of the four divisions have pictures of Jain Tirthankaras and Yakshinis. Surrounding Palakkad are amazing places like the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, the Silent Valley National Park, Nelliyampathi, the Malampuzha Dam garden, the Walayar dam and Dhoni.

The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is around 135 kilometres away from Palakkad. It stretches 285 square kilometres and is home to elephants, bison, guar, crocodiles, wild boars and a small population of tigers and panthers. You can trek through this sanctuary and explore the wilderness but you need to seek prior permission from the authorities. It is advisable that you take a guide. Boating can be enjoyed on the lake inside the forest and the Cinnamare teak tree, the one that is known as Asia's largest tree of its kind is nearby.

About 80 kilometres to the North West of Palakkad is the Silent Valley National Park. It is also known as the 'Evergreen forest'. Many rare species of animals like the mouse deer and lion tailed macaques are found here. Tribal people also stay in this thick rain forest. This valley is called as the Silent Valley because there are no cicadas here; the familiar sound of the cicadas that is heard in other forests is missing here. The silence is creepy and astounding. It is a protected area for the conservation of the biodiversity in this region.

Nelliyampathy, a hill station, lays south side, some 80 kilometres from Palakkad. The hills of Nelliyampathy are a sight to behold as they stand shrouded with clouds. There are excellent hotels and resorts at Nelliyampathy. It is a rejuvenating get away option when in Palakkad. A stay of a day or two can be enjoyed.

The Malampuzha Dam gardens are just in the town, 10 kilometres away to be precise. It is the largest water reservoir in the state of Kerala. There are beautiful gardens around the dam, the view is just breathtaking. No doubt it is one of the most visited tourist spots in this region. Another dam, the Walayar dam is around 25 kilometres away from Palakkad. It can be reached comfortably. There is also a deer park in vicinity of the dam which is an added attraction.

Dhoni, reminds more of the Indian cricket team Captain, but is a forest reserve situated at a distance of 15 kilometres from the town. There is a small waterfall inside the forest but you need to climb steep hills for over three hours to see it. But it is worth the effort.

Palakkad hosts beautiful tourist spots in and around it. There are also many places of religious importance to the Hindus around Palakkad. The town celebrates a long list of assorted festivals throughout the year, which makes the town bustle with people. Palakkad is a colourful town which can be visited when you have time to spare.

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Palakkad is a small settlement lying at the heart of Kerala. It is a place which provides access to amazing tourist spots in and around it. Worth visiting tourist destinations are in a radius of 100 kilometres from Palakkad. A fort called the Palakkad fort; a wildlife sanctuary, a hill station and a national park embellish Palakkad and make your visit worthwhile. Though not the apple of the eye for tourists, it is quite an engaging place.

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