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Leisure
Zone -
Malampuzha Garden
(10 km from Palakkad): This famous picnic spot which comprises a dam
and beautifully landscaped gardens, is situated on the lower hills of
the Western Ghats. There are frequent buses to this place from Palakkad.
The
garden: Lush green lawns, Well laid-out flower beds,
Cool pools, fountains and pathways. Rock garden(Open 1000 - 1800 hrs)
The rose garden has over a hundred varieties of the flower An aerial
ropeway across the garden The dams and gardens are illuminated on
Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays from 1900 - 2000 hrs. On other
days they are illuminated on request for a fee.
The reservoir:Boating
and fishing facilities are available here. Pedalboats, rowboats, water
scooters and motorboats can be hired from 1000 - 1800 hrs. A well
maintained swimming pool (Tuesday holiday) A fresh water aquarium (Open
1100 - 2000 hrs & 1300 - 2100 hrs on holidays) A snake park (Open 0800 -
1800 hrs) A children's park.
The
passenger ropeway:This is the first of
its kind in South India Ph: 2815129 (Open 1000 - 1300 hrs & 1430 - 2000
hrs) Road train trips in the garden (0800 - 2000 hrs) Telescope tower
(1000 - 1700 hrs)
Fantasy
Park:(1400 - 2100 hrs on week days and 1100 - 2100 hrs
on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays). Ph: 2815122, 2815124
Entrance fee: Adults Rs.30 Children Rs.20. Separate charges for rides
and computer games. Block tickets: Adults Rs. 85 Children Rs. 70
Pothundy (45 km from
Palakkad):
Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir Complex is a
charming location for picnics and half-day trips.
Dhoni
(15 km from Palakkad):
It takes a three hour trek from the base of the Dhoni Hills to reach
this reserve forest area with its small, beautiful waterfall.
Mangalam
Dam (50
km from Palakkad):A popular picnic spot, the dam is built across the
Cherukunnath river, a tributary of the Mangalam river.
Siruvani (46 km north
of Mannarkad and 48 km from Palakkad): The reservoir at Siruvani was
built for Tamil Nadu by the Kerala Government to meet the drinking water
requirements of Coimbatore. The gateways on either side of the road
across the dam are typical of the Kerala and Tamil architectural styles.
Siruvani is also home to certain tribals like the Mudugars and Irulars.
Parambikulam
Wildlife Sanctuary
(110 km from Palakkad):
Sprawled across 285 sq. km, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is
home to rare wild animals. Boating/cruising facilities are available at
the Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State Forest
Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Anappady offer
accommodation. A tree house in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu
has to be booked in advance. The oldest teak tree, kannimari is found
here.
Permitting authority: Divisional Forest Officer,
Parambikulam, Thoonakkadavu.
Nelliyampathy
(40 km south of Nenmara): This fascinating hill station is at a
height of 467 to 1572 m above sea level. At least 10 hair pin bends have
to be negotiated on the Ghat road that passes through the breathtaking
evergreen forests of the Sahya Ranges. Seethakundu at Nelliyampathy
offers a panoramic view of about one third of Palakkad. This hill
country is the delight of trekkers. The DTPC Palakkad offers
accommodation in the tourist resort with all facilities (6 double rooms
and 2 dormitories).
Silent
Valley National Park
(40 km northwest of
Mannarkad): The 89.52 sq. km national park is believed to be the
sole surviving bit of evergreen forests in the Sahya Ranges. The
peculiarity of the Silent Valley Forest is that it is devoid even of the
chirping of cicadas. Vehicular transport is possible only up to Mukkali,
nearly 24 km from the park. The rest of the way has to be covered on
foot up to the source of Kunthipuzha, which flows through the valley
before merging into River Bharathapuzha. Permitting authority:
Asst. Wildlife Warden, Silent Valley National Park, Mukkali

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