Tourists Activities

There are numerous tourist spots in and around Palakkad. Some of them worth visiting are as follows.

Palakkad Fort:
Situated in the heart of the town this majestic granite fort was built by famous ruler Hyder Ali of Mysore kingdom in 1766. British army captured the fort in 1790. It is one of the most beautiful and well-preserved forts in Kerala and is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India. You can spot martyr's Column and Open Air Auditorium called "Rappadi" in the open spaces right in the middle of the fort.

Silent valley:
It is located in the lush Kundai Hills 80 km from Palakkad. The area is considered as the sole surviving region of evergreen rain forests and so, has been declared as a National Park recently. Spreading over an area of about 9,000 hectares it possesses a very rich fauna that includes elephants, tigers, lion-tailed macaque and varieties of chirping birds. There is also a huge ancient Wild tree of Kattuaiying variety, which is hollow within and 10-15 people can hide in it simultaneously.

Malampuzha
Located about 12 km north of Palakkad, Malampuzha is also known as the 'Vrindavan of Kerala'. It is popular among tourists for its picturesque surroundings and exotic picnic spots. There is a big water reservoir ' Malampuzha Dam' that provides irrigation facilities in the area. The huge water reservoir is ideal for boating and fishing. There is also a fresh water aquarium, Snake Park and a Children's park with a toy train. The passenger Ropeway, first of its kind in South India, offers adventurous and delightful journey of 20 minutes across the garden providing you immense pleasure.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Located about 110 km from Palakkad, it is one of the best wildlife sanctuaries in Kerala. Home to varied wildlife species like gaur (bison), sambar, spotted deer, langur, lion- tailed macaque, wild boar it also offers tourists a scintillating sight of rare wild animals. Palakkad is also famous for its numerous places of worship. It has over 65 temples, 15 mosques and 8 churches. Prominent among them are

Kalpathy Siva Temple:
Situated on the banks of river Kalpathy, it is famous for the annual festival, held every year in November. Vadakkunthara Shiva and Ayyappa temples are the other important Hindu temples in Palakkad.

Jain Temple:
The only existing Jain Temple in South India is situated at Jainmedu, 3 kms from Palakkad

Tourist Activities

There are plenty of tourist attractions in Coonoor. The Sim's Park is an important place to visit in Coonoor. It is a 12-hectare park; the best thing Coonoor has on offer. The Park has more than 1,000 plant species, which include magnolia, pines, tree ferns, and camellia. Tourists can take a walk through the exotic tea gardens.

One of most enjoyable thing on offer in Coonoor is to board Blue Hill Train Coonoor. Popular as Fairy-tale train it's a scenic ride.

Coonoor abound in treks provide you perfect conditions for trekking, full of thrill, excitement and adventure and so region can truly be named as 'trekker's paradise'. Trekking can be a way of seeing and enjoying nature beautifully. You can also enjoy the exhilarating and unique ride on the toy train that connects Coonoor with Mettupalayam and Ooty. The trip provides some breathtaking views of the Nilgiri hills in all its natural glory

Local Attractions

The Pasteur Institute
The 96 years old, Pasteur Institute known for its path-breaking research work on rabies and polio, is situated just opposite Sim's Park. One has the permission to visit the institute only on Saturdays. However, on other days, one can visit the institute with the prior permission of the Director of the Institute.

Droog Fort
Droog fort is located about 15 km from Coonoor, once used by Tipu Sultan as an outpost. Also called Bakasura Malai, since it is linked to the local demon, Bakasura. But today only one wall of the fort has survived. However, the fort offers you an awesome view as it is situated about 6000 ft above the plains.

Lamb's Rock
Lamb's rock is situated about 8 km from Coonoor. It provides you an awesome view of Coimbatore plains.

Dolphin's Nose
It is a huge rock resembling with a dolphin's nose is about 10 km from Coonoor. On a clear day, you can glimpse Catherine Falls from atop the Dolphin nose. The famous Law's Fall is another popular picnic spot, situated at a distance of 7 km from Coonoor.

Pomological Station
It is an institute working as a research center of the State Agricultural Department for persimmon, pomegranates and apricots.
 

Hotels in Coonoor

Coonoor is also famous for its luxury and budget hotels, guesthouses and picturesque resorts. The Taj Garden Retreat is a gracious colonial bungalow famous for its beautiful gardens. Other famous hotels are The Velan Ritz, The Blue Hills, The Bamier Inn, YWCA Guest House and Vivek Tourist Home.

Tourist Information Centre
Government of Tamil Nadu
Bangalore City Railway Station
STD code- 0423
 

The Nilgiri Hills are situated at the junction of the Eastern and Western Ghats (mountain ranges) of the Deccan plateau in south India. Nilgiri means ' Blue Mountains' and the region never fails to charm you with its exotic beauty. There are various mountain peaks in Nilgiri Hills and the highest peak is Doddabetta at a height of 2623 meters.

Tourist Activities

Nilgiri Hills have some of the most fascinating and exotic hill stations and wildlife sanctuaries and parks. The region also offers you some of the best picnic spots of India.

The steep hills and fantastically narrow valleys with numerous rivers and rivulets running in all directions with hanging waterfalls here and there provide beautiful and charming scenery. Being an important tea growing area of India, the Nilgiris also provide you an opportunity to watch beautiful tea gardens on steep hill slopes. The scenic beauty, fresh air, exotic plants and wide varieties of wildlife, a visit to Nilgiri Hills offers you perfect enjoyment conditions.

Nilgiri Hills abound in treks provide you perfect conditions for trekking, full of thrill, excitement and adventure and so region can truly be named as 'trekker's paradise'. Trekking can be a way of seeing and enjoying nature beautifully. Trekking pamphlets are available with the Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment Association (NWLEA) and for further details contact the Tourist Information Office at Ooty.

One of the major wildlife attractions in Nilgiri hills is spotting a Nilgiri Tahr (an endangered mountain goat).

The region around Nilgiri Hills is famous for its colorful culture. Every year numerous fairs and festivals are held here. Noted among them are 'Tea and Tourism Festival' and 'Summer Festival'. The Ministry of Tourism, Governments of the Tamil Nadu and the Government of India jointly organize the 'Tea and Tourism Festival' during the months of January-February. Held for 3 days, the festival provides you an opportunity to explore and taste wide varieties of tea available there.

During the summer season you can enjoy the exotic Summer Festival in which all the major hill stations including evergreen Ooty, famous as the ' Queen of Hill Stations' of Nilgiri Participate. During this festival, boat races, flower and fruit shows are specially organized.

Local attractions in Nilgiri Hills

The Nilgiris are very rich in tourist spots. The major tourists attractions in the Nilgiri Hills are Madumalai wildlife sanctuary, Ooty Lake, Botanical Garden, Doddabetta Peak, Law's Fall, Mukkurthi Peak, the Pykara Dam and sprawling tea plantations

Hotels in Nilgiri Hills

You can easily find luxurious and economy class hotels, guesthouses and lodges in the hill stations in the Nilgiris. In Ooty both Indian and Western style accommodation and food are available. The biggest Hotel in Ooty is the Howard Johnson Monarch situated near the famous Botanical Gardens. Other famous hotels here includes Hotel Nahar Nilgiris, TTDC's Hotel Tamil Nadu, Hotel Lake View, Holiday Inn Gem Park and YWCA of India Project.

Coonoor is also famous for luxury and budget hotels, guesthouses and picturesque resorts. The Taj Garden Retreat is a gracious colonial bungalow famous for its beautiful gardens. Other famous hotels are The Velan Ritz, The Blue Hills, The Bamier Inn and Vivek Tourist Home.