Tourism News

Meenvallam Waterfalls, located in the Palakkad district of Kerala, is gaining popularity among domestic travelers as a serene eco-tourism destination surrounded by dense forests and rolling hills. The waterfall consists of multiple cascading levels, of which the lower sections are accessible to visitors via well-laid stone steps, making it suitable for families and nature lovers. During the monsoon and post-monsoon seasons, Meenvallam transforms into a vibrant natural attraction, with flowing water, lush greenery, and a cool, refreshing climate that draws tourists seeking relief from urban heat. In recent times, Meenvallam Waterfalls has been promoted with a strong focus on safety and environmental protection. Local authorities regulate visitor entry, restrict access to higher levels, and encourage responsible tourism practices to preserve the fragile ecosystem. The area is also connected to a small hydroelectric project, highlighting the balance between natural beauty and sustainable development. With its peaceful surroundings, easy accessibility, and growing awareness among travelers, Meenvallam Waterfalls is emerging as an important nature-based attraction that adds to Palakkad’s diverse tourism portfolio and appeals to visitors looking for clean, quiet, and eco-friendly travel experiences.

Dhoni Hills, located around 15 kilometers from Palakkad town, is emerging as one of the district’s most appealing nature-based tourism destinations, especially for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Surrounded by dense forests, rolling hills, and seasonal waterfalls, Dhoni Hills offers a refreshing escape from urban life. The area is known for its gentle trekking routes that pass through scenic landscapes, making it suitable for beginners and families seeking a safe and guided adventure. The cool climate, fresh air, and panoramic views of the Western Ghats add to the destination’s growing popularity among domestic tourists. In recent times, tourism authorities and forest officials have focused on promoting responsible tourism at Dhoni Hills, ensuring that visitor activities remain eco-friendly and sustainable. Guided treks, nature walks, and educational programs are encouraged to help visitors understand the region’s rich biodiversity. Families visiting Dhoni Hills often combine their trip with nearby attractions such as Malampuzha Dam, gardens, and children’s parks, creating a full-day leisure experience. With increasing interest in nature tourism and family-friendly destinations, Dhoni Hills is steadily gaining recognition as a key attraction that highlights Palakkad’s natural beauty while offering safe and meaningful outdoor experiences for all age groups.

Palakkad Fort, also known as Tipu Sultan’s Fort, stands proudly at the heart of Palakkad town as one of Kerala’s best-preserved historical monuments. Built in the 18th century by Hyder Ali and later strengthened by Tipu Sultan, the fort reflects a unique blend of military architecture and strategic design. Surrounded by a wide moat and massive laterite stone walls, Palakkad Fort once served as a crucial defense point controlling the Palakkad Gap, the natural mountain pass connecting Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Today, the fort’s expansive grounds, ancient gateways, and bastions offer visitors a glimpse into the region’s rich past and the power struggles that shaped South Indian history. In recent years, Palakkad Fort has gained renewed attention as a cultural and tourism hub, attracting both history enthusiasts and casual travelers. The Kerala Archaeology Department has focused on conservation efforts, maintaining the fort’s structure while enhancing visitor facilities such as walking paths, information boards, and green spaces. The fort complex also houses the Hanuman Temple, which continues to draw devotees, adding a spiritual dimension to the site. With its central location, serene atmosphere, and historical significance, Palakkad Fort remains a must-visit destination that connects modern Palakkad with its storied heritage and strengthens the district’s growing tourism appeal.

Silent Valley National Park, located in the Palakkad district of Kerala, is one of India’s last remaining stretches of pristine tropical evergreen rainforest and a globally significant biodiversity hotspot. Spread across the Western Ghats, this protected area is renowned for its dense forests, mist-covered hills, crystal-clear streams, and the Kunthi River that flows quietly through its heart. Unlike many commercial tourist destinations, Silent Valley remains carefully preserved, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience nature in its purest and most undisturbed form. The park is home to an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna, including rare orchids, ancient tree species, and endangered wildlife such as the lion-tailed macaque, Nilgiri langur, Malabar giant squirrel, and several endemic birds, reptiles, and insects found nowhere else in the world. In recent times, Silent Valley has gained renewed attention for its role in conservation, climate protection, and responsible eco-tourism. Forest authorities continue to promote guided nature walks, buffer-zone trekking, and educational visits that emphasize sustainability and environmental awareness rather than mass tourism. Visitors are drawn not only by the park’s wildlife but also by its tranquil atmosphere, cool climate, and the sense of stepping into a living natural museum untouched by modern development. As interest in eco-friendly travel grows, Silent Valley National Park stands out as a symbol of Kerala’s commitment to protecting its natural heritage while offering meaningful nature experiences to future generations.

Malampuzha Dam, located about 10 kilometers from Palakkad town, continues to stand out as one of Kerala’s most popular family-friendly tourist destinations. Built across the Malampuzha River, a tributary of the Bharathapuzha, the dam plays a vital role in irrigation while also serving as a major leisure and recreation center. Surrounded by the scenic Western Ghats, Malampuzha attracts visitors throughout the year with its expansive reservoir, cool breeze, and panoramic hill views, making it an ideal getaway for families, school groups, and leisure travelers. In recent years, Malampuzha has strengthened its position as a multi-attraction tourism hub with well-maintained gardens, boating facilities, a ropeway offering aerial views of the dam and reservoir, children’s parks, and the famous Yakshi statue, an iconic sculpture that adds cultural interest to the destination. Authorities continue to focus on improving visitor amenities, cleanliness, and safety, enhancing the overall tourist experience. With easy accessibility, diverse attractions, and a peaceful natural setting, Malampuzha Dam remains a key contributor to Palakkad’s tourism growth and a must-visit destination for those exploring the district.