2 Days in Palakkad for Nature Lovers

Palakkad is where Kerala's lush greenery meets the Western Ghats, offering some of the most peaceful nature spots I've experienced. The air smells like earth and spices, and the pace of life slows down beautifully here. Over two days, you can soak in the quiet beauty of its forests, waterfalls, and paddy fields without rushing.

Kerala, kerala
2 Days
Nature
Custom Trip

Trip Highlights

Walking through the silent trails of Silent Valley National Park, spotting rare birds and butterflies
Feeling the cool spray of Malampuzha Dam's gardens and the giant Yakshi statue
Watching sunset over the endless green of paddy fields in Kottayi village
A short but rewarding hike to Dhoni Waterfalls through coffee plantations

Best Time to Visit

OctoberFebruary

Share Your Adventure

Spread the word about this amazing trip!

Day 1

Day 1 in Palakkad

A day filled with nature, history, and local flavors, exploring Palakkad's top attractions and hidden gems.

Activities

Explore Palakkad Fort
Explore Palakkad Fort

Start your day at the historic Palakkad Fort, a well-preserved 18th-century structure surrounded by lush moats and towering walls. The fort's peaceful grounds are perfect for a morning stroll, and the nearby children's park adds a local touch. Don’t miss the small museum inside, which gives a glimpse into the region's past.

Palakkad Fort, Kunnathurmedu8:00 AM - 10:00 AM (best in the morning to avoid the heat)Free entry
Tips:
  • Carry water and a hat—shade is limited inside the fort.
  • Visit the nearby Martyr's Column for a quiet moment.
Visit Malampuzha Dam and Gardens
Visit Malampuzha Dam and Gardens

Head to Malampuzha Dam, one of Kerala's largest reservoirs, surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. The dam offers stunning views of the Western Ghats, and the gardens feature a giant Yakshi sculpture, a ropeway, and an amusement park. The fish-shaped aquarium and the Japanese garden are highlights.

Malampuzha Dam, Palakkad10:30 AM - 1:30 PM (ideal before the midday sun gets too strong)INR 20-50 for entry, additional charges for ropeway and amusement rides
Tips:
  • Try the ropeway for panoramic views of the dam and gardens.
  • Pack a picnic—there are plenty of shaded spots to relax.
Lunch at a Local Thattukada

After all that exploring, grab a hearty lunch at a local thattukada (street-side eatery). These no-frills spots serve up authentic Kerala fare like parotta with beef curry, chicken fry, and karimeen pollichathu (pearl spot fish grilled in banana leaf). The flavors are bold, and the experience is as local as it gets.

Any bustling thattukada near Malampuzha or town center1:30 PM - 2:30 PMINR 100-300 per person
Tips:
  • Look for spots with a crowd—it’s a sign of good food.
  • Don’t shy away from trying the spicy fish curry—it’s a local favorite.

Must Try Foods

Karimeen Pollichathu (grilled pearl spot fish)
Palakkadan Matta Rice with Meen Curry (red rice with fish curry)
Banana Chips (freshly fried and salted)

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Palakkad Junction (2 km from town center, 10-minute cab ride)
Nearest Bus Stop
Palakkad Town Bus Stand (frequent buses to Malampuzha and other local spots)
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Cabs and auto-rickshaws are easily available; Ola and Uber operate in the city

No destinations found for this itinerary

Day 2

Day 2 in Palakkad

A mix of nature, culture, and local flavors, exploring the quieter yet equally captivating side of Palakkad.

Activities

Silent Valley National Park
Silent Valley National Park

Start your day with a trip to Silent Valley, one of Kerala's last untouched rainforests. The park is home to rare wildlife like lion-tailed macaques and Nilgiri langurs. The lush greenery and serene atmosphere make it perfect for nature lovers. Opt for a guided trek to learn about the unique ecosystem.

Silent Valley National Park, about 40 km from Palakkad town8:00 AM - 1:00 PM (best to start early to avoid afternoon heat)INR 200-500 per person (entry and guide fees)
Tips:
  • Wear sturdy shoes and light clothing for the trek.
  • Carry water and snacks as there are limited facilities inside the park.
Vadakkanthara Temple
Vadakkanthara Temple

After the jungle adventure, head to Vadakkanthara Temple, a serene spot known for its unique architecture and peaceful vibes. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy and is a great place to soak in some local spirituality. The annual festival here is a vibrant affair if you're visiting during that time.

Vadakkanthara, about 5 km from Palakkad town2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (afternoon is less crowded)Free (donations accepted)
Tips:
  • Dress modestly as it's a religious site.
  • Try the prasadam (offering) if available—it’s simple but delicious.
Evening at Kava

Wrap up your day at Kava, a scenic spot near Palakkad Gap. It’s a great place to watch the sunset with a cup of local chai or coffee. The cool breeze and panoramic views of the Western Ghats make it a perfect end to your trip.

Kava, about 15 km from Palakkad town5:00 PM - 6:30 PM (best for sunset views)INR 50-200 (for snacks/drinks)
Tips:
  • Carry a light jacket—it can get breezy in the evening.
  • Try the banana chips or parippu vada from local vendors.

Must Try Foods

Palakkad-style biryani (mild and fragrant)
Kozhikodan halwa (sweet treat from nearby Kozhikode)
Pazham pori (fried banana fritters)

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Palakkad Junction, 2 km from town center (auto-rickshaws available)
Nearest Bus Stop
Palakkad Town Bus Stand, frequent buses to Silent Valley and Kava
Metro Station
Not available
Cab Availability
Cabs and auto-rickshaws easily available; pre-booking recommended for Silent Valley

Travel Tips

Carry a light raincoat even in dry months – mountain weather changes fast
Start early for Silent Valley to avoid afternoon heat and see more wildlife
Try the local 'Palakkadan Matta' rice meals at small eateries – it's hearty and unique to this region
Hire a local guide for Dhoni Waterfalls; the path isn't well-marked

Related Trips

Explore related trips for this destination

Other Popular Destinations

Explore itineraries for other amazing destinations

Itineraries by Destination