Perambulate at Kollengode in the ‘Rice Bowl of Kerala’

Updated:- [03/July/23] Ascending on the foothills of the Western Ghats, ‘The Rice Bowl of Kerala’ is also nicknamed the ‘Land of Palm Trees’. Wondering which place is being discussed about? Its Palakkad, a city in Kerala, is not bordered by the coastline, but serves as a convenient gateway to Kerala from the significant cities of India. Palakkad is not only about the tall-stemmed trees with leafy crowns. The city is embellished with valued tourism containing forts, dams, gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, mountains, historical monuments, forests, viewpoints, etc.

The beaches, backwaters, waterfalls and mountains are the prime pillars for the flourished Kerala Tourism India. A visit to Palakkad is going to present you with a completely different vibe without the presence of beaches and backwaters. Some of the well-known tourist attractions in Palakkad include Palakkad Fort, Silent Valley National Park, Malapuzha Garden and Dam, Rock Garden, etc. These spots along with a few more record remarkable footfall for tourists. However, only a handful of them might know about Kollengode, a pastoral hamlet that has been the quaint shooting location of films. The name has been derived from the word ‘Kollen’, which means blacksmith in Malayalam and the blacksmiths have quit a large community in this lesser-known town.

Although the beauty of Kollengode has remained unsung till recent times, but thanks to the influence of social media, the charms of the place are getting recognised. The Kollengode Palace is in the limelight since its gained popularity. Apart from the palace, other spots include Chinganchira Nature Temple, Govinda Mala hills, Seetharkund and Palakapandi waterfalls, Gayatripuzha (a tributary of the River Bharathapuzha), and the picturesque beauty of the paddy fields. Recently Kollingode was listed in the 3rd position of the most beautiful villages in India by the chairman of Mahindra Group, Mr. Anand Mahindra.

Kollengode Palace:

Since the place has gained fresh attention, let's know more about the palace. The Kollengode Palace defines the true beauty of Palakkad with its marvellous blend of Keralite architecture and European art and design. You can reach here from Kollengode Railway Station, 2.5 km from the palace and there is a bus stand nearby, approx 1.4 km away. The palace was a former residence of the Kollingode rulers, which at present has been transformed into an ayurveda report facilitating a luxury stay for the visitors. A shrine of Lord Vishnu is placed in the palace. The rich collection of Mural paintings from all over Kerala is the prime attraction in the Kollengode Palace.

The history behind the palace unfolds the story that the King of Kollengode, Raja Vasudeva, built the edifice in 1904 out of utmost love for his daughter. In 1975, the Archeological Department of India took over the charge of the palace and converted a portion into a museum. The museum is a rich treasury of manuscripts, artefacts, stone engravings and sculptures. Along with these, the personal belongings of the king were also stored in the museum. It also preserved the Mural Arts from the Museum of Thrissur.

A day’s visit is enough to admire the beauty of Kollengode. There are other attractions in Palakkad that require at least 3 days for a thorough visit. Palakkad Fort, Kava Viewpoint, Malampuzha Dam and Gardens, Mangalam Dam, Jainimedu Jain Temple, Kanjirapuzha Reservoir, Siruvani Reservoir, Rock Garden, Mayiladumpara Peacock Sanctuary, Kalpathy Heritage Village & Temple Complex, Pothundi Dam and Reservoir, Dhoni Forest Trekking, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Silent Valley National Park, Nelliyampathy Hills and Thiruvalathur Randu Moorthy Temple are not to be missed on your visit to Palakkad.