Kalpathy Temple
About: |
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The Kalpathy Vishwanatha Swamy The Kalpathy Temple, officially known as Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanatha Swamy Temple, is one of the oldest Shiva temples in Kerala. Located in the town of Kalpathy in Palakkad, the temple is renowned for its architecture, traditions, and the famous Kalpathy Ratholsavam (chariot festival) held annually. This temple is often called the "Varanasi of the South" due to its similarity to the holy city of Varanasi.  |
Location info: |
| State: Kerala, India. |
| District: Palakkad District. |
| Nearest City:kalapathy, Coimbatore, Pollachi, Dindigul and Madurai, Mannarkkad, Chittur |
| Best time to visit:Semptember to Febrauary. |
Climate/Weather: |
| Summer (March to May): Hot, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 38°C. Monsoon (June to September): Heavy rainfall, with average temperatures between 22°C and 30°C. Winter (November to February): Pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. |
History: |
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The Kalpathy Temple was established in the late 15th century and has a rich history of being a center of Tamil Brahmin culture in Kerala. It is believed that the temple was built by the Brahmin settlers from Tamil Nadu, and the architecture reflects a blend of Kerala and Tamil styles. The Kalpathy Ratholsavam, an annual festival where beautifully decorated chariots are pulled through the streets, has been celebrated for over 700 years, attracting thousands of devotees.
One Lakshmy Amma, a widow of Sekhari Puram came back from Kashi and gave the prince Itikombi Achan 1320 gold coins in 1424-25 AD and requested him to build the temple of Siva. |
Interesting things to do: |
The Tamil Brahmin villages adjacent to the temple have been declared a World Heritage site. A visit to these villages offer a glimpse of the cultural life that existed 1000 years ago and you can also visit other temple nearby to this temple and also watch car festival and rathosthavam. |
Interesting things to Visit: |
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The Main Temple Complex: Admire the exquisite architecture and murals depicting various Hindu deities. Chariot Procession Path: Walk along the path where the Ratholsavam takes place to get a sense of the festival's grandeur. Kottayi: Kottay is 15 kms from Palakkad via Poodar, this village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music. Palakkad Fort: One of the best-preserved forts in Kerala in the heart of Palakkad town, which dates back to 1766 A.D. It was built by Sultan Hyder Ali of Mysore, supposedly to facilitate communication between Coimbatore and West Coast. In 1784, after a siege lasting 11 days, the British colonel Fulletron stormed the Fort. It latter fell into the hands of the Zamorins troops but was recaptured by the British in 1970. The |
Mobile range info: |
| Good mobile coverage is available from all major telecom providers, such as Jio, Airtel, and BSNL. |
How to reach? |
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By Air: The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, about 60 km away. |
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By Train: Palakkad Junction Railway Station is the closest, just 3 km from Kalpathy |
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Road Transport: The important road is the Palakkad - Ponnani road which connects NH 47 and NH 17. It is on NH47 that links Salem to Kanyakumari via Palakkad. The nearest city is Coimbatore in Tamilnadu which is well connected to Palakkad with buses. |
Nearest Visiting places: |
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Palakkad Fort: A historic fort about 4 km from the temple. Malampuzha Dam and Gardens: A popular picnic spot located around 12 km away. Silent Valley National Park: About 65 km from Kalpathy, ideal for nature enthusiasts. Kalpathi: Kalpathi is the most famous 'Agraharam'(Street occupied by Brahmins) in Palakkad and one of the 18 Agraharams(Brahmin residing streets) in the state. The famous Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanatha Swamy temple is here where the famous ‘Ratholsavam’ (temple car festival) takes place. Kalpathy is located 3 kilometer from Palakkad. |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
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Several petrol pumps are available in Palakkad town, just 2-3 km from the temple. |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
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Budget Options: Mid-Range Hotels: Hotel Soorya Continental |
Things to carry: |
| Comfortable footwear, as you might need to walk barefoot inside the temple premises. Light cotton clothing suitable for the warm climate. Umbrella or raincoat if visiting during the monsoon season. Water bottle and snacks. |
Tips & Suggestions: |
| Respect the temple's traditions and dress modestly. Photography might not be allowed inside the temple; check with authorities. If visiting during the Ratholsavam festival, plan your stay in advance as accommodations fill up quickly. Be mindful of local customs and follow the instructions given by temple authorities. |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
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Palakkad Tourist Information Office: +91-491-2528296 Kalpathy Temple Office: |
| Society/Community Phone Number: |
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Link: http://serviceapartmentsindelhi.blogspot.com/2007/03/south-india-temples-in-kerala-kalpathy.html |
| Society/Community Phone Number: |
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Link: http://serviceapartmentsindelhi.blogspot.com/2007/03/south-india-temples-in-kerala-kalpathy.html |
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Video Gallery
| Fantasy Park |
| Malampuzha Dam located in the lap of the majestic mountain ranges of the Western Ghats is already an established tourist destination in Kerala. Unlike other destinations Malampuzha offers a multitude of attraction to all categories. The recently spruced up Malampuzha Garden, Snake Park, Aquarium, Rock Garden, Rope Way etc. give to the visitors a mix of thrills. In the midst of the stifling heat of Palakkad, Fantasy Park welcomes all to a cool experience in its Water World.Covering an area of 15 acres, this amusement park is located in Malampuzha, which is just 10 km away from Palakkad town.Fantasy Park is located close to the Malampuzha Gardens.....more |
| Palakkad City |
| Palakkad city is the headquarters of the Palakkad district of Kerala.Palakkad is a city in the central part of the state of Kerala in India. This city is a landlocked city even though it is in the coastal state of India, Kerala. It is a quaint town, which fosters small trade and is home to people, who live traditional lives, revel in their history and keep the refinement of their culture alive. This beautiful city sits in the foot of the Western Ghats and one prominent factor of this city is that it is the doorway of coming to the State of Kerala from the north of the state. Hence, it is also known as the gateway of the state......more |
| Chulliyar Dam |
| Chulliyar Dam is a charming spot for the tourists and is situated in Muthalamada panchayat in Palakkad. This dam was build across the tributary of Gayathripuzha River in 1960. The dam offers a superb view of Nelliyampathy Hills. This point offers an excellent view of mighty hills. The Chulliar dam is a masonry gravity dam for a length of 555 m and Zonal type earthen dam for 1200 m. The maximum height of the dam is 30.50m and the capacity of the reservoir is 13 .70 Mm3. The water-spread area. is 165 sq.km at FRL and the catchment area is 27.80 sq.km. The ayacut of the project is 2430 Ha. The main source of water for both reservoirs are mainly from rain during the South-west and North-east monsoon.....more |
| Kanjhirapuzha Kulumavu Dam |
| Kanjirapuzha dam is situated 13 Km. away from Mannarghat, Palakkad District of Kerala. The dam is constructed across the river Siruvani .An evergreen forest named Vettilachola is immediately beyond the reservoir. Three islands in the reservoir gain a special attraction. These islands are abundant with marine life including commercial varieties grown by the fisheries department. The water spread of the dam lies in a single stretch.An evergreen forest named Vettilachola is immediately beyond the reservoir. Three islands in the reservoir gain a special attraction. These islands are abundant with marine life including commercial varieties grown by the fisheries department.'Vettilachola', provides the backdrop to a lake surrounded by hillocks.....more |
| Malampuzha Dam |
| Malampuzha Dam is Located near 12 km Palakkad, the largest reservoir of Kerela, Malampuzha Dam is one of the tourist attraction spots of the state. The Dam is surrounded with the scenic hills of the Western Ghats in the background. The Malampuzha Dam is an arrangement of a masonry dam, which is 1,849 metres long and an earthen dam that is 220 metres long. The height of the dam is 6,066 feet and crosses the Malampuzha River, which is a tributary of Kerela`s longest river - Bharathappuzha. Extensive networks of two canal systems serve the dam`s reservoir of 42,090 hectares. Work on the Malampuzha Dam was begun in 1949. Six years later it was completed and dedicated in 1955.....more |
| Mangalam Dam |
| Mangalam Dam is in the Alathur taluk of Palakkad district in Kerala in south India, and it is constructed on the river Cherukunnapuzha, a tributary of the river Mangalam. A popular picnic site, The Mangalam Dam is located south of Palakkad town. The construction of the scenic dam was completed in the year 1956.The reservoir fringes on the forest area teeming with wildlife like deer, elephants and a variety of birds. The entire area is quite fascinating with beautiful parks, lawns and statues. Mangalam Dam, KeralaStanding across the Cherukunnapuzha River, the Mangalam dam was initially build for the purpose of providing irrigational water in the region. Cherukunnapuzha River is a tributary of Mangalam River.....more |
| Meenkara Dam |
| Meenkara is a tourist destination located in Palakkad District of Kerala. It is about 32 km south-east of Palakkad. The prime attraction is the Meenkara Dam constructed across the Meenkara River - a sub tributary of Gayathripuzha, which flows into the Bharathapuzha. A garden and a fish farm add beauty to this place.Meenkara is an ideal picnic spot for one day picnickers. Meenkara can be approached easily from Palakkad Bus Station. Palakkad Town Railway Station and Palakkad Junction Railway Station are the convenient railway stations.....more |
| Parambikulam Dam |
| Parambikulam Dam is designed as an embankment dam on the Parambikulam River, included in the Udumalaipettai, Palakkad district, Kerala in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India. . Parambikulam Dam is known as one of the finest dams in India as well as one of the best dams in the world in volume capacity as recorded in the year 2000.The Parambikulam Dam is a part of Parambikulam Aliyar Project. In 2004, Kerala did not receive any water until February. Thus paddy in thousands of acres in Chittur taluk dried.....more |
| Pothundi Dam |
| The Pothundi Dam is situated at a distance of about 42 kilometers from Palakkad and at a distance of 8 kilometers from Nemmara along the route to Nelliyampathy.. The Pothundi Damwas constructed with the aim of providing water for irrigation to the district of Palakkad in the state of Kerala. In the 19th century, the Pothundi Dam was built in the Indian state of Kerala. The design of the dam constructed at that time was much ahead of its contemporaries. The construction of the dam was made without using a traditional concrete core. The traditional concrete core was used in the construction of most of the dams in order to counter the force applied by huge water pressure.....more |
| Siruvani Dam |
| Siruvani Dam site is about 48 Kms from Palakkad is also almost equi-distant from Coimbatore city. Journey to Siruvani through the winding road is thrilling. It is surrounded by thick forest having all sorts of wild animals.The water of Siruvani river is known for its tasty water,and it is typically known to be the second sweetest lake water in the world.It is one of the main water source of Coimbatore city. The Panoramic View of the dam and the falls is enchanting with beauty.Enclosed with lush green trees and beautiful rivulets of waters flowing all around. Sadivayal Checkpost is the gateway to the waterfalls. An entry fee for every person to enter is charged in this place.....more |
| Walayar Dam |
| Walayar Dam is situated about walayar , Palakkad, close to limits of Kerala and Tamilnadu. Walayar Dam was built in 1964. The dam site is perfect for family vacations and the nearest airport is Coimbatore Airport. Walayar has its own railhead nearby. Loknayak J P Smrithivanam and Deer Park is the close by attraction of Walayar Dam. Walayar Dam stands across the Walayar River - a tributary of Kalpathipuzha River. This dam belongs to the Palakkad district of Kerala in South India. The waters of the Walayar Dam happen to be the major source of irrigation in the region. Several industries have grown in the vicinity depending upon the water source to be Walayar Dam.....more |
| Palakkad Fort |
| Palakkad Fort is situated in Palakkad town, Palakkad district, Kerala.Palakkad Fort is one of the best preserved Forts in Kerala, was built by Mysore's Haider Ali in 1766 AD. In 1790, the Fort was taken over and renovated by the British.Palakkad (Palghat) Fort or Tippu's Fort is an imposing fort situated in an area of 15 acres, on the western border of Palakkad town, in the state of Kerala. A protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India, this is one of the best preserved forts in Kerala.This old granite Fort is also known as Tipu's Fort, This fort has great historical importance, and also represents the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.....more |
| Attappady Hill Station |
| Attappady Hill Station is Located on the north eastern section of the Palakkad district on the northern portion of the state of Kerala and located 38 kms from Mannakkad, also known as “God’s Own Country”, is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala,This beautiful hill station of Attappady. Surrounded by lush green, undulating hills, the beautiful region of Attappady. An extensive mountain valley above the crest of the Ghat ranges with numerous rivulets of the Bhavani River, Attapady is inhabited mainly by tribes and some settlers from Tamil Nadu.A beautiful synthesis of mountains, rivers and forests, Attapaddy is of great interest to anthropologists, as this is the habitat of many tribes like the 'irolas' and 'mudugars'.....more |
| Malampuzha Hill Station |
| Malampuzha Hill Station is situated in Malampuzha, Palakkad District, Kerala, India.This is situated at the base of the hills of Western Ghats. Bharathappuzha flows over the green undulating slopes of the Western Ghats, the beautiful hill station of Malampuzha is a must visit while on a tour to Kerala. Sleepy and straight out of a picture book, a visit to Malampuzha promises to be the dream vacation you have always desired. The town is set at the base of the hills of the Western Ghats and around the large reservoir are beautiful rose gardens and amusement parks for children as well as facilities for boat cruises in the reservoir.it is hardly surprising that the quaint hill station of Malampuzha is today one of the most popular tourist destinations of Kerala.....more |
| Nelliyampathy Hill Station |
| Nelliyampathy is located just 75 km from Palakkad and at an altitude of 467 m to 1572 m Nelliyampathy Hill Station Tours, the Nelliyampathyhilll comprise a chain of ridges cut off from one another by valleys of dense evergreen forests and orange plantations. Accessing Nelliyampathy from Palght is a sensation on its own, as you negotiate over a dozen haipin curves of the ghat road passilng through the fascinating jungles of the Sahya Ranges.Seethakundu at nelliyampathy offers fantastic view of the valley below-a wide-angled vision of a third of the entire Palghat area.Nelliyampathy has immense trekking potential.....more |
| Palakkad Hill Station |
| Palakkad Hill Station, Luxury Kerala Travel, offers a plethora of opportunity to the tourist wayfarer to explore the recesses of Palakkad, which is a muchvisited and popular, luxury hill station located in Kerala, south India, India. The travel site, Luxury Kerala Travel, is home to a whole long itinerary of opportunities galore for the traveler/ tourist who wish to undertake a travel tour to the luxury hill station of Kerala, Palakkad, comfortably nestled in Kerala, south India, India. A travel tour to Palakkad, located in Kerala, south India, India, which is also known as one of the prime hill stations in Kerala, south India, India, showcases it to be the grand granary of Kerala, located in south India, India.....more |
| Silent Valley National Park |
| The Silent Valley National Park is located 40 km from Mannarkkad in the Kundali Hills of Western Ghats, Palakkad District, the Silent Valley National Valley though smaller than other National Parks, is unique for a horde of reasons. The park is home to rare kinds of herbs, plants and species. The Silent Valley Park besides having a sylvan climate has many high altitude peaks and numerous rivers running through it. The Silent Valley is considered to be the last pristine region of tropical evergreen forest in India and is an area rich in biodiversity. The lush tropical greenery, undulating slopes, hills and rivers make the Silent Valley National Park a beautiful wildlife tourism destination in Kerala, India.....more |
| Bharatapuzha River |
| The Bharathapuzha River is the second longest river in Kerala with a length of 209 kilometers. It is also known as Nila, Kuttipuram Puzha and Ponnaniyar. The river originates in the Annamalai hills located in the Western Ghats region in Tamil Nadu. It flows in the west direction along with the many of its tributaries including the Tirur River through Palakkad Gap, Palakkad, Thrissur and Malappuram districts of Kerala.These irrigation projects irrigate an area of 773 square kilometers.The illusion behind the name is that the river feeds people like their own mother – (the water is pure and can be used for drinking, irrigation or other purposes).....more |
| Kannadipuzha River |
| River Kannadi ( Kannadi Puzha) in the Mathur Village about 4 km from Palakkad town.Kannadi pathikkal the main area of kannadi.there is a police housing colony.The Thirunellai Village or Thiruvilla kadavu village of Palakkad, Kerala in South India is a small village located in the banks of the river Kannadi.Kannadi puzha is one of the branch of Bharathapuzha which is the biggest river in the kerala.This river is also called as Nila......more |
| Parambikulam River |
| Parambikulam River is located near Udumalaipettai, Palakkad district, kerala, Parambikulam River, one of four tributaries of the Chalakkudi River, originates in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, India.The famous waterfalls, Attirappilly and vazhachal waterfalls are situated on this river. The famous Hydro Electric Projects on Chalakkudy River are 'Sholayar Hydro Electric Project' and 'Peringalkuttu Hydro Electric Project'. Chalakkudy Dam is situated on this river. The Parambikulam Dam has been constructed across the river at Anamalai, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. This dam ranks number one in India as well as in the top ten dams in the world in terms of volume capacity......more |
| Dhoni Waterfall |
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A Dhoni waterfall is a 3 hours trek from the base of the
Dhoni Hills. A thick reserve forest surrounds it. Dhoni is about 15 kms from
Palakkad.There is a splendid waterfall among other captivating sights. It
can be reached only after a fairly long climb of 3 hrs from the base of the
Dhoni hills. he waterfall is surrounded by a thick reserve forest that adds
to the beauty and serenity of the place.All quite and cool and the singing
of birds and the sound of jungle streams and waterfalls welcomes you to
Dhoni.Dhoni is also famous for its farmhouse, harboring hundreds of cattle
of Swiss variety. The Vishwanatha Swamy shrine, the oldest Shiva temple is situated 3 kms from Palakkad.....more |
| Meenvallam Waterfall |
| Meenvallam waterfall is around 8kms from Thuppanad junction on the Palakkad- Manarkkad route. It is a combination of enchanting beauty and scenic splendor. The water falls from nearly 20 to 25 feet and the depth is around 15-20 feet.There are 10 steps of waterfalls of which eight are situated in the upper hills inside the dense forest. They are inaccessible, only the remaining two steps are accessible. One has to hire a jeep from Koomankund junction and then trek a distance of 1.5 km by crossing the river Thuppanad.The ten step waterfall with the height of each step varying from five to fourty metres provide a visual treat to the beholder.In each step, the height of the fall varies that provide a visual treat to the beholder.upper hills inside the dense forest which are meant only for the truly adventurous. The grandeur and the sheer beauty of this fall provides a visual treat to the viewer.....more |