The district has a glorious cultural tradition. It is said that Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, the father of Malayalam literature, spent his last days in Chittur. To commemorate this, there is the “Thunchathu Acharya Madam” at Chittur. Kunjan nambiar, the most popular poet of Malayalam and the founder of Thullal, purely a Kerala art form, had his birth in a small village called Killikurissimangalam (Lakkidi) in this district.

Malampuzha Garden
This famous picnic spot which comprises a dam and beautifully landscaped gardens is situated on the lower hills of the Western Ghats. There are frequent buses to this place from Palakkad. The garden: Ph: 2815280 Lush green lawns Well laid-out flower beds Cool pools, fountains and pathways Rock garden..

Pothundy Dam
45 km from Palakkad Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir Complex is a charming location for picnics and half-day trips .This reservoir was built across the rivers Meenchadyppuzha and Padippuzha; both are the tributaries of Ayalar. Pothundy reservoir is situated in the midst of picturesque scenery and gives a fascinating view. It is one of the oldest dams build in 1800 AD and its specialty is no cement, concrete or iron is used in the construction.

Palakkad Fort
The old granite fort situated in the very heart of Palakkad town is one of the best preserved in Kerala. It was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766. The fort was taken over and modified by the British in 1790. It is now preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India. Palakkad Fort was supposedly built to hasten communication between Coimbatore and the West Coast. In 1784 AD, after a siege lasting eleven days, the British Colonel, Fullerton stormed the Fort. It later fell into the hands of the Zamorin's troops but was recaptured by the British in 1790 AD. Martyr's Column, Open Air Auditorium called "Rappadi" is located in the spacious grounds of the Fort, now preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Nelliyampathy
Nelliyampathy is 40 km from south nenmara. This fascinating hill station is at a height of 467 to 1572 m above sea level. At least 10 hair pin bends have to be negotiated on the Ghat road that passes through the breathtaking evergreen forests of the Sahya Ranges. The bracing climate and green magic of nature enhance the exhilarating experience. For a vantage view of the spectacle, one must visit Seethakundu, where a 100m high waterfall provides an added attraction.It offers a fantastic view of the valley below a wide-angled vision of one-third of the entire Palakkad area.

Killikurrussi Mangalam Mahadeva Temple
Killikurrussi Mangalam Mahadeva Temple is situated on the banks of Bharathapuzha River at Ottapalam in Palakkad District of Kerala. Lord Shiva, known by the name Mahadeva, is the presiding deity of the temple. The countless inscriptions scattered all over the temple allow fascinating flash backs of bygone sagas. The rainbow coloured gopuras and figures are a feast to visitors' eyes. Locals believe that the ancient temple was built by Suka Brahmarishi, son of Veda Vyasa.

Kanjirapuzha
Kanjirapuzha is 24 kms from Palakkad This catchment lake of the dam lies in a single stretch. An evergreen forest, the 'Vettilachola', provides the backdrop to a lake surrounded by hillocks. During the rains, the mist-draped mountains create a picturesque landscape.

JP Smirthivanam
JP Smirthivanam and Deer Park are located at Walayar reserve forest which has an area of 100 acres. One can see here deer and other animals roaming about in their natural habitat.

Kalpathy
Kalpathy Village is about 3 km from Palakkad town. The main attraction of the village is the Kalpathy Viswanatha Swamy Temple, one of the oldest Shiva temple in Kerala. This village is linked to Kasi because the main deity is Lord Shiva and the temple is on the banks of the Bharathapuzha just as Kasi is on the banks of the Ganges. Kalpathy Ratholsavam celebrated in November is a famous festival of Kerala.

Peacock Protection Centre
Mailadumpara, in Chulannur is situated 22 kms away from Palakkad town and 5 kms from Peringothukrish, is also famed. It is here the peacock protection center is located.

Parambikulam
Parambikulam is 97 kms from Palakkad.The Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a reservoir of tranquil greenery ensconced in a valley between the Annamalai ranges of Tamil Nadu and the Nelliampathy ranges of Kerala.

Meenvallam
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 located in the upper hills inside the dense forest.

Killikurrussi Mangalam Mahadeva Temple
Killikurrussi Mangalam Mahadeva Temple is situated on the banks of Bharathapuzha River at Ottapalam in Palakkad District of Kerala. Lord Shiva, known by the name Mahadeva, is the presiding deity of the temple. The countless inscriptions scattered all over the temple allow fascinating flash backs of bygone sagas. The rainbow coloured gopuras and figures are a feast to visitors' eyes. Locals believe that the ancient temple was built by Suka Brahmarishi, son of Veda Vyasa.

Silent Valley National Park
The Silent Valley forest was declared a national park on 15th November 1984, under the 1972 Wildlife Protection Act by the State Government. The park has a huge variety of wildlife, with over a 100 species of Butterflies and 400 species of Moths and other animals like the Ceylon Frog Moth, Great Indian Hornbill, the Nilgiri Laughing Thrush and the Lion-Tailed Macaque.The park has around 26 species of mammals and 120 species of avifauna, many of them considered endangered. Apart from these, there are 11 species of snakes, 19 species of amphibians, and nine species of Lizards in the park. The Silent Valley has over 110 plant species of medicinal value, and seven new plant species have been discovered here.

Fantasy Park
Park is located close to the Malampuzha Gardens. This park has beautiful gardens and fountains offering tranquil environs. Children can enjoy Baby Train Ride, Battery Car Ride, Mini Tele Compact and Water Kiddy Ride. There are also various joy rides where the entire family can have fun together, which include Oriental Express Train, Pirate Boar, Go Cart, Water Merry Go Round Dragon Coaster and many more.

Attapaddy
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'.The Malleshwaram peak is worshipped as a gigantic 'Shivalinga', by the tribals who also celebrate the festival of Shivratri with great gusto. The tribals celebrate the festival by lighting the top of this peak