Mannarkkad is a small town in the Palakkad district of Kerala, India. It is located on the banks of the Kunthi river, surrounded by lush green hills and forests. Mannarkkad is a perfect destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and culture seekers. It offers a variety of attractions and experiences that are unique and offbeat. In this article, we will guide you through the best places to visit, things to do, and tips to plan your trip to Mannarkkad.
Why Visit Mannarkkad
Mannarkkad is not a typical tourist spot in Kerala. It is a place where you can escape the crowds and enjoy the tranquility and beauty of nature. Mannarkkad has some of the most pristine and diverse ecosystems in the state, such as the Silent Valley National Park, the Nelliyampathy Hills, and the Attappadi Tribal Village. These places are home to rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, as well as rich and vibrant cultures and traditions. Mannarkkad also hosts one of the most spectacular festivals in Kerala, the Mannarkkad Pooram Festival, which is a grand celebration of elephants, music, and art. Mannarkkad is a place where you can experience the authentic and unspoiled Kerala, and discover its hidden gems.
How to Reach Mannarkkad
Mannarkkad is well-connected by road, rail, and air. The nearest airport is the Coimbatore International Airport, which is about 80 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the airport to Mannarkkad, which will take about 2 hours.
The nearest railway station is the Palakkad Junction Railway Station, which is about 40 km away. You can take a taxi or a bus from the station to Mannarkkad, which will take about an hour. You can also drive to Mannarkkad from nearby cities such as Coimbatore, Kochi, or Kozhikode, which will take about 2 to 3 hours.
Where to Stay in Mannarkkad
Mannarkkad has a range of accommodation options to suit your budget and preferences. You can choose from hotels, resorts, homestays, or campsites. Some of the best options are:
Silent Valley Resort: A luxury resort located near the Silent Valley National Park, offering spacious rooms, cottages, and villas with modern amenities and scenic views. The resort also has a restaurant, a swimming pool, a spa, and a conference hall. The price per night ranges from Rs. 4000 to Rs. 8000, depending on the season and the type of accommodation.
Nelliyampathy Farm Resort: A cozy resort located in the Nelliyampathy Hills, offering comfortable rooms and cottages with basic amenities and panoramic views. The resort also has a restaurant, a garden, and a playground. The price per night ranges from Rs. 2000 to Rs. 4000, depending on the season and the type of accommodation.
Attappadi Hill View Homestay: A homely homestay located in the Attappadi Tribal Village, offering clean and simple rooms with essential amenities and cultural experiences. The homestay also has a kitchen, a dining area, and a terrace. The price per night ranges from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 2000, depending on the season and the number of guests.
Silent Valley Campsite: A rustic campsite located near the Silent Valley National Park, offering tents and sleeping bags with basic facilities and adventure activities. The campsite also has a common area, a bonfire, and a barbecue. The price per night ranges from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000, depending on the season and the number of guests.
What to Eat in Mannarkkad
Mannarkkad is a place where you can savour the delicious and diverse cuisines of Kerala. You can find a variety of dishes, ranging from spicy and tangy to sweet and creamy, made with fresh and local ingredients. Some of the must-try dishes in Mannarkkad are:
Malabar Biryani: A fragrant and flavourful rice dish cooked with chicken, mutton, or beef, and spices such as cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. It is served with raita, pickle, and papad.
Kerala Parotta: A flaky and layered flatbread made with refined flour, oil, and eggs. It is served with curry, such as chicken, mutton, or vegetable.
Banana Chips: A crispy and crunchy snack made with raw bananas, oil, and salt. It is a popular street food in Kerala, and can be found in almost every shop and stall.
Payasam: A sweet and creamy dessert made with rice, milk, sugar, and dry fruits. It is a traditional dish prepared during festivals and special occasions.
You can find these dishes and more in the restaurants, cafes, and street vendors in Mannarkkad. Some of the best places to eat in Mannarkkad are:
Hotel Aryaas: A vegetarian restaurant serving South Indian, North Indian, and Chinese cuisines. It is known for its dosas, idlis, and thalis. It is located on the Palakkad-Mannarkkad Road, near the bus stand.
Hotel Alankar: A non-vegetarian restaurant serving Malabar, Arabian, and Chinese cuisines. It is known for its biryanis, kebabs, and fried chicken. It is located on the Palakkad-Mannarkkad Road, near the railway station.
Hotel Green Park: A multi-cuisine restaurant serving Indian, Continental, and Chinese cuisines. It is known for its buffet, pizza, and pasta. It is located on the Palakkad-Mannarkkad Road, near the Silent Valley Resort.
Hotel Annapoorna: A budget-friendly restaurant serving South Indian and Chinese cuisines. It is known for its parottas, curries, and noodles. It is located on the Palakkad-Mannarkkad Road, near the Nelliyampathy Farm Resort.
When to Visit Mannarkkad
Mannarkkad has a tropical climate, with hot and humid summers, wet and rainy monsoons, and mild and pleasant winters. The best time to visit Mannarkkad depends on your preferences and activities. Here are some pros and cons of visiting Mannarkkad in each season:
Summer (March to May):
The summer season in Mannarkkad is hot and dry, with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C. This is not a very comfortable time to visit Mannarkkad, as the heat and dust can make you feel exhausted and dehydrated. However, this is also a good time to enjoy the hill stations and waterfalls in and around Mannarkkad, such as the Nelliyampathy Hills, the Dhoni Waterfalls, and the Meenvallam Waterfalls. You can also get some discounts on accommodation and transportation during this season, as it is not very crowded.
Monsoon (June to September):
The monsoon season in Mannarkkad is wet and humid, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. This is a very scenic time to visit Mannarkkad, as the rain enhances the beauty and freshness of the nature. You can witness the greenery and biodiversity of the Silent Valley National Park, the Attappadi Tribal Village, and the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary. You can also enjoy the Mannarkkad Pooram Festival, which is held in August or September, and is a grand spectacle of elephants, music, and art. However, this is also a risky time to visit Mannarkkad, as the rain can cause landslides, floods, and roadblocks. You should also be careful of mosquitoes and leeches during this season, and carry an umbrella, a raincoat, and a mosquito repellent.
Winter (October to February):
The winter season in Mannarkkad is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. This is the best time to visit Mannarkkad, as the weather is ideal for sightseeing, trekking, camping, and wildlife watching. You can explore the attractions and experiences of Mannarkkad at your own pace, and enjoy the clear and sunny skies. You can also celebrate some of the festivals and events in Mannarkkad, such as the Navratri, the Diwali, the Christmas, and the New Year. However, this is also the peak season in Mannarkkad, and you may face some issues such as high prices, heavy traffic, and long queues. You should book your accommodation and transportation in advance, and plan your itinerary well.
Mannarkkad is a hidden gem in Kerala, that offers a unique and offbeat travel experience. It is a place where you can immerse yourself in the nature, culture, and history of Kerala, and discover its secrets and surprises. Mannarkkad is a place that will leave you spellbound and enchanted, and make you want to come back again and again.
If you are looking for a new and exciting destination in Kerala, Mannarkkad is the place for you. It is a place that will challenge your expectations and reward your curiosity. It is a place that will inspire you and make you fall in love with Kerala.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and book your tickets to Mannarkkad, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.