BANGALORE: A land dominated by tradition and ethical cultures, this little town is nestled amidst rich wildlife as little streams bob around every corner. We're talking about Palakkad, the gateway of Kerala, home to the most enticing temples and lakes in India. Through the hustle and bustle of the modern era, this historic town dating back to the Paleololithic period, has managed to stand transfixed to it's roots amidst a country filled with skyscrapers and technical gizmos. Legions of exotic birds and wild animals like deers and squirrels manage to find their path to the hearth of those who abide by rivers.As you enter the age-old cool, thatched homes of the localites, the quiet tranquility blows you away in time. These dwellings are trademarked with colossal sun roofs in thick of a capacious hall located at the centre of the house with bright and spacious interiors.Grab a pair of shades, cotton garb, an icy cool lemonade and you're good to face the wilderness of the blazing sun.It's hard to find the masses decked up in anything close to modern raiment. Even jeans paired with a kurta will look alien as the woman populace usually sport traditional sarees and brightly coloured flowers to go. One of the oldest settlements of the town are the colonies where Brahmins are put up. These clans are purely Brahmin and their homes which fill entire lanes are strikingly similar as the architecture dates back to the 15th century. Every year, celebrating a festive occasion, these lanes are lit by more than a thousand lamps, a truly beguiling sight to behold.Palakkad is known for it's bounteous festivals, revelled illustriously with fireworks, double drums and most importantly elephants. A long procession of these behemothic animals decorated in festive regalia parade down the streets in tune to Palakkad's signature orchestra called Panchavadyam. People hurdle out of their homes to join the procession as they skip and dance to the beat of the double drums and unique wind percussion. This is something you'd not want to miss as the entire city is ignited with mirth and gaiety resounding with the heart-stopping booms of the Panchavadyam.The temples are the sun and glory of Palakkad. Elephants carry out many of the worship rituals for the idols and are well trained. With a beautiful mountain backdrop, the quiet and peaceful serenity of the temples are bound to take you on a spiritual journey.A must see is the Palakkad Fort complete with lush green mounds of grass and trenches build around them, abundant with truculent crocodiles craving bloodlust! Cobbled in the 18th century by Hyder Ali of Mysore, this historic installment is hard to take your eyes off.The Dhoni waterfalls situated on top of a hill, is a sight to behold. Surrounded by wildlife and the plush Western Ghats forest, it's hard not to plunge headfirst into the water amidst the smoldering heat waves of the Palakkad sun. Another waterfall called Meenvellam has one of the most enticing sceneries in Kerala. Many regional movies have been shot in the neck of this wood.As we can now see modernity slowly edging and making it's way into this timeless town, we can only hope that the grandeur of it's beautiful tradition will be retained.
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