Palakkad is a massive stretch of productive plains intermixed with hills, rivers, mountain streams, forests, and home to the Silent Valley National Park. The 18th-century Palakkad Fort has sturdy battlements, a moat, and a Hanuman temple on its grounds. North, on the Kalpathy River, the 15th-century Viswanatha Swamy Temple is the main venue of the famous Ratholsavam chariot festival. Northeast, near Malampuzha Dam, the town of Malampuzha has a rock garden created from recycled materials. Nearby, the sprawling Malmpuzha Gardens offer picnic sites, walking paths, and a cable car with panoramic views. Farther north from Palakkad, Dhoni is a forested area where a trekking route leads to the Dhoni Waterfalls. South of the city, the Nelliyampathy hill station is reached via a series of hairpin bends. On its western side is Pothundi Dam, a popular spot for fishing. Farther south, along the tranquil Parambikulam Lake, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve is a wooded wildlife sanctuary with teak plantations. It’s home to a tiger population, plus many bird species including the gray-headed fishing eagle.