Kattilmadam Temple

Shrouded in mystery, Kattilmadam stands as a significant archaeological site in Koottanad. Believed to be a Jain temple constructed sometimes between the 9th and 10th centuries, this structure is a fascinating blend of architecturals styles, echoing influences from Pallavas, Cholas, and Pandyas.

Ittonam

Ittonam is a small village situated in the Thirumittacode grama panchayath of Palakkad district in Kerala. This border village lies between the Palakkad and Thrissur districts, with Thrissur district being just a few meters away . The neighboring places include Varavoor, Nelluvai, and Karukaputhur. Varavoor panchayath in Thrissur district and Thirumittacode panchayath in Palakkad district share borders around Ittonam.

The most notable landmark in Ittonam is Cheloor Chira, a large pond believed to have been constructed during British era. This picturesque pond is surrounded by lush green trees and small hills, making it a scenic spot and a popular local tourist destination. Occasionally, tourists can also witness the blooming of red Ambal flowers, adding to the charm of the area.

Ittonam and its neighboring areas are renowned for their water bodies. Besides Cheloor Chira, Kozhikottu Kulam is a significant water body located a bit east of Cheloor Chira. Another notable attraction is the Olichi Waterfalls in the nearby Kottupuram village, which is gaining popularity as a local tourist destination. This picturesque waterfall features four layers and offers numerous options for bathing in its plunge pools. Well-connected by roads, Olichi Waterfalls is easily accessible from Ittonam, Arangottukara, and Varavoor.

Ittonam, Thichur, and Nelluvai are well-known for their expansive paddy fields, which are a major attraction for visitors. These endless green fields are not only visually captivating but also form the backbone of the local economy, supporting the livelihood of many residents. In addition to its extensive paddy fields, Ittonam is notable for its significant cultivation of rubber and coconut. These agricultural activities play a crucial role in the local economy, complementing the area’s traditional paddy farming.

Varavattoor

Varavattoor is a village in Desamangalam grama panchayath of Thrissur district, Kerala. It is one of the northern villages of Thrissur district bordering Palakkad district. Kondayoor road serves as a vital thoroughfare connecting the villages of Irumbakassery and Thalassery, traversing through the picturesque landscape of Arangottukara and Varavattoor. This route is crucial for accessing several notable destinations along the Bharathapuzha river, including Palloor, and the Chenganamkunnu Check Dam.

Bharathapuzha is the lifeline of Varavattoor which is situated on the southern bank of the river. Area is rich in paddy fields powered by water from Bharathapuzha and Chenganamkunnu regulator. Desamangalam hills also starts from Varavattoor – Kondayoor area. One notable aspect of Varavattoor and its neighboring areas in the Desamangalam gram panchayath and Thirumittacode are their susceptibility to earthquakes, making them among the most earthquake-prone regions in Kerala. This vulnerability results in frequent tremors being experienced in these locales.

Chenganamkunnu regulator

The Chenganamkunnu Regulator is a major water reservoir on the Bharathapuzha, inaugurated in 2021 by the Government of Kerala. Built with 22 shutters at a cost of 32 crores, with assistance from NABARD, it connects Ongallur Grama Panchayat in Palakkad district and Desamangalam Grama Panchayat in Thrissur district. This regulator benefits the Ongallur, Vallapuzha, and Thirumittacode Panchayats, as well as Shornur and Pattambi municipalities in Palakkad, and Vallathol and Desamangalam in Thrissur.

Chenganamkunnu has become a growing local tourism hotspot, attracting many visitors who come to enjoy the serene evenings by the Bharathapuzha River. The picturesque view of the river alongside the impressive Chenganamkunnu Regulator provides entertainment and relaxation for those who visit. The small hills of Desamangalam create a stunning backdrop, enhancing the area’s natural beauty.

Most visitors access Chenganamkunnu from the Ongallur side, which is more convenient than approaching from Desamangalam. The nearby village of Varavattoor particularly benefits from the project, as the regulator supports local agriculture by managing water flow, ensuring consistent irrigation, and boosting the scenic charm of the area. This development has not only improved water management but also contributed to the region’s tourism appeal, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Ezhumangad

Ezhumangad is a picturesque village in the Thirumittacode Grama Panchayat of Palakkad district, Kerala. Here, vast paddy fields meet the majestic Bharathapuzha River, creating a scenic landscape. Located 10 kilometers from Pattambi town via Njangattiri and Koottupatha, Ezhumangad features lush paddy fields near the river and small hills near Arangottukara.

One notable aspect of Ezhumangad and its neighboring areas in the Desamangalam gram panchayat and Thirumittacode are their susceptibility to earthquakes, making them among the most earthquake-prone regions in Kerala. This vulnerability results in frequent tremors being experienced in these locales.

The Chenganamkunnu Regulator is a major water reservoir on the Bharathapuzha, inaugurated in 2021 by the Government of Kerala. Built with 22 shutters at a cost of 32 crores, with assistance from NABARD, it connects Ongallur Grama Panchayat in Palakkad district and Desamangalam Grama Panchayat in Thrissur district. This regulator benefits the Ongallur, Vallapuzha, and Thirumittacode Panchayats, as well as Shornur and Pattambi municipalities in Palakkad, and Vallathol and Desamangalam in Thrissur.

Chenganamkunnu has become a growing local tourism hotspot, attracting many visitors who come to enjoy the serene evenings by the Bharathapuzha River. The picturesque view of the river alongside the impressive Chenganamkunnu Regulator provides entertainment and relaxation for those who visit. The small hills of Desamangalam create a stunning backdrop, enhancing the area’s natural beauty.

Most visitors access Chenganamkunnu from the Ongallur side, which is more convenient than approaching from Desamangalam. The nearby village of Ezhumangad particularly benefits from the project, as the regulator supports local agriculture by managing water flow, ensuring consistent irrigation, and boosting the scenic charm of the area. This development has not only improved water management but also contributed to the region’s tourism appeal, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Anchumoorthy Temple

The Anchumoorthi Temple, located near Pattambi town in Thirumittacode gram panchayat of Palakkad district, Kerala, holds a unique and ancient significance. According to local tradition, it is believed that the Pancha Pandavas, the legendary five brothers from the Mahabharata, consecrated this temple around 5000 years ago. Visitors to the temple can still see the idols consecrated by each of the Pandava brothers: Arjuna, Yudhishthira, Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva.

The temple is revered for its historical importance, as it is said that during their exile (vanavasa), the Pandavas visited this sacred place and installed the idols of Mahavishnu. Lord Shiva’ Prathishta is believed to be installed by Parasurama.. Additionally, there are idols dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and Vedavyasa within the temple premises. The name “Anchumoorthi” come from four pratishtha of Vishnu and one pratishtha of Shiva.

thirumatticode

Thirumittacode

Thirumittacode is a picturesque village and gram panchayat located in Palakkad district, Kerala. Situated on the border with Thrissur district, Thirumittacode is renowned for its natural beauty where expansive paddy fields merge with the tranquil waters of the Bharathapuzha river. The village predominantly consists of vast stretches of lush green paddy fields, creating a serene and idyllic landscape.

Bharathapuzha, one of Kerala’s major rivers, flows along the eastern side of Thirumittacode, further enhancing the village’s scenic charm. This geographical setting not only contributes to the agricultural richness of the area but also provides a picturesque backdrop for residents and visitors alike.

Thirumittacode Grama Panchayat, named after the village of Thirumittacode, covers a large area from Karukaputhur in the west to the Bharathapuzha in the east. This region is home to the ancient Anchumoorthy Temple and the historic Kakkattu Mana, both significant landmarks in the village.

Anchumoorthy Temple

The Anchumoorthi Temple, located near Pattambi town in Thirumittacode gram panchayat of Palakkad district, Kerala, holds a unique and ancient significance. According to local tradition, it is believed that the Pancha Pandavas, the legendary five brothers from the Mahabharata, consecrated this temple around 5000 years ago. Visitors to the temple can still see the idols consecrated by each of the Pandava brothers: Arjuna, Yudhishthira, Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva.

The temple is revered for its historical importance, as it is said that during their exile (vanavasa), the Pandavas visited this sacred place and installed the idols of Mahavishnu. Lord Shiva’ Prathishta is believed to be installed by Parasurama.. Additionally, there are idols dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and Vedavyasa within the temple premises. The name “Anchumoorthi” come from four pratishtha of Vishnu and one pratishtha of Shiva.

Anchumoorthi Temple

The Anchumoorthi Temple, located near Pattambi town in Thirumittacode gram panchayat of Palakkad district, Kerala, holds a unique and ancient significance. According to local tradition, it is believed that the Pancha Pandavas, the legendary five brothers from the Mahabharata, consecrated this temple around 5000 years ago. Visitors to the temple can still see the idols consecrated by each of the Pandava brothers: Arjuna, Yudhishthira, Bhima, Nakula, and Sahadeva.

The temple is revered for its historical importance, as it is said that during their exile (vanavasa), the Pandavas visited this sacred place and installed the idols of Mahavishnu. Lord Shiva’ Prathishta is believed to be installed by Parasurama.. Additionally, there are idols dedicated to Lord Ayyappa and Vedavyasa within the temple premises. The name “Anchumoorthi” come from four pratishtha of Vishnu and one pratishtha of Shiva. The Anchumoorthi Temple stands as a testament to Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and religious traditions, drawing devotees and visitors who seek to experience its ancient aura and spiritual resonance.

It is a rare temple in Kerala where the idol of Vedavyasa is enshrined.

Anchumoorthi Temple is situated on the southern bank of the Bharathapuzha, the second longest river in Kerala. Uniquely, the river flows in an east-west direction but turns northward upon reaching the temple. Devotees draw parallels between this temple and Kashi, believing in many spiritual similarities.

Anchumoorthi Temple, one of the 108 Shivalayas and among the 108 Divya Desams, uniquely integrates worship of both Shiva and Vishnu. The Vaishnava poet-saints, the Alvars, have composed hymns in praise of this temple. All festivals and rituals here honor both deities equally, with Shivratri and Sree Krishna Jayanti being major celebrations.

Irumbakassery

Irumbakassery is a small village in Thirumittacode grama panchayath of Palakkad district, Kerala. It lies on the Thrissur – Palakkad border. Irumbakassery and neighbouring places are known to the beauty of paddy fields which is a common scene in Thirumittacode panchayath.

Irumbakassery is situated on Koottupatha – Cheruthuruthi road. Once we enter into Thirumittacode panchayath while coming from Koottupatha, there is a breathtaking beauty of rice field will cool your minds. Bothe side of the road is paddy fields and road is running between.

Kondayoor road serves as a vital thoroughfare connecting the villages of Irumbakassery and Thalassery, traversing through the picturesque landscape of Arangottukara. This route is crucial for accessing several notable destinations along the Bharathapuzha river, including Palloor, Varavattoor, and the Chenganamkunnu Check Dam.

Irumbakassery, situated amidst serene surroundings, is predominantly surrounded by expansive paddy fields on three sides. On its fourth side, the village is embraced by the gentle slopes of Arangottukara’s small hills. This geographical setting not only enhances the natural beauty of the area but also influences the local agricultural practices and community life.

Arangottukara

Arangottukara

Arangottukara, situated on the border of Palakkad and Thrissur districts in Kerala, is renowned for its scenic hilly landscapes adorned with estates and farmlands. While a significant portion lies within the Desamangalam gram panchayat of Thrissur district, the town center primarily falls under the Thirumittacode gram panchayat in Palakkad district.

A view from Arangottukara, June 2024

One notable aspect of Arangottukara and its neighboring areas in the Desamangalam gram panchayat is their susceptibility to earthquakes, making them among the most earthquake-prone regions in Kerala. This vulnerability results in frequent tremors being experienced in these locales. The area also has minor quarry activities.

The paddy fields in Arangottukara contribute significantly to its charm and beauty. These fields not only enhance the scenic landscape but also highlight the area’s agricultural richness. Palakkad is well-known for its picturesque paddy fields, and in Arangottukara, one can experience this beauty alongside the backdrop of low-lying hills. This combination of natural elements adds to the visual appeal and tranquility of the region, making it a unique and delightful place to visit.

Arangottukara is geographically enriched by its surroundings. To the northeast, the Bharathapuzha River, Kerala’s second longest, flows, enhancing the area’s natural beauty and providing a vital water source. On the western side, lowlands and expansive paddy fields dominate, reflecting the region’s agricultural prominence and scenic allure. In contrast, the eastern side is characterized by hills, creating a diverse landscape that blends rolling terrain with fertile plains, making Arangottukara a visually captivating and ecologically diverse locality within Kerala.

Padapparamba viewpoint

Padapparamba

Padapparamba, located in Malappuram district of Kerala, is emerging as a significant town due to its strategic connectivity among major towns in the region. Situated at a junction, Padapparamba serves as a crucial link connecting Malappuram town, Perinthalmanna, Kottakkal, and Valanchery. This junction is particularly important as it intersects the roads from Malappuram to Kolathur and from Kottakkal to Perinthalmanna.

Padapparamba town

Padapparamba, located 10 kilometers from Malappuram and 14 kilometers each from Kottakkal and Perinthalmanna, serves as a pivotal junction town connecting these major centers in Malappuram district, facilitating easy access to administrative, healthcare, educational, and commercial amenities.

Mezhathur

Mezhathur is a picturesque Palakkadan village near Trithala town. It lies 3 kilometre south of Trithala town on the Trithala – Koottanad road. The village’s name, Mezhathur, finds its roots in the fascinating legend of Mezhathol Agnihotri. Believed to be the first son of Parayipetta Panthirukulam, Agnihotri is said to have performed 99 sacred yagas (fire rituals) here. This legendary connection imbues Mezhathur with a sense of timeless spirituality.