Pattambi Nercha

About Pattambi Nercha

The town is illuminated brilliantly and a pageant replete with traditional musical ensembles like ‘Panchavadyam’ and ‘Thayambaka’ is taken out in the night. Various art forms get under way on the banks of the river Bharathappuzha where the Panchavadyam rises to a crescendo and the art forms take on a spectacular magnificence.The number of elephants participating in the procession are on the increase every year. The most fascinating aspect of the Pattambi Nercha is that all the people of Pattambi regardless of caste or creed join in the festivities. Even bus services are cancelled here on this day when the entire town is illuminated and in a festive mood.

Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Pattambi railway station is at a walkable distance from the mosque.
Nearest airport: Coimbatore, in the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu about 55 km away from Palakkad.

Interesting things to Visit

Palakkad Fort
Palakkad Travel GuidePalakkad 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.

Fantasy Park
(1400 - 2100 hrs on week days and 1100 - 2100 hrs on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays). Ph: 815122 815124 Entrance fee: Adults Rs. 20 Children Rs. 10. Separate charges for rides and computer games. Block tickets: Adults Rs. 80 Children Rs. 60

Thrithala
This place is noted for its monuments and historic ruins. The Siva Temple and the ruins of a mud fort near Thrithala on the Chalissery road are notable cultural monuments. The Kattilmadam Temple, a small granite Buddhist monument on the Pattambi-Guruvayoor road, is of great archaeological importance. It is believed to date back to the 9th/10th century AD. The Paakkanaar memorial, honouring the Pariah saint, stands near Thrithala Kuttanad road. This is also the native place of renowned writer and social reformer VT Bhattathiripad.

Ottappalam
The town is known for its numerous places of worship and their colorful festivals. Durga Temple the Pooram at Chenakkathur the Nercha festival commemorating the Aulia.

Perambikulam
Its claim to fame is the wildlife sanctuary that provides asylum to a rare variety of wild animals. There are innumerable dams and reservoirs in Perambikulam. You can enjoy a casual boat cruise in the Perambikulam reservoir. Lodging facilities are offered in Thellikkal and Elanthode and a tree-house in Thoonakkadavu.

Dhoni
Your next stopover in Palakkad travel can very well be this reserve forest. This forest exudes an enchanting beauty and the sight of the gorgeous cascading waterfall is simply breathtaking. Dhoni is also renowned for its farm house that nurtures hundreds of cattle of the Swiss variety.

Thiruvalathoor
The ancient temple here has some fine wood work and stone sculptures.

Melampuzha
Popularly referred to as the Vrindavan of Kerala, this place is the perfect example of the beauty and grace that is manifest when the loftiness of the mountains blends harmoniously with the tranquility of the rivers. The verdant fields, the beds of flowers, the sparkling pools and the fountains enhance the appeal of the place. The fresh water aquarium, the snake park and the Children’s park are the additional draws.

Lakkidi
Killikkurissimangalam at Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar, the 18th century satirist and exponent of the Tullal (classical art form). The State Government has preserved the poet’s house as a monument.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Sprawled across 285 sq. km, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is home to rare wild animals. Boating/cruising facilities are available at the Parambikulam Reservoir. The Rest Houses of the State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Anappady offer accommodation. A tree house in the reserve forest area in Thoonakkadavu has to be booked in advance. The oldest teak tree, kannimari is found here.

Kollengode:
Kollengode or the abode of blacksmiths enshrines the pristine beauty of rural Palakkad. The Kollengode Palace, the Vishnu Temple and the poet P. Kunhiraman Nair Memorial are worth visiting. Seethakundu and Govindamalai hills near Kaachankurichi are ideal for adventurous trekkers.

Pothundy
Situated on the way to Nelliampathy, the Pothundy Reservoir Complex is a charming location for picnics and half-day trips.

Kottayi
This tiny village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.

Silent Valley
Recently recognized as a national park, the silent Valley is the only remaining patch of evergreen forest in the Sahya Ranges. The Silent Valley spans an area of nine thousand hectares. One striking feature of the Valley is the presence of the massive wild tree of the Kattuaiying variety that is hollow from within and can fit approximately twelve people in it.

Meenkara
This picnic spot is the site of a dam across the river Gayathri that flows into the Bharathapuzha.

Siruvani
The reservoir at Siruvani was built for Tamil Nadu by the Kerala Government to meet the drinking water requirements of Coimbatore. The gateways on either side of the road across the dam are typical of the Kerala and Tamil architectural styles. Siruvani is also home to certain tribals like the Mudugars and Irulars.

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.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Narashimapuram Police Station
Narashimapuram, Palakkad main road, Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India

Police Station
Mannarkkad, Palakkad, Kerala, India

Nearest Hospital:

ESI Hospital
Palakkad, Palakkad, Kerala, India

Welcare Hospital
Palakkad, Palakkad, Kerala, India

Madhavi Amma Hospital
Sultanpet, Palakkad, Palakkad, Kerala, India

Karuna Hospital
Palakkad, Palakkad, Kerala, India

Trinity Eye Hospital
Stadium Byepass Road, Palakkad, Palakkad, Kerala, India

Sai Hospital
Olavakode, Palakkad, Palakkad, Kerala, India

Achutha Menon Hospital
Olavakode, Palakkad, Palakkad, Kerala, India

Kerala Nursing Home
Court Road, Palakkad, Palakkad, Kerala, India

Kerala Nursing Home
Palakkad, Palakkad, Kerala, India

Lakshmi Nursing Home
Kenathuparambu, Palakkad, Palakkad, Kerala, India

Location info

• Address:Pattambi Mosque - The Venue of Pattambi Nercha Festival, Palakkad, Kerala

• District: Palakkad

• Nearest City: Palakkad

• Best time to visit: First week of February

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Food options are available in the nearest town. Kerala cuisine — fish curry, appam with stew, puttu, and Kerala sadhya — is widely available and famously delicious.

Hotels & accommodation nearby

Accommodation is available in the nearest town or city. Options range from homestays to luxury resorts. Kerala’s homestay network is excellent and offers authentic local experiences.

Climate & weather

Kerala has a tropical monsoon climate with warm, humid conditions year-round. The best time to visit is November to February, when temperatures are a pleasant 22°C–30°C with low humidity and clear skies. March–May is hot and humid (up to 36°C). The southwest monsoon (June–September) brings heavy rainfall — the landscape transforms into lush green and this is the best time for Ayurvedic treatments. The northeast monsoon (October–November) brings shorter showers. Hill stations (Munnar, Wayanad) remain cooler year-round.

Nearest petrol pump

Petrol pumps are available in the nearest town or on the approach road — check locally for the closest option.

Best time to visit Pattambi Nercha

Pattambi Nercha takes place according to the Malayalam calendar. The best time to witness this festival is during its scheduled dates, which vary annually. Most Kerala festivals occur between November and May (the dry season). Check the official dates from Kerala Tourism before planning your visit.

How to reach Pattambi Nercha

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

Timings & opening hours

Festival timings vary by event. Most temple festivals start in the morning with flag-hoisting ceremonies and continue through the evening with processions, cultural programs, and fireworks. Night processions typically start around 8:00 PM–9:00 PM and continue past midnight.

Entry fee & tickets

Most festival events are free to attend and watch. Processions and temple grounds can be accessed without charge. Special seating for fireworks viewing may cost INR 100–500. Some cultural performances during festivals may have ticketed entry.

Duration needed

Major festivals last 8–10 days. Visitors typically spend 2–3 hours per day watching key events. The main procession day requires 4–6 hours.

Safety tips

Very large crowds gather at Pattambi Nercha — keep your belongings secure and watch for pickpockets. Arrive early for a good viewing position of processions. Follow the instructions of festival volunteers and police. Keep children close and establish a meeting point in case of separation. Carry water and stay hydrated. Avoid bringing large bags or valuables to crowded festival grounds.

Things to carry

Comfortable shoes for walking and standing (crowds can be very large, seating may not be available), drinking water in a reusable bottle, a hat or cap, sunscreen and umbrella for day events, a light snack, earplugs (processions can be very loud with drums and fireworks), a camera (zoom lens recommended for procession shots), a power bank, and a small bag that can be secured against pickpockets.

Nearby visiting places

Fort Kochi, Mattancherry Palace, Cherai Beach, Bolghatty Island, Marine Drive, Chinese Fishing Nets, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Kathakali Centre, St. Francis Church

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 0 km). Nearest Railway Station: Ernakulam Junction / Ernakulam Town Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Pattambi Nercha

Pattambi Nercha is one of Kerala’s vibrant festivals that showcase the state’s rich cultural and religious diversity. Kerala’s festivals are renowned for their spectacular processions featuring caparisoned elephants, traditional percussion ensembles (pancha vadyam), colourful umbrellas, and fireworks. Many festivals are temple-related and follow the Malayalam calendar, creating a year-round cycle of celebrations that are an integral part of Kerala’s cultural identity. The festival reflects the unique syncretic traditions of Kerala where communities of all faiths participate in each other’s celebrations.

Things to do at Pattambi Nercha

Witness the grand procession of caparisoned elephants, listen to traditional percussion ensembles (pancha vadyam, chenda melam), watch traditional performing arts (Kathakali, Theyyam, folk dances), enjoy the spectacular fireworks displays, taste festival-special food, shop at temporary festival markets, interact with local communities participating in the festivities, photograph the colourful events, and experience the unique cultural atmosphere of a Kerala festival.

Frequently asked questions

When does this festival take place? — Most Kerala festivals follow the Malayalam calendar (Kollavarsham). Dates vary annually — check the Kerala Tourism website or local sources for exact dates for your travel period. Is the festival free to attend? — Yes, all processions and public events are free. Special seating areas for fireworks or cultural programmes may have ticketed entry. How crowded is it? — Very crowded during major festivals. Large events like Thrissur Pooram attract hundreds of thousands of people. Arrive early, keep belongings secure, and establish meeting points. What should I wear? — Comfortable clothing suitable for standing in crowds. Modest dress is appreciated. Wear comfortable shoes.

Quick facts

• Type: Destination
• State: Kerala
• Category: Fairs And Festivals