Parambikulam River

About Parambikulam River

Parambikulam River is located near Udumalaipettai, Palakkad district, kerala, Parambikulam River, one of four tributaries of the Chalakkudi River, originates in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu, India.The famous waterfalls, Attirappilly and vazhachal waterfalls are situated on this river. The famous Hydro Electric Projects on Chalakkudy River are ‘Sholayar Hydro Electric Project’ and ‘Peringalkuttu Hydro Electric Project’. Chalakkudy Dam is situated on this river. The Parambikulam Dam has been constructed across the river at Anamalai, located in the Western Ghats of Kerala. This dam ranks number one in India as well as in the top ten dams in the world in terms of volume capacity.

Interesting things to Visit

Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary:

The Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary is a crown in the diverse tradition of wildlife in India. Located in the valley between the Anamalai mountain ranges of Tamil Nadu and the beautiful Nelliampathy mountain ranges of Kerala, the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary is a majestic destination for the tourists who love to see nature at its best.

Anamalai Wildlife Sanctuary:

This Sanctuary is situated at an altitude of 1,400 mts in the Western Ghats near Pollachi (about 90 Kms from Coimbatore). The area of the sanctuary is 958 sq.kms. It has various kinds of fauna like elephant, gaur, tiger, panther, sloth-bear, deer, wild bear, wild dog, porcupine, flying squirrel, jackal, pangolin, civet cat and birds like rocket-tailed drongo, red-whiskered bulbul, black headed oriole, tree pie, spotted dove, green pigeon, etc.

The Siruvani Waterfalls:

This waterfalls and the dam are located at a distance of 37 kms west of the city. The water of
siruvani is known for This waterfalls and the dam are located at a distance of 37 kms west of the city. The water of Siruvani is known for its taste.

Topslip:

It is a picturesque location in the Anamalai Hills. It is about 37 kms from Pollachi. This small town is an ideal picnic spot. Arrangements are available at Topslip to take tourists around the Sanctuary on elephant back or by van.

Malampuzha:

Malampuzha has an aerial ropeway across the garden, a telescope tower, boating and fishing facilities, a swimming pool, fresh water aquarium and a snake park. Fantasy Park is a good spot for children. At Dhoni you can go on a 3-hour trek from the base of Dhoni Hills to the waterfall at the reserve forest area.

Jungles of Sahya Ranges:

These Sahya Ranges are famous for its evergreen forests.

Padagiri:

Nelliyampathy has the highest peak at Nellikotta which is also called Padagiri. The hills dipped in the pristine beauty of nature are sprinkled with picturesque tea, coffee, cardamom, vegetable and orange plantations. The hills of Nelliyampathy are a delight to adventure lovers and trekkers.

Seethakunda:

Seethakundu offers a fantastic view of the valley below-a wide angled panoramic picture of about one third of Palakkad, as beautiful as the green Valleys of Kodaikkanal.

Nearest Visiting places

Palakkad Fort:

Palakkad Fort was built by Hyder Ali, the mighty ruler of Mysore, in the year 1766 A.D. The fort was primarily built to speed up the communication between Coimbatore and the West Coast. The region, during those days had a great strategic importance. The fort however fell into the hands of British Empire in the year 1784 after a siege that lasted 11 days. With the Zamorin’s capture of the fort, the dispute and the battle was not meant to end there. The British recaptured the fort in the year 1790 A.D. and with that established their stronghold in the region.

Thiruvalathoor Bhagavathy Temple.

The temple is located 10 kilometer from Palakkad at the Chittoor-Kodumbu road. This ancient temple is well decorated with fine wood works and stone sculptures. It is one of the 108 Durga temples in the country. The temple remains unfinished. The annual festival falls at January, which lasts 10 days.

Chulannur Peacock Protection Centre:

Mailadumpara, in Chulannur situated 22 kms away from Palakkad town and 5 kms from Peringothukrish, is also famed. It is here the peacock protection center is located. Kunjan Nambiar Smrudhi forest is also here.

Silent Valley National Park:

It is a dense rain forest located along the western corners of Nilgiris having an area of around 90 square kilometers. It is nearly 60 kilometers far from Palakkad and 90 kilometers from Coimbatore. Silent Valley got this name because of the poetic silence at this forest and it is just because of the absence of cicadas, which is common in all forests. The forest is famous for the very rare Lion-Tailed Macaque. The Silent Valley also known as Sairandhri Vanam. According to Hindu mythology Sairandhri is the other name of Draupadi who is the wife of Panadavas in Mahabharatha epic. Trekking is possible at this forest with a permission.

Walayar Dam:

It is located about 25 kilometers from Palkkad town in the Kerala Tamilnadu border. The dam is meant for irrigation purpose. There is a deer Park located 3 kilometers from Walayar.

Kalpathi:

Kalpathi is the most famous ‘Agraharam’(Street occupied by Brahmins) in Palakkad and one of the 18 Agraharams(Brahmin residing streets) in the state. The famous Sri Visalakshi Sametha Sri Viswanatha Swamy temple is here where the famous ‘Ratholsavam’ (temple car festival) takes place. Kalpathy is located 3 kilometer from Palakkad.

Olappamanna Mana:

Olappamanna is the family name of a feudal lords, belongs to the Namboothiri category. They are the reputed patrons of Kathakali and it is believed that Kathakali originated here. The ‘mana’ (ancestral house) lies at Vellinezhi (Which is known as Kathakali village) near Chepulassery.

Thrithala:

Thrithala is the place where Agnihotri (The eldest son of Vararuchi) conducted 99 yagnas and made Indra (King of Gods) envious. The Agnihotri ellam draws visitors. The village lies 8 kilometer far from Pattambi at the Pattambi-Kuttippuram road in the Ottapalam taluk. The Siva temple here is believed to be built around 10th century is a good example of the Chol-Pandya style of Architecture.

Dhoni Hills:

The site can be reached after a fairly long climb of 3 hours from the base of the Dhoni Hills. Dhoni provides trekkers the opportunity to explore its hilly terrains.Its lush green surroundings are a pleasure to watch. Dhoni is also famous for its farmhouse, harbouring hundreds of cattle of Swiss variety.

Kottayi:

This is 15 kms from Palakkad via Poodar, this village is the native place of the late Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, the doyen of Carnatic music.

Lakkidi:

Killikurussimangalam at Lakkidi is the birthplace of Kunchan Nambiar, the 18th century sitarist and exponent of Tullal (Classical art form). The Poet’s house has been preserved as a monument by the state Government as an historical place.

Pothundy (Picnic Spot):

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

Nearest Petrol Pump

NG Pudur Petrol Pump
SH 21, Coimbatore
Tamil Nadu.

Jawahar Petrol Pump
Kothamangalam, Ernakulam
Kerala State.

Petrol Pump
SH 16, Perumbavoor
Ernakulam, Kerala.

NM Petrol pump
NH 209, Pollachi, Coimbatore
Tamil Nadu.

Petrol Pump
Palakkad Road, Kovai Pudur
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

MP Hotels - Dharapuram Road, Udumalpet
#5, Dharapuram Road, Udumalpet,
Tamil Nadu 642126
Tel: 04252 224255.

M.R Complex,Udumalpet
M.R Complex , Opposite to new busstand
Udumalpet, Kerala.

Hotel Vijay
15, Immamkhan street
Pollachi, Tamil Nadu 642001
Tel:09443711234.

Emarald Hotel Silent valley
Mannarkkad
Palakkad, kerala.

Hotel Soorya Continental
Pudhiyapalam
Palakkad, kerala.

Hotel Prestige
Opposite Ksrtc Bus Stand, Angamaly
Ernakulam, Kerala 680572
Tel: 0484 2452737.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Town Police Station
Pollachi, Coimbatore
Tamil Nadu.

Palani Town Police Station
SH 83, Palani, Dindigul
Tamil Nadu.

Thondamuthur Police Station
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Tel: 0422 2617258.

Thudiyalur Police Station
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Tel: 0422 2642990.

Nearest Hospital:

Kumaran Hospital
Udumalaippettai, Coimbatore
Tamil Nadu
Tel: 04252 5233156.

Sree Abirami Hospital
Sundarapuram, 33
Madukkarai Road, Coimbatore
Tamil Nadu 641024
Tel: 0422 2672972.

KG Hospital
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Tel: 0422 2212121.

PSG Hospitals
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
Tel: 0422 2570170.

Samaritan Hospital
Pazhanganad, Kizhakkambalam,
Ernakulam, Kerala 680562
Tel: 0484 2680511.

Public Health Center
Pindimana,Kothamangalam
Ernakulam, Kerala State.

Bethsada Mental Hospital
7/503, Vengola, Ernakulam
Kerala 680547
Tel: 0484 2529851.

Link:

http://venkateshmama.blogspot.com/2009/09/parambikulam.html
http://mrajank.blogspot.com/2009/07/parambikulam.html
http://mousefriend.blogspot.com/2006/04/aliyar-parambikulam.html

Location info

• Address: Udumalaipettai, Palakkad district, kerala, India

• District: Palakkad district.

• Nearest City: Coimbatore, Madurai, Palakkad and Nelliyampathy.

• Best time to visit: November to January.

Climate & weather

Climate Generally warm and humid. The weather temparature Summers: 36°-20°; Winters: 16°-32°C.s

Things to do at Parambikulam River

Watch the famous Attirappilly and vazhachal waterfalls nearby, Watch Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary nearby this river, Swimming and boating can be done here.

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.

Best time to visit Parambikulam River

The best time to visit Parambikulam River is from November to February with pleasant weather. The river is fullest during and after the monsoon (July–November). Summer months (March–May) see reduced water levels. Boating and riverside picnics are best in the post-monsoon months.

Timings & opening hours

River areas are accessible 24 hours. Boating and bathing are recommended only during daylight hours (6:00 AM–6:00 PM). Some riverside temples and ghats have specific access timings.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry to riverside areas is generally free. Boating or rafting charges, if available, vary by operator. Rivers flowing through forest areas may require forest entry permits.

Duration needed

1–2 hours for riverside walks and photography. Additional time for boating, fishing, or picnicking if available.

Safety tips

Be cautious of strong currents and depth variations when near the river. Do not attempt to cross the river during heavy flow. Avoid swimming in unfamiliar stretches. Be mindful of slippery riverbank rocks. During monsoon, water levels can rise rapidly — avoid riverbanks during heavy rain.

Things to carry

Comfortable footwear, drinking water, camera, light snacks, mosquito repellent, a towel if you plan to wade, and an umbrella or rain cover for your bag. For riverside picnics, carry a ground sheet or mat.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest Airport: Cochin International Airport (COK) (approximately 40 km). Nearest Railway Station: Palakkad Junction Railway Station. The destination is well-connected by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) buses and private taxis from major towns.

History of Parambikulam River

Parambikulam River is part of Kerala’s extensive river network — the state has 44 rivers, 41 of which flow westward to the Arabian Sea and 3 eastward. These rivers originate in the Western Ghats and have shaped Kerala’s geography, agriculture, and culture. Rivers have been central to Kerala’s civilisation — providing water for rice cultivation, serving as trade routes, and inspiring countless works of literature and folklore. The riverbanks are dotted with temples, churches, and settlements that have flourished for centuries.

Frequently asked questions

Can I go boating on the river? — Boating availability depends on the river’s width, depth, and current. Some rivers offer boat rides, especially wider stretches. Inquire locally. Is the river safe for swimming? — Swimming in rivers requires caution. Some stretches are safe, while others have strong currents. Check locally and avoid swimming near dams or after heavy rain. What is the best time to visit? — Early morning for the best light and bird sightings. Post-monsoon (October–January) offers the best water levels and scenic beauty.