About:

Kalpathi Ratholsavam is held in Kalpathi, Palakkad District, Kerala.Perched on its lush green banks is the ancient Kalpathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. A pilgrim centre steeped in antiquity, the temple dates back to 1425 A.D. and is as revered in South India as Benares in the North India. This temple is believed to be over 700 years old. The festival is dominated by three magnificent chariots, bedecked with flowers and flags, each sanctified by the presence of the lord.Teeming crowds of people and millions of hands try to reach out to be one of the privileged to have the honour of pulling the chariots, as they proceed in stately grandeur.The week-long annual festival of Ratholsavam (Chariot Festival) begins in the month of November, every year. Thousands of devotees haul the huge, intricately carved temple chariots through the streets. Kalpathy, an early Tamil Brahmin settlement is also known as Dakshina Kasi (the Varanasi of the south). Kalpathy Ratholsavam is a 10-day festival and begins with the Dwajarohanam (flag hoisting) and ends with Rathasangamom.Vedic ricitals are held in the temple throughout the festival. Throbbing with the Vedic chants sonorously recited by the Vedic scholars escorting the god, Kalpathy comes alive with the spirit of true devotion and joyous celebration.Kalpathy Village attracts thousands of visitors and the major highlight of the festival is the pulling of huge chariots or Rathas.

On the last three days of the festival it is beautifully decorated temple chariots are ceremoniously drawn through the streets by thousands of devotees whose soul stirring chants rent the air.The festival is also noted for classical music concerts and other traditional cultural programs.

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Interesting things to Visit:

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.

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:

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

Palakkad Fort:

One of the best-preserved forts in Kerala in the heart of Palakkad town, which dates back to 1766 A.D. It was built by Sultan Hyder Ali of Mysore, supposedly to facilitate communication between Coimbatore and West Coast. In 1784, after a siege lasting 11 days, the British colonel Fulletron stormed the Fort. It latter fell into the hands of the Zamorins troops but was recaptured by the British in 1970. The Archeological Survey of India now preserves it.

Kollengode Palace:

19 Kms. South of Palakkad, Kollengode (the abode of blacksmiths), enriches the pristine beauty of rural Palakkad. The Kollengode Palace, the Vishnu Temple and the poet P. Kunhiraman Nair memorial, are worth visiting. Seethakundu and Govindamali hills, near Kaachanakurichi are ideal and for adventurous trekkers.

River Kanjirapuzha:

Kanjirapuzha (River Kanjira) is a magnificent lake. An evergreen forest, the 'Vettilachola', provides the backdrop to the lake, surrounded by hillocks. During the rainy season, the mist-draped mountains create a picturesque landscape.

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.

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Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Police Station
Mannarkkad, Palakkad
Kerala.

Narashimapuram Police Station
Narashimapuram
Palakkad main road
CoimbatoreTamil Nadu.

Wadakanchery police station
Wadackanchery, Thrissur
Kerala- 04884 233100.

Nearest Hospital:

Lakshmi Nursing Home
Kenathuparambu
Palakkad, Kerala

Madhavi Amma Hospital
Sultanpet, Palakkad
Kerala.

Kerala Nursing Home
Court Road, Palakkad
Kerala

Thankam Hospital
Palakkad, Kerala

Trinity Eye Hospital
Stadium Byepass Road
Palakkad, Kerala.

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