Malampuzha, a little township on the foothills of the Western Ghats takes its name from the River Malampuzha. Nurtured by this tributary of Kerala's longest river, the Bharathapuzha, Malampuzha is a lush green town is a major tourist attraction for its trekking trails and the large irrigation dam.
Around the reservoir of the dam are beautiful gardens and amusement parks. Boating facilities are available on the lake. Other attractions in the Malampuzha garden are the beautiful rock garden, the fish-shaped aquarium, the snake park, the ropeway which takes you on an aerial tour of the park, and the gigantic Yakshi (an enchantress) sculptured by Kanai Kunhiraman, a renowned sculptor of Kerala.
The most interesting feature of the rock garden is that the whole place is made of unwanted and broken pieces of bangles, tiles, used plastic cans, tins and other waste materials. The garden is a master work of sculptor Padmasree Neck Chand Saini. His rock garden in Chandigarh is world famous and attracts thousands of tourists every year.
2. Malampuzha Dam
The idea for a dam in the Malampuzha region to boost agriculture started from the second decade of the 20th Century. However, it was only after India's independence on 27th of March 1949, that the then Public Works Minister, Sri. M. Bhaktavatsalam laid the foundation stone for the project. Palakkad was a part of the Madras Presidency during those times. The dam was constructed in record time, and on October 9th 1955, the then Chief Minister of Madras, Sri. K Kamaraj, inaugurated the dam. The place where the dam, its catchment area, the garden on the front side, and the distribution canal are now situated is collectively known as "Malampuzha", which were earlier known as Ponpaara, Chovankaadu, Iduppady, Vadukampaadam, Thanjikapallam, Kaarakkaad, Thoopallam, Vaarani, Akkarakkaadu, Kadukkaamkunnam, Aanakkuzhykkaadu, Thampuraattypotta, Aanamukkara, Paandipotta, Thekkumpaadam and Koshavanidukku.
3. Malampuzha Garden
Malampuzha Garden is a beautifully landscaped garden on the front side of the Malampuzha Dam. It is full of lush green lawns with well laid-out flower beds. There are pathways to watch and enjoy variety of fountains and marvelous sculptures, including the famous Yakshi sculpture created by Sri. Kanayi Kunhiraman. There is a canal flowing through the middle of the garden, which has 2 hanging bridges above it. The ropeway moves across the garden giving an unforgettable aerial view of the garden. Boating Facility is available in the Garden. The dam and the garden is illuminated at nights on Weekends and Public Holidays.
