Palakkad Rock Garden

4.0

Location: RMFQ+QGG, Malampuzha-I, Malampuzha-II, Kerala 678651, India.

Estimated Visiting Time: It should not take more that 1 to 2 hours.

Palakkad Rock Garden, situated in Malampuzha, Palakkad, maintained by the ‘District Tourism Promotion Council’, is the first of its kind in South India. The typical features of this garden are the expansive garden area, the sculptures, and the ornate walls with rock mosaics amid grassy surrounds.
However, what makes this garden distinct is the fact that the artifacts displayed here are made of ‘waste’ materials. For example: used plastic bottles, used cans, Stones, waste pieces of Tiles, Granites, Electricity Fuse Carriers, Power Insulators, Melamine Dishware, Broken Bangles, etc. The garden was renovated recently and now is a good time to visit it. People who are cautious about the environment find this place amazing.

Attraction

South India’s very first ever Palakkad Rock Garden at Malampuzha, is one of the main attractions. It is common to visit the rock garden when one is on a tour at Malampuzha. The inspiration and creation as well as uniqueness of these unique artworks comes from the original (also India’s first Rock Garden) at Chandigarh, created by the famous sculptor ‘Padma Shri Late Nek Chand Saini’.

The interesting aspect of this garden, as mentioned earlier, is that the attractions here are made entirely ‘out of waste materials’, that are recycled and reused as well. The materials used include broken tiles, granite , plastic bottles, cans, broken bangles, dishware, bulbs, tube-lights, and so on. The cultural and artistic aspects of Kerala have meticulously been showcased through various items on display.
To many visitors, the rock garden has many wonders, where all the artefacts are simply crafted from scrap. The Rock Garden (of Malampuzha), the 2nd rock garden in India, holds a grand collection of artworks that are beautifully sculpted from refuse, awaiting visitors.

History

The Palakkad Rock Garden was inaugurated on 7th January, 1996. It was constructed by the District Nirmithi Kendra, Palakkad. This impressive collection of artwork is conceived and designed by renowned sculptor ‘Padmasree Neck Chand Saini’, the creator of India’s first rock garden located in Chandigarh. Tourists are attracted to this place for its unique ideas.

Inside/Outside Views

If you enter the garden, you will see that various scenes of ‘Kathakali,’ ‘Theyyam,’ ‘Kalaripayattu,’ ‘Thiruvathirakali,’ Boat Races, Mahabali, etc. have been shown here at the garden. Besides these main displays, one can also find numerous statues that bring out the various colors of the ‘God’s Own Country’ of Kerala. Moreover, the place is also made suitable for birds as it has small rain shelters, caves, huts, and some other natural habitats.

This place can also be termed as Eco Friendly as it promotes the idea of creating wonders from waste and making a relation with nature. This place also promotes living in harmony with nature. Another interesting fact is that it is located at a distance of only 1 kilometre from the Malampuzha Gardens and at a distance of 11 kilometres from the main town of Palakkad making it an easily accessible place.

Opening Hours

Wednesday 10 AM–6 PM

Thursday 10 AM–6 PM

Friday 10 AM–6 PM

Saturday 10 AM–6 PM

Sunday 10 AM–6 PM

Monday 10 AM–6 PM

Tuesday 10 AM–6 PM

Entry & Others Fees

Good news is that you need to pay an entrance fee of 10 INR per adult person.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By road: It is situated in Palakkad’s ‘Malampuzha’ area. From the busy area of Palakkad, the Rock Garden is only 6 to 8 kms away. Kerala is well connected with other major cities like Kolkata, Midnapore, Chennai, Siliguri, Delhi, Ghaziabad, Mumbai etc. of the country. And from Palakkad city, you will get local transports to reach the site.

By air: The closest airport, ‘Coimbatore International Airport’ (which is an international one), is almost 64 kilometres away from this area which is in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. You can visit this place from outside of India. Apart from that, there are airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or Lucknow with direct flights in Kerala through ‘Cochin International Airport’, Kerala. From the airport, you can easily get local transports to reach the site.

By train: The closest railway station from the Rock Garden is only 8 km away at the ‘Palakkad Junction.’ This station is well connected with major areas of the country. From the station, you will get local transport so that you can reach the site.

Tips for Travellers

Please wear suitable and comfortable clothes according to both culture and seasons.
Don’t forget to follow the code of conduct.
If you are visiting Kerala for the first time, try to visit in a group for safety purposes.
Please stay away from total strangers.