Palakkad Sightseeing - Kollengode Palace

19 kms to the south east of Palakkad is the pristine Kollengode, once the capital of the erstwhile Kollengode Rajas. The town derives its name from the Kollen blacksmith community that resides here. The town is surrounded by the Nelliampathy Hills on one side and a large area of fertile paddy fields on the other. The Gayathri River, a tributary of Bharathpuzha winds its way through the town.

The magnificent Kollengode Palace is a prime example of the traditional architectural style of Kerala. The Archaeological museum is located in the Kollengode Palace and houses a collection of murals from all over Kerala.  On display here is a well-preserved and extraordinary treasure of Veerakallu or hero stones, which are stone engravings, and sculptures of heroes of the bygone era. Also exhibited are temple models, olagrandhangal (manuscripts on dry palm leaves), megaliths etc. It is interesting to note that most of the exhibits here were recovered from the forests of Thrissur and Wayanad.

Other places of interest include a shrine dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Trekkers and adventurous picnickers will love the verdant trekking areas around Seethakundu and Govindamalai near Kachankurichi.