In the heart of Kerala’s Palakkad district, tucked away from the tourist buzz, lies a village that feels like a living canvas of history, heritage, and heavenly landscapes—Kollengode.
Often hailed as one of the best villages in India, Kollengode is not just a destination; it’s a soulful experience of everything Kerala is celebrated for—lush green paddy fields, ancient palaces, sacred rivers, and a pace of life that makes you slow down and breathe.
A Village with a Royal Heart
Kollengode, once known as Venganad, was ruled by the Kollengode royal family, who were vassals under the mighty Zamorin of Calicut. The royal legacy is still alive in the majestic Kollengode Palace, built in 1904 by Raja Vasudeva Raja.
Blending traditional Kerala architecture with Western elements, the palace stands as a quiet reminder of a time when art, culture, and nobility thrived side by side. Today, parts of the palace have been transformed into the Mural Art Museum in Thrissur, preserving the vibrant artistic soul of Kerala.
The Rice Bowl of Palakkad
If there’s one image that defines Kollengode, it’s this: emerald paddy fields swaying in the breeze, kissed by sunlight and cradled by the gentle hills. The region’s fertile plains have earned it the nickname “Rice Bowl of Palakkad.”
Watered by the life-giving Gayathripuzha River, a tributary of the Bharathapuzha, Kollengode thrives on agriculture. The river not only nourishes the fields but also paints a poetic picture of Kerala’s agrarian roots.
Nature at Her Finest
Kollengode is where nature whispers in waterfalls, echoes in hills, and flows in streams. Key attractions include:
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Seetharkundu Waterfalls – A hidden cascade believed to be linked to the Ramayana, perfect for serene retreats.
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Chulliyar Dam – A scenic reservoir nestled between the foothills of the Western Ghats.
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Nelliyampathy Hills – Just a drive away, these hills offer trekking, viewpoints, and cool breezes that rejuvenate the soul.
For adventure seekers and nature lovers, this area is a green wonderland waiting to be explored.
Sacred Roots: The Chinganchira Karuppuswamy Temple
Perhaps one of the most intriguing aspects of Kollengode is the Chinganchira Karuppuswamy Temple, where the deity is uniquely enshrined within a gigantic banyan tree. This fusion of nature and divinity is emblematic of how deeply rooted spirituality is in the land.
The temple is not only a religious site but a symbol of ecological harmony and sacred tradition.
Recognized and Revered
Kollengode’s charm hasn’t gone unnoticed. Anand Mahindra, chairman of the Mahindra Group, even placed Kollengode on his personal travel bucket list, calling it one of India’s hidden treasures.
Such endorsements only validate what locals and savvy travelers already know—Kollengode is an unsung hero of Indian rural tourism.
Why Kollengode Belongs on Your Travel List
In a world dominated by noisy cities and Insta-famous spots, Kollengode offers something rare: authenticity.
Here, you don’t just see Kerala—you feel it. In the warm smiles of farmers, the whispering winds through the banana plantations, the quiet dignity of royal architecture, and the sacred stillness by rivers and temples.
Whether you’re a:
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Cultural traveler looking for heritage
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Nature lover seeking serene landscapes
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Trekker chasing forested trails
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Photographer capturing rural charm
Kollengode offers it all. And it does so without trying too hard.
Final Thoughts: The Soul of Kerala Lives in Kollengode
Kollengode isn’t a place that rushes to impress. It unfolds slowly, beautifully, and meaningfully—just like a well-composed raga or a monsoon morning.
So if you’re planning a trip to Kerala and want to go beyond the beaten path, Kollengode is where your journey into the heart of rural India begins.
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