Kollengode Town, Kerala, takes its name from blacksmiths. “Kollen” refers to the blacksmith community that lived here, and the name stayed even after the area came under a royal family and later became famous for its landscapes. In June 2023, industrialist Anand Mahindra shared a list of India’s most beautiful villages, and Kollengode featured prominently, bringing a wave of new visitors.
Kollengode sits at the foot of the Nelliyampathy hills in Palakkad district, close to the Tamil Nadu border, surrounded by paddy fields, palaces and waterfalls. Here’s where it is, how to get there, and what’s nearby.
Kollengode at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| District | Palakkad, Kerala |
| Name origin | “Kollen,” the local blacksmith community |
| Old name | Venganad |
| Nicknames | Rice Bowl of Palakkad, Palace City |
| Local body | Kollengode Grama Panchayat (also block HQ) |
| Area | 49.33 sq km |
| Population (2011) | 29,587 |
| Elevation | About 123 m |
| PIN code | 678506 |
| Vehicle registration | KL-70 |
| River | Gayathripuzha, a tributary of the Bharathapuzha |
| Railway station | Kollengode (KLGD), opened 1904 |
| Distance from Palakkad | About 19–26 km (sources vary) |
From Venganad to Kollengode
The area was once known as Venganad. It later came under the Kollengode royal family, who were vassals of the Zamorin of Kozhikode. Their palace, built in traditional Kerala style, is still a local landmark.
Kollengode Palace
- History: The former seat of the Kollengode rajas.
- Style: Traditional Kerala architecture.
- Today: One travel site says it has been converted into a luxury hotel with an Ayurvedic spa. Check its current status before visiting.
Why It’s Called the Rice Bowl
Kollengode is surrounded by wide stretches of green paddy fields, with coconut groves and the Nelliyampathy hills in the background. This landscape is why it’s often called the “Rice Bowl of Palakkad,” and it’s also why Kollengode is so popular with photographers.
Places to See
- Kachamkurissi Temple: A well-known Vishnu temple in traditional Kerala style.
- Kunhiraman Nair Memorial: Dedicated to the celebrated Malayalam poet.
- Chinganchira Karuppuswamy Temple: A nature temple set inside a huge banyan tree.
- Seetharkundu: A viewpoint and waterfall. Be careful during the monsoon, when the currents are strong.
- Govindamalai: A trekking spot near Kachamkurissi.
- Nelliyampathy Hills: Tea and coffee estates and cool weather, a popular day trip.
Getting to Kollengode Town, Kerala
By Rail
- Kollengode station (KLGD): On the Palakkad–Pollachi line, opened in 1904. It’s a small NSG-6 station with 3 platforms, and it doesn’t handle many trains.
- Where the line goes: The broad-gauge line runs south towards Pollachi, Palani, Dindigul, Madurai and Rameswaram.
- Palakkad Junction: The best station for long-distance trains, with connections to Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai, Mangaluru, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Hyderabad and Coimbatore.
By Road
- From Palakkad: Take a bus from the Stadium Bus Stand. The ride takes about 40–50 minutes.
- From Thrissur: The route goes through the Kuthiran tunnel, described as South India’s longest six-lane road tunnel.
- Via Oottara: The Palakkad–Kollengode road passes through Oottara, which also connects to Muthalamada and Pollachi.
By Air
Coimbatore International Airport in Tamil Nadu is the nearest airport. Cochin International Airport is further away but has more flights.
Nearby Areas
- Kollengode block: Includes the panchayats of Kollengode, Koduvayur, Puthunagaram, Vadavannur, Muthalamada and Nenmeni.
- Muthalamada: Known for its mango orchards and its own station on the Pollachi line.
- Pollachi: Across the Tamil Nadu border, a major market town and film location.
- Palakkad: The district headquarters, about 19–26 km away.
Tips for Visiting
- Best time: Just after the monsoon, from September to January, when the paddy fields are green and the waterfalls are full.
- Photography: Early morning and late afternoon give the best light over the fields.
- Waterfalls: Avoid swimming at Seetharkundu during heavy rain.
- Getting around: Hire an auto or taxi to reach scattered sites such as Seetharkundu and Govindamalai.
FAQs
Q1. Why is Kollengode famous?
It’s known for its paddy fields, the Nelliyampathy hills and traditional Kerala architecture. It gained wider fame after Anand Mahindra shared it in a June 2023 post about India’s most beautiful villages.
Q2. How did Kollengode get its name?
From “Kollen,” the blacksmith community that lived here. The area was earlier called Venganad.
Q3. How do I reach Kollengode from Palakkad?
Take a bus from Palakkad’s Stadium Bus Stand, which takes about 40–50 minutes. Kollengode station is on the Palakkad–Pollachi line, but Palakkad Junction has far more trains.