10 Things to Do in Sreekrishnapuram, Kerala

1. Visit the Famous Mangalamkunnu Elephant Sanctuary

Approx. 500 meters from Arena Gardens on Mangalamkunnu Chira Road

Mangalamkunnu is recognized across Kerala as the home of several prominent temple elephants, historically maintained by the Mangalamkunnu family. These majestic pachyderms participate in major temple poorams across Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram districts.

Visitors walking along Mangalamkunnu Chira Road can view the elephants in their resting enclosures and observe daily care routines conducted by experienced mahouts. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the coolest temperatures for a visit.

Temple elephants resting at Mangalamkunnu, within easy walking distance of Arena Gardens.

2. Explore the Historic Pariyanampatta Bhagavathy Temple

Approx. 3.5 km from Arena Gardens

Pariyanampatta Bhagavathy Temple is a centuries-old spiritual center dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. The temple is celebrated for the annual Pariyanampatta Pooram, featuring traditional shadow puppetry (Tholpavakoothu), percussion ensembles (Panchavadyam, Melam), and decorated elephant pageantry.

Surrounded by ancient banyan trees and broad rural fields, the temple grounds have also served as iconic backdrops for classic Malayalam films including Devasuram and Aaram Thamburan. Outside festival periods, the grounds remain calm and atmospheric.

Pariyanampatta Bhagavathy Temple, noted for its cultural pooram celebrations and cinematic history.

3. Peaceful Morning Walk to Perumangode Sreekrishna Temple

Approx. 1.2 km from Arena Gardens

Perumangode Sreekrishna Temple is a quiet village shrine set against green paddy fields and palm trees. A gentle morning walk to the temple offers quiet surroundings and the sound of traditional sopanam music during morning pujas.

The temple pond and old stone walls reflect traditional Kerala architectural style, with sloping tiled roofs and carved timber supports.

• Shaded walking paths along quiet village roads
• Clear temple pond and peaceful prayer atmosphere
• Authentic local village shrine away from commercial crowds

4. Sunset Trek & Canal Walk at Koonan Hills

Approx. 5 km from Sreekrishnapuram town

Koonan Hills provides an accessible scenic viewpoint overlooking the surrounding Palakkad countryside. The path crosses irrigation canal roads and gentle hillocks covered in cashew trees, bamboo thickets, and native flora.

The late afternoon light casts a warm golden hue over the tree canopies and distant outlines of the Western Ghats. It is an ideal spot for light hiking and photography.

5. Walk through Coconut Groves & Paddy Fields

Directly accessible throughout the village

One of the most rewarding aspects of Sreekrishnapuram is its walkable countryside. Paved and unpaved farm lanes meander through mature coconut plantations, arecanut groves, banana patches, and open paddy flats.

Walking early in the morning allows you to observe village life waking up: school children on bicycles, farmers watering crops, and egrets feeding along irrigation channels.

6. Savor Authentic Palakkad Vegetarian Sadhya & Local Fare

Kerala's agricultural heartland flavors

Palakkad's culinary identity is shaped by its rich agriculture and regional heritage. Signature dishes include avial, olan, kalan, kootu curry, and steaming Kerala Matta rice served with fresh pappadams and local pickles.

Local tea stalls and modest eateries in Sreekrishnapuram town serve hot parottas, appam with vegetable or egg curry, freshly fried banana fritters (pazham pori), and South Indian filter coffee.

7. Trace Famous Malayalam Cinema Shooting Spots

The cinematic landscapes of Valluvanad

The Valluvanad region surrounding Sreekrishnapuram and Ottapalam is synonymous with golden-era Malayalam cinema. Directors including A.K. Lohithadas, Priyadarshan, and Ranjith selected these lanes, river crossings, and ancestral compounds for numerous classic movies.

Exploring the village paths, old tea stalls, and banyan tree junctions lets film enthusiasts recognize familiar scenes from beloved films.

8. Visit Vellinezhi Kalagramam Arts Village

Approx. 10 km from Sreekrishnapuram

Neighboring Vellinezhi is known as a heritage village of performing arts, particularly Kathakali and traditional percussion. The village has nurtured generations of classical artists, costumers, and craftspeople who construct traditional Kathakali ornaments and headgear (Kireedam).

A short drive from Sreekrishnapuram, Vellinezhi offers a fascinating perspective on Kerala's living performing arts culture.

9. Experience Traditional Village Crafts & Pottery

Artisanal heritage in neighboring hamlets

Pockets of artisans around Sreekrishnapuram continue traditional crafts including terracotta pottery, screw-pine mat weaving, and basket making. Observing the skill involved in hand-throwing clay pots on traditional stone wheels is an educational experience for all ages.

10. Stargazing in Unpolluted Rural Night Skies

Clear open views in the Palakkad countryside

Because Sreekrishnapuram is situated away from dense city centers and industrial corridors, light pollution is minimal. On clear nights from October through May, constellations and satellite passes are visible to the naked eye above the swaying palm canopy.

Where to Stay in Sreekrishnapuram

Arena Gardens Farm Stay

For travelers seeking a peaceful base in Sreekrishnapuram, Arena Gardens is a private farm stay located on Mangalamkunnu Chira Road, just 500 meters from the elephant shelter.

The property features 5 comfortable bedrooms with attached modern bathrooms, a fully equipped self-catering kitchen, an outdoor campfire pit, and private parking. Accommodation can be booked by the floor (Ground Floor for up to 6 guests, First Floor for up to 4 guests) or as an exclusive Whole Property booking for up to 10 guests.

Arena Gardens: private 5-bedroom farm stay in Sreekrishnapuram.