Palakkad is supposed derived its name from Pala tree (Alsteria Scholaris) and kadu (forest). The whole area is said to have been once covered by 'pala' trees.
Palakkad, due to its geographical position has strategic role in the Kerala life. Before the commissioning of Konkan Railway along the Western coast, Palakkad was the gateway to Kerala from the country elsewhere. The 32 to 40 km gap in the 960km Western Ghats functions as an inlet for northeast monsoon and dry winds. N H 47, major artillery of Kerala, passes through this Ghat section.
Palakkad, the largest producer of rice is known as granary of Kerala. As many as eight rivers originates from the Palakkad hills. Among the rivers include Bharathapuzha, the longest river in the state. The hilly district has 136257 hector reserve forest including Silent Valley
The district which lies at the foot of the colossal Western Ghats has only midland and highland areas. Palakkad had witnessed several alien invasions that had left indelible impressions on the history of Kerala. The Palakkad Fort of Hyder Ali speaks volumes of Mysore invasions and the advent of the Britishers to the region.
Tourist Spots
Palakkad : The Tippu Fort in the city is a major attraction.
Malampuzha : Dam and garden, children's park, aquarium, ropeway and fantasy park
Silent Valley : Thick rain forest, habitat of rare species. Declared national park . 46 km from Mannarkkad.
Mengara : Panoramic lake and aquariums. 32 km from Palakkad.
Nelliyambathi : A perfect hideaway amid orange gardens.
Parambikkulam : Wild Life Sanctuary.
Siruvani : Eerie forest and dam, 25 km from Coimbathore.
Sholayar : The highest peak in the district., coffee, tea plantations.
Conveyance
Air: The nearest airport Coimbatore, 55kms. away. Cochin Airport, 16Okms. away. Calicut airport 180 km away.
Rail: Bus service to all parts of Kerala and major cities in Tamilnadu, more so Coimbathore
Road: Palakkad and Shornoore are major railway stations. Services to Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangalore sectors.
Palakkad, due to its geographical position has strategic role in the Kerala life. Before the commissioning of Konkan Railway along the Western coast, Palakkad was the gateway to Kerala from the country elsewhere. The 32 to 40 km gap in the 960km Western Ghats functions as an inlet for northeast monsoon and dry winds. N H 47, major artillery of Kerala, passes through this Ghat section.
Palakkad, the largest producer of rice is known as granary of Kerala. As many as eight rivers originates from the Palakkad hills. Among the rivers include Bharathapuzha, the longest river in the state. The hilly district has 136257 hector reserve forest including Silent Valley
The district which lies at the foot of the colossal Western Ghats has only midland and highland areas. Palakkad had witnessed several alien invasions that had left indelible impressions on the history of Kerala. The Palakkad Fort of Hyder Ali speaks volumes of Mysore invasions and the advent of the Britishers to the region.
Tourist Spots
Palakkad : The Tippu Fort in the city is a major attraction.
Malampuzha : Dam and garden, children's park, aquarium, ropeway and fantasy park
Silent Valley : Thick rain forest, habitat of rare species. Declared national park . 46 km from Mannarkkad.
Mengara : Panoramic lake and aquariums. 32 km from Palakkad.
Nelliyambathi : A perfect hideaway amid orange gardens.
Parambikkulam : Wild Life Sanctuary.
Siruvani : Eerie forest and dam, 25 km from Coimbathore.
Sholayar : The highest peak in the district., coffee, tea plantations.
Conveyance
Air: The nearest airport Coimbatore, 55kms. away. Cochin Airport, 16Okms. away. Calicut airport 180 km away.
Rail: Bus service to all parts of Kerala and major cities in Tamilnadu, more so Coimbathore
Road: Palakkad and Shornoore are major railway stations. Services to Chennai, Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram and Mangalore sectors.