Introduction

Palakkad town is an exceptionally significant town of Kerela and it is located on between the break of the Western Ghats, which therefore, make it a visit for people who cross Tamil Nadu and on their way to Coimbatore. Palakkad is also known as "Palghat" and is located between the Nilgiri Hills (north) and the Anaimalai Hills (south) and is about 32 km broad. The place has been blessed with affluent flora and fauna, palm trees and paddy grounds. Being in the border of the two states Palakkad town has a mixed culture mainly in case of its cuisines, marriage and the festival rituals.

Naming of Palakkad

Its earlier name Palghat was added by British Raj. It is believed that the name Palakkad is a combination of two Malayalam words, "Pala" (name of a flower tree) which was known for barren land all through the Sangam era and "Kadu", which means woods. It indicates that the area was previously roofed with forest of these trees.

History of Palakkad

There are different theories which are related to the origin of Palakkad. One among them is that, it is caused by the earthquake due to rivers flowing in contradictory directions. The Bharatha Puzha River creates in the Palakkad Gap from streams and tributaries nourishing from vertical escarpment inclines down with the edges of the Ghats. Palakkad gap has played a key role in enabling human immigration into Kerala from parts of Tamil Nadu. Since 300 B.C. to 13th century, it also helped the Cheras regulation, the complete Kerala and the Kongu Nadu as one biological part from Karur in Western Tamil Nadu. Tamil Brahmins migrated to Palakkad from Central Tamil Nadu through the Palakkad gap from the 15th century to 18th century.

Climate of Palakkad

Palakkad town has a steamy soaking and dry weather conditions. Temperatures remain moderate all through the year, exception in March and April, being the hottest months. A very high amount of rainfall is received in Palakkad, mostly because of the South-West heavy rain. July is the wettest month and the total yearly rainfall is approximately 211 cm.

Demography of Palakkad

According to the Census report of 2011, residents of Palakkad in 2011 are 130,955, out of which male and female are 63,833 and 67,122 correspondingly. Literates in Palakkad city are 112,479 and out of which 56,065 are males whereas 56,414 are females. Hindus form 68 percent of the population with 89098 members. Muslims constitute 27.9 percent of the population with 36620 members. Christians constitute 3.8 percent of the population with 5006 members. Malayalam is the most spoken language.

Culture and Traditions of Palakkad

Palakkad is known for its cultural tradition. Following the harvesting, in the months of March and April, a festival called "Vela" is celebrated in a number of villages which comprises a procession, which is its highlight. This procession includes of decorated elephants, usual orchestra with instruments like Pandimelam, Panchavadyam and Thayambaka and fireworks. This popular festival is also celebrated in nearest districts and the neighbouring state of Tamil Nadu. Two of the other famous festivals here are Nemmara Vellangi Vela and Chinakkathur Pooram.

Tamil Brahmin"s "Kalpathy Ratholsavam" festival is very significant, when the deities of the temples are taken out on a procession in vast chariots. It is said that throughout these days, the Gods move out of their temples to visit his devotees. Along with these, some of the other well-known festivals celebrated in Palakkad contain Pongal, Vadakkanthara and Saraswati Pooja.

Palakkad has been blessed with a rich musical folklore. Sri Palakkad Mani Iyer, the unique genius of Mridangam and Late Sri Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, an advocate of Carnatic music were born here. Another popular celebrity, Sri C. Sankaran Nair was born in Mankara. The district is home to some well-known personalities such as late K.P. Kesava Menon, a freedom fighter, journalist and celebrated author.

Education of Palakkad

There are number of colleges and institutes situated in Palakkad. Some of them are as follows:

•Govt. Victoria College.
•NSS College.
•Mercy College.
•V.R. Krishnan Ezhuthachan Law College.
•Govt. Medical College.
•Al-Ameen Engineering College.
•Ahalia School of Engineering & Technology.
•Vishnu Ayurved College.
•Royal Dental College.
•Govt. Engineering College.
•Govt. Arts and Science College.

Administration of Palakkad

Under the modified Indian Constitution, decentralised forecast has been applied in the state. The headquarters of the District Panchayat is at Palakkad town. The District Panchayat office building is next to the Civil Station.

Economy of Palakkad

Palakkad is the one of the most agrarian districts in Kerala. Palakkad is chiefly recognized for paddy agriculture. Paddy is developed in about 83,998 hectares which occupies the first place in the manufacturing of rice in the state. Palakkad is also occupies the first position in the state for the production of groundnut, tamarind, turmeric, tuber, vegetables, pulses, mango, banana, plantain and cotton and also rubber, coconut, areca nut, black pepper, etc. are planted widely similar to the other parts of Kerala.

Kerala"s IIT Palakkad has started actions in its provisional campus at Kanjikode, Palakkad from 3rd August 2015. A lot of industries are situated in the Kanjikode Industrial Area, which is termed as the second biggest industrial area in Kerala. Numerous central government institutions are located in this area of Palakkad which is the first paperless income district by computerizing, 5 taluks and 156 village offices. There are different industries in the district. The Public Sector companies and Instrumentation Limited have plants in Kanjikode, 12 kms (7.5 miles) from Palakkad town. Other big companies are the BPL group, Coca-Cola and Pepsi.

Tourism in Palakkad

Loknayak Smrithivanam and Deer Park : Loknayak Smrithivanam and Deer Park is situated at 22 kms from Palghat. The Smrithivanam and Deer Park covers an area of 100 acres of reserve forest at Walayar along the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border. Deer and other animals can be seen moving freely in this area. Facilities for Elephant rides are also provided.

Thiruvalathoor : Thiruvalathoor is situated at a distance of 10 km drive from Palakkad. It is an ancient temple with some wood carvings and stone sculptures.

Meenvallam : Meenvallam is situated 8 km from Thuppanad junction on the Palakkad-Manarkad route. The waterfalls of this place are little known but they are combination of enchanting beauty and scenic splendour. The water falls from about 20 to 25 feet and the depth is around 15 to 20 feet. There are 10 steps of waterfalls, of which, eight are located in the upper hills inside the dense forest thereby remaining inaccessible.

Punarjani Cave : Punarjani Cave is situated 2 km from the Tiruvilawamala temple. It is a natural tunnel in the rocky cliff. The main deity of the temple is Sri Raman. The idol here is believed to be `swayambhoo` i.e. born on its own and its abode is on the Western side.

Sri Vilwadrinatha Temple : Sri Vilwadrinatha Temple is about 15 km from Ottapalam, at "Thiruvilvamala". It is dedicated to Lord Rama and Lord Lakshmana, the divine brothers in the great epic `The Ramayana`.

Sri Thirumandam Kunnu Bhagavathy Temple : Sri Thirumandam Kunnu Bhagavathy Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy. It is situated at Kongad about 20 km from Palakkad.

Alathur Temple Complex : Alathur Temple Complex complex is situated at Alathur near Palakkad. It includes four temples dedicated to Lord Shiva or Mahadeva, Lord Krishna, Lord Varadaraja and Goddess Mahalakshmi.

Kottapuram Bhagavathy Temple : Kottapuram Bhagavathy Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhagavathy at Kottapuram. It is easily accessible from Palakkad.

Palakkad Fort : Palakkad Fort was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore. This medieval fort was built in the heart of the city in 1766. In 1790, the British East Indian Company made some renovations and modifications to it. The Archaeological Survey of India is now taking care of this fort.

Fantasy Park : Fantasy Park offers to make the fantasies come true. The usual visiting time is from 14:00 to 21:00 hrs on weekdays and it becomes 11:00 to 2100 hrs on Saturdays, Sundays and National Holidays. The entrance fee is Rs.20 for adults and Rs.10 for children. There is extra charge for the pleasure rides and computer games.

Pothundy : Pothundy is situated about 45 km from Palakkad on the way to Nelliyampathy. The beautiful reservoir complex found here is perfect for short and sweet picnics.

Dhoni : Dhoni is a lavish sylvan region with a refreshing waterfall. The visitors need to trek for three long hours to reach to the foot of the beautiful Dhoni hills.

Malampuzha Dam : Malampuzha Dam is a wonderful dam in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This is a beautifully laid garden with a variety of brilliant and colourful flowers. It has the meticulously manicured grass lawn, the marvellous meadows and fabulous fountains displaying an orchestrated water show.

The site of the Malampuzha Dam lies in the cauldron formed by the Western Ghat. The great stretch of the serene lake formed by the dam provides boating facilities. During the cool dark night, numerous lights sparkle like bright pearls arranged on a black sheet of cloth. This is a rare beauty. These lights are usually illuminated only in the week ends. On other days, it can be arranged through the executive engineer after paying a fixed fee.

There is also a swimming pool with high diving stages in this dam. An aquarium and pleasure rides like the boating and the ropeway winch, a snake park and a children`s park are among other attractions of the Malampuzha Dam. The garden here opens by 10:00 hrs and closes by 18:00 hrs. One can enjoy the boat riding from 10:00 to 18:00 hrs. Swimming Pool remains open from 12:00 to 20:00 hrs. The tower remains open for the visitors from 10:00 to 17:00 hrs.

Kollengode : Kollengode is situated about 19 km south of Palakkad. The term `Kollengode` literally means `Abode of Blacksmiths`, who cherish the rural beauty of Palakkad. Ancient monuments like the Kollengode palace, the temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and the memorial of the renowned poet P. Kunhiraman Nair can be seen here.

Lakkidi : Lakkidi is about 30 km from Palakkad. The house of the 18th century poet `Kunchan Nambiar` is situated here, which is a historic monument.

Meenkara Dam : Meenkara Dam is a beautiful dam across the enchanting river Gayathri. It merges with Bharathapuzha and is an exciting picnic spot.

Ottappalam : Ottappalam is well known for several places of worship here. A number of grand festivals celebrated here, makes it popular.

Mangalam Dam : Mangalam Dam is located about 50 km from Palakkad. The beautiful Cherukunnath River, a tributary of the famous Mangalam River is intercepted by this wonderful dam. It is also a popular picnic spot.

Thrithala : Thrithala is situated about 75 km from Palakkad. This place is significant for the presence of ancient monuments and the dilapidated remains of the previously famous structures. One can find a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and the ruins of a mud fort near this place. The archeologists visit here to research on the Kattilmadam Temple, which is a small but subtle Buddhist monument. It is supposed to be of the 9th or the 10th century and is made of granite on the Pattambi-Guruvayoor road.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary : Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of about 285 sq. km. Several rare and the common creatures can be found here. Boating and cruising facilities are available here. The State Forest Department at Thoonakkadavu, Thellikkal and Anappady provide accommodations at the rest houses available there. The adventurous tourists interested to stay in the tree house, need to do advance reservation. "Kannimari", the famous oldest teak tree can be seen here. The visitors need to take permission from the Divisional Forest Officer, Parambikulam to enter the sanctuary.

Siruvani Dam : Siruvani Dam is about 48 km from Palakkad. This is a beautiful dam, which was built across the serene river Siruvani. It is a popular picnic spot. One of the two gateways on either side of the length of the dam is built in traditional Kerala style of architecture while the other in the traditional Tamil Nadu style.

Nelliyampathy ; Nelliyampathy is a hill resort is about 467meter to 1572 meter above the sea level. It is situated 40 km south of Nenmara. It is an evergreen forest spread lavishly along the incline. It is a good place for the trekkers. The DTPC, Palakkad provides accommodation.

Thenari : Thenari is famous for the temple dedicated to Lord Rama. There is a natural spring in front of the temple. The waters of this spring is considered to be as sacred as that of the magnificent, perennial, Holy river Ganges in which a dip cleanses souls.

Attappady : Attappady is situated about 38 km on the northeast of Mannarkad. It has picturesque mountains, elegant rivers and thick verdant forests. Being the land of tribals, it attracts the anthropologists. The local people worship the Malleeswaram Peak, which looks like the Holy Sivalinga. Here, the Shivarathri festival is celebrated very enthusiastically. The PWD rest house and a few private hotels at Agali provide accommodations.

Thiruvegappura Sankaranarayana Temple : Sankaranarayana is the presiding deity of Thiruvegappura Sankaranarayana Temple. The deity is a unique combination of one half by Lord Siva and by Lord Vishnu on the other. It is a 14th century temple. The auditorium here is known as the `Koothambalam` and it is believed to be a later addition in the 15th or the 16th century.

Ongallur Taliyil Siva Temple : Ongallur Taliyil Shiva Temple is situated near Pattambi. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and displays the architectural skills of the period. Some of the most intricate laterite sculptures can be seen here. The Shivaratri festival is celebrated here annually.

Silent Valley National Park : Silent Valley National Park is situated about 40 km on the northwest of Mannarkad. Now, it covers an area of about 89.52 sq km. The persistent chirping of the cicadas, which is very common in sylvan regions, is absent here. This feature of the park makes it known as the silent valley. The visitors need to do a trekking of about 24 km since the Ghat terrain makes vehicle movement possible only beyond that distance. The visitors need to take the permission of the Wildlife Warden, Silent Valley National Park, Mukkali to go there.