Palakkad
Palakkad – The Gateway to Kerala
Palakkad, often referred to as the gateway to Kerala, serves as a vital link between the State and the rest of India. Known for its wide stretches of paddy fields and iconic palmyra trees, the district is a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. The name Palghat, once commonly used, was a colonial-era adaptation by the British.
Located near the Palakkad Gap—a natural pass in the Western Ghats—the region acts as a corridor between Kerala and the neighboring state of Tamil Nadu. This geographical feature makes the district both climatically unique and strategically important.
Palakkad’s landscape is marked by lush forests, rivers, dams, and wildlife reserves, making it one of Kerala’s most scenic districts. The famous Silent Valley National Park, located on the slopes of the Nilgiri Hills, is a biodiversity hotspot and a major attraction for nature lovers and researchers alike.
The district is also home to rare species of birds and animals, historic forts, and Ayurvedic wellness centers that uphold traditional healing practices. These features make Palakkad a distinctive destination for those interested in heritage, ecology, and wellness tourism.
Etymology and History of Palakkad
Etymology:
The name Palakkad is believed to have evolved from older forms like Palakkattussery. According to one theory, the word is derived from “Palai nilam”, meaning arid or dry land, referring to the region's terrain in earlier times. However, the more widely accepted view is that the name comes from a combination of two Malayalam words — “Pala”, the name of a native tree found in abundance in the region, and “Kadu”, meaning forest. Hence, Palakkad likely means “forest of Pala trees.”
History:
Though the early history of Palakkad remains largely obscure, archaeological findings such as megalithic structures suggest human presence as far back as the Paleolithic era.
During the early medieval period, the area was under the control of the Perumals, who ruled over much of Kerala. After their decline, their local chieftains or governors, known as Utayavars, assumed control and divided the land among themselves.
Historian William Logan, in his renowned Malabar Manual, mentions that Palakkad may have been influenced by the Pallavas of Kanchipuram, who could have invaded the Malabar region during the 2nd and 3rd centuries CE.
One of the earliest known historical references to Palakkad dates to 988 AD, when the local ruler Nedumpurayur Nadudayavar successfully defended the region from an invasion by the Kongunadu kings at Chittur. This victory is still commemorated with an annual festival in the area. The ruling family of Nedumpurayur later came to be known as Tarur Swaroopam, and eventually as the Palakkad Raja Swaroopam.
In the year 1757, facing repeated attacks from the Zamorin of Calicut, the Raja of Palakkad turned to Hyder Ali of Mysore for military support. Hyder Ali successfully drove out the Zamorin’s forces and regained the lost territories of Palakkad. However, he soon took control of the region for himself. Later, his son Tipu Sultan inherited authority over Palakkad and the surrounding areas, becoming the dominant power in the region.
Following Tipu Sultan's defeat in his conflict with the British, he was forced to relinquish his hold over the Malabar territories. As part of a treaty with the English East India Company, these areas — including Palakkad — came under British control in 1792 (not 1872; the correct year of the treaty is 1792). From that point onward, Palakkad was integrated into the Malabar District under the Madras Presidency during British colonial rule.
ART AND CULTURE
Palakkad district is known for its deep-rooted cultural heritage and has contributed significantly to the classical art forms of Kerala. Traditional performances like Chakyar Koothu, Thullal, Kathakali, and Mohiniyattam have flourished here, thanks to generations of dedicated artists.
It is believed that Thunchathu Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, regarded as the father of Malayalam language and literature, spent his final years in Chittur, where a memorial called Thunchathu Acharya Madam now stands in his honor. Another cultural icon, Kunchan Nambiar, who created the vibrant art form of Thullal, was born in Killikurissimangalam (near Lakkidi) in this district.
Renowned Kathakali artist Vazhenkada Kunju Nair, a leading exponent of the Kalluvazhi style of Kathakali, hailed from this region. So too did Mani Madhava Chakyar, a master of Koothu and Koodiyattam. Palakkad has also been a hub of musical excellence, being the birthplace of Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar, a legendary Carnatic vocalist, and Palakkad Mani Iyer, an acclaimed mridangam artist.
Temples in the district feature exceptional murals and stone carvings that reflect the region’s artistic richness. Other notable personalities include K.P.S. Menon, a distinguished diplomat and author, K.P. Kesava Menon, a noted freedom fighter and journalist, and Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pillai, who spent years in exile in Vadakkanthara near Palakkad town.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Palakkad Fort
Constructed in 1766 by Hyder Ali of Mysore, this impressive fortification later came under British control after multiple battles and brief occupation by the Zamorin’s troops. Known also as Tipu’s Fort, it remains well preserved and houses a sub-jail within its premises. The fort’s architecture and historic legacy attract history lovers and tourists alike.
Malampuzha Dam and Gardens
Located at the foothills of the Western Ghats, the Malampuzha Dam is built across the Bharathapuzha River. The adjacent Malampuzha Gardens, modeled after the Mughal gardens, include a children’s amusement park, ropeway, fish-shaped aquarium, and boating facilities — making it one of the most visited tourist spots in the district.
Kalpathy Agraharam
One of the oldest Brahmin settlements in Kerala, Kalpathy lies along the Kalpathy River. Its Ratholsavam (chariot festival) held annually draws devotees and visitors from far and wide. With its age-old temples and Tamil-Brahmin architecture, Kalpathy offers a glimpse into a unique cultural blend.
Dhoni Waterfalls
Surrounded by forests and hills, Dhoni is a scenic trekker’s delight located about 15 km from Palakkad town. The waterfalls nestled in the Western Ghats are a peaceful retreat, and the nearby temple dedicated to Lord Shiva adds spiritual charm to the destination.
PHYSIOGRAPHY AND GEOGRAPHICAL CONDITIONS
Palakkad is often called the "Rice Bowl of Kerala", thanks to its vast paddy fields and fertile soil. The Palakkad Gap, a natural low pass in the Western Ghats, creates a major climatic and geographical distinction for the region, linking Kerala to Tamil Nadu and facilitating trade, travel, and wind movement.
The major rivers flowing through the district include Bharathapuzha (Nila), Kalpathy, Chitturpuzha, Bhavani, Kollengode, Shiruvani, Thuthapuzha, Kannadi, and Gayathri. These rivers support agriculture and provide drinking water to the region.
The climate is typically tropical, with hot summers from February to April. Palakkad is agriculturally rich, cultivating a variety of crops such as paddy, coconut, banana, sugarcane, cotton, groundnut, black gram, ragi, pepper, and pulses. Chittur taluk is especially noted for sugarcane farming.
Agricultural research and support institutions like the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Soil Testing Laboratory, Fertilizer Quality Control Lab, Mushroom Laboratory, and Agricultural Engineering Workshop are all located here, reflecting the district’s prominence in the agricultural sector.
Palakkad district is geographically situated between 10°46' and 10°59' North latitude and 76°28' and 76°39' East longitude. It is strategically located, sharing its boundaries with Malappuram district to the north and northwest, Thrissur district to the south, and the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu to the east. This unique positioning also gives the district its role as a key gateway between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, especially through the Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats.
The district features diverse terrain, ranging from fertile plains to hilly landscapes. Among the prominent highlands, Anjinad, rising to an elevation of 2386.14 meters, is the highest peak in the district. Other significant elevations include Karimala, Karimala Gopuram, Kalladikode, Nellikkotta (also known as Padagiri), and Vellachimudi, each contributing to the ecological and geographical diversity of the region. These forested hill ranges are part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its biodiversity and environmental significance.
