Palakkad

Celebrated as the Granary of Kerala, Palakkad is a vast stretch of fertile plains interspersed with hills, rivers, mountain streams and forests. The gateway to Kerala from the north, a 40 kilometre break in the mountains known as the Palakkad Gap gives access to this land situated at the foot of the Western Ghats. The pass acts as a corridor between Kerala and the neighbouring Tamil Nadu and played a key role in the trade relations between the east and west coasts of peninsular India. Deriving its name from the Malayalam words Pala (Alsteriascholaris) and Kadu (forest), this place was once a stunning expanse of forest covered with the sweet-scented flowers of the Pala tree. A potpourri of Tamil and Kerala culture, some of the finest Carnatic musicians hail from this district which continues to be a principally agrarian society.

Places to visit: Palakkad Fort, Malampuzha Garden, Fantasy Park, Pothundy, Thiruvalathoor, Dhoni, Kottayi, Kollangode, Lakkidi, Meenkara, Ottappalam, Siruvani, Mangalam Dam, Thrithala, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Nelliyampathy, Chittur Garumadam, Thenari, Mayiladumpara, jain Temple of Jainimedu, Thiruvegappura Sankaranarayana Temple, The Ongallur Taliyil Shiva Temple, Attappady, Silent Vaalley National Park