Palakkad District

Introduction

Palakkad, one of the 14 districts in Kerala, is renowned as the “Granary of Kerala” for its rich agricultural heritage. Established on January 1, 1957, the district is centrally located in the state, with Palakkad city serving as its administrative headquarters.

Geography and Location

• Area: The district is Kerala’s second-largest district, after Idukki.
• Borders:
  • Northwest: Malappuram district
  • Southwest: Thrissur district
  • Northeast: Nilgiris district (Tamil Nadu)
  • East: Coimbatore district (Tamil Nadu)
• Palakkad Gap: Known as the Gateway to Kerala, the Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats facilitates connectivity between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Key Geographic Features

• Highest Point:
  • Anginda Peak: At 2,383 meters, it is the district’s highest point, located in the Silent Valley National Park at the border of Palakkad, Nilgiris, and Malappuram districts.
• Proximity to Capital:
  • The city of Palakkad is approximately 347 kilometers (216 miles) northeast of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala’s state capital.

Climate

• It enjoys a generally pleasant climate, except during the summer months.
• The district receives significant rainfall, benefiting from the monsoons and contributing to its agricultural prominence.

Rivers and Water Bodies

It is blessed with several rivers and dams that play a pivotal role in its agriculture and ecology:

• Bharathapuzha River:
  • Numerous small and medium rivers in Palakkad are tributaries of this river.
• Bhavani River:
  • A tributary of the Kaveri River, it flows through the district.
• Kadalundi River:
  • Originates in the Silent Valley National Park.
• Chalakudy River:
  • Passes through parts of the district.

Dams in Palakkad

• Malampuzha Dam:
  • The largest dam in Palakkad, it is a major tourist attraction with scenic gardens and boating facilities.
• Parambikulam Dam:
  • Known for having the largest volume capacity in the district.

Conclusion

Palakkad stands out as a vital district in Kerala, both geographically and economically. Its strategic location, natural beauty, and agricultural significance make it a unique blend of tradition and progress, earning it the title of Kerala’s “Granary.”