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.
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