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RICE BOWL OF KERALA
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Palakkad,
is one of the interior districts of Kerala. The hilly
district is devoid of any sea coast. The district is bounded
on the north and east by Nilgiri and Coimbatore districts
of Tamil Nadu respectively. It has Malappuram district
in the west and Thrissur district in the south. The district
set in the foot of majestic Western Ghats is unique in
its geographical position, historical background, educational
status and tourist attractions. The colossal Western Ghats
stretch over 960 km., in length, their continuity is broken
at Palakkad, known as 'Palakkad Gap' with a width of 32
km. On either side of the 'Palakkad Gap' are the imposing
Nilgiris and Anamalais. The climate of the
district is highly influenced by the 'Palakkad Gap', as
it enables the northeast winds to pass through it. This
phenomenon gives the benefit of both southwest and northeast
winds, resulting in rainfall to the district in both the
seasons. Palakkad district is predominantly an agricultural
area. The main crop is paddy, which is grown in three
seasons, viz., Autumn (Kanni or Viruppu), Winter (Kumbham
or Mundakam) and Summer (Punja). Other important crops
include sugarcane, groundnut, arecanut, cotton, rubber,
cardamom, coffee etc. Cashewnut is mostly grown in the
Ottappalarn and Manarghat taluks. The district has several
irrigation projects and rivers. Bharathapuzha or Ponnani
river, originates from Anamalai hills and is the longest
river in the State, although the river has little commercial
value, the people in the district hold the river in high
esteem. Bhavani and Siruvani rivers are other important
rivers of the district. The district is industrially backward.
Handloorn weaving is the important traditional industry
of the district.
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PLACES OF INTEREST
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Palakkad
Palakkad
has played a key role in the cultural
history of Southern India since time immemorial. It is
located 79 km. from Thrissur, on the Coimbatore
Thrissur highway and is a major railway junction of the
State. Palakkad derives its name from Pala (Alsteria Scholaris)
tree and Kadu (forest), as it is said the area was once
full of Pala trees.
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Paddy
fields of Palakkad
The
high rainfall helps the extensive paddy fields in
the district and the district has aptly earned the
epitaph of "Granary of Kerala" or the
"Rice bowl of Kerala". The 'Palakkad Gap'
has also contributed immensely in the commercial
and cultural exchanges between the State and other
parts of India.
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Parambikulam
Widlife Sanctuary
It is one of the best sanctuary in the
State, located 135 km. from Palakkad
via Pollachi. It covers an area of 285
sq. km. around the Parambikulam, Thunacadavu
and Peruvaripallan dams, forming a part
of the neighbouring Anaimalai Sanctuary
in Tamil Nadu. The sanctuary is home
to varied wildlife species like gaur
(bison), sambar, spotted deer, Nilgiri
langur, lion-tailed
macaque, sloth bear etc. Best
Season is Feb- April.
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Slient
Valley National Park
Located in the lush Kundai Hills 80 km. from
Palakkad. The sanctuary has perhaps the Country's
last substantial stretch of evergreen
rain forests. The key fauna include elephant,
tiger, lion tailed macaque etc. Best season is
Sept. Mar.
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Malampuzha
The town is located 12 km. north of
Palakkad town, on the lower hills of
the Western Ghats. It is surrounded
by picturesque scenery and beautiful
picnic spots. The Malampuzha Dam, described
as the 'temple of modern age' by Pandit
Jawaharlal Nehru, is a large irrigation
dam. Beautiful rose gardens
and amusement park for children have
been set around the reservoir. 'Yakshi',
the work of Kerala's famous sculptor
Kanai Kunjiraman, is also displayed
in the garden. Boating, fishing and
various watersports facilities are also
available here. Malampuzha is also known
as the headquarters of the inland fisheries
activities of Kerala.
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Kalpathy
Siva Temple
The
famous temple is located on the
banks of river Kalpathy. The annual
car festival of the temple is held in
November attracting devotees from all
over the State. Vadakkunthara Siva and
Ayyappa temples are the other important
Hindu temples in the town. Palakkad
town alone has 59 temples, 14 mosques
and 8 churches.
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Jain
Temple
The important Jain shrine located at
Vadakkanthara, is one of the very few
Jain temples in Kerala.
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Attappady
The
hilly region, on the crest of
the Western Ghats is home to the
oldest tribal settlements in the
state. It abounds in verdant valleys,
plantations, paddy fields and
numerous streamlets.
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The
Fort
The majestic fort was built by
Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766. It
is one of the best preserved forts
of the State.
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Alathur
It is located 24 km.
southwest of Palakkad.
The Alathur or Velimala
Hill, near the town
has ruins of an ancient
temple atop the hill
and a perennial natural
spring. The hill also
has a cave in the middle
with mud partitions.
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Chittur
The
town located 15 km.
south east of Palakkad,
is known for the Kongappa
festival, held every
year on the first Monday
after the dark lunar
night in Kumbhom (February
March). The festival
is celebrated to commemorate
the victory of Nairs
of Kochi over the militia
of Kongunadu (Coimbatore).
Tunchath Acharyamadom
is also located here.
It is believed to have
been founded by Tunchath
Ramanujan Ezhuthassan,
the father of Malayalam
language. Chittur is
also known for Kora
grass mat making. The
Granite carving is a
rare craft, which can
be seen in the Chittur
taluk.
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Communication
Nearest
airport is at Coimbatore
(55 km.) in Tamil Nadu and
Kochi . Palakkad is well
connected by rail and road. |
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