Palakkad is known as the Gateway of Kerala, giving the rest of India access to the State through what is probably the biggest mountain pass in the world (30-40 Kms) separating the two folds of the Western Ghats on the border of Kerala with Tamil Nadu. From the same pass, many foreign invaders came, giving the district a varied cultural influence and heritage.
Palakkad lies in the eastern part of the state of Kerala. It is a district abundant in natural beauty and thus is a center of attraction for the tourists. Palakkad is situated within the latitudes stretching from 10 21 to11 14 north and longitudes stretching from 76 02 to 76 45 east. Palakkad district with its headquarters at Palakkadu town is the seat of cultural growth and activities in Kerala. Bound by Tamil Nadu, Malappuram and Thrissur, the district is very much influenced by the Tamil language and culture. The district is rich in Carnatic music exponents and conducts various cultural exchanges with the rest of the country.
The total population of the district according to the census of 2001 is 26,17,072. The number of males is 12,65,794 whereas the number of females is 13,51,278. The area of Palakkad district is 4,480 sq km. Rice is produced in an abundant quantity in Palakkad. Cotton, ragi, pepper, sugarcane and others are also produced here.
Panoramic views, traditional architecture, culinary delights, wildlife and so forth exist in perfect harmony with nature, making Palakkad a perfect tourist destination. Further, the well-knit social life rooted in culture backed by a family-oriented tradition is an exclusive feature of this district.
