Palakkad
Palakkad is a land of valleys, hillocks, rivers, forests, mountain streams, dams and irrigation projects. Situated at the foot of the Western Ghats of India, Palakkad is the gateway to Kerala from the north. Palakkad derives its name from the Malayalam words Pala (a tree Alsteria scholaris) and Kadu (forest), which goes to prove that this place was once a beautiful stretch of forests covered with the sweet-scented flowers of the Pala tree.
Palakkad (the other name Palghat is a contribution of the British Raj) is prime among Kerala's most picturesque districts, thanks to its distinctive palmyra trees and extensive green paddy fields. Tourists who travel to Palakkad can visit 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. Palakkad is rightfully therefore known as the Gateway of Kerala, giving the rest of India access to the state. For precisely the same reasons, Palakkad had to bear the brunt of invasions from the bordering kingdoms in the past. Palakkad is a melting pot of different cultures and ethnic denominations, enriching its life, arts & culture.
Not much is known about Palakkad's ancient history. It dates back to the Palaeolithic period, and several megalithic relics have been found in the region. One of the earliest records about Palakkad has a chronicle of a war victory in A.D 988 when the king of Palakkad, Nedumpurayur Nadudayavar, stopped an invasion by the forces of the King of Kongunadu at Chittur. Even today, a festival is celebrated in memory of this victory at Chittur. The Nedumpurayur royal family was later known as Tarur Swaroopam and finally as Palakkad Raja Swaroopam.
For more information on Palakkad Kerala India Tour please contact us.
|
