Celebrated as the granary of Kerala, Palakkad is a vast expanse of verdant plains interspersed with hills, rivers, mountain streams and forests. The gateway to Kerala from the north, a 40 kilometre break in the mountains known as the Palakkad Gap gives access to this land situated at the foot of the Western Ghats. The pass acts as a corridor between Kerala and neighbouring Tamil Nadu and played a major role in the trade contacts between east and west coasts of peninsular India. Deriving its name from the Malayalam words Pala (Alsteria scholaris) and Kadu (forest), this place was once a beautiful stretch of forest covered with the sweet-scented flowers of the Pala tree. A potpourri of Tamil and Kerala culture, some of the finest Carnatic musicians hail from this region which continues to be a largely agrarian society.

ACCESSIBILITY

Telephone access code: +91-491

Air: Nearest airport: Coimbatore (55 km)

Rail: Palakkad Junction Railway Station (5 km from the city) is a major railhead of the Southern Railways.

Road: Palakkad is connected by an excellent network of roads to all the major cities in India. KSRTC bus stand Ph: 2520098 Bus timings: To Malampuzha: Frequent bus services (0600 - 2000 hrs) To Silent Valley National Park: Bus services from Mannarkad to Mukkali every hour. Transportation from Mukkali to Silent Valley to be arranged through the Forest Department. Contact Wildlife Warden, Mukkali. To Nelliyampathy: 0430, 0530, 0700, 0930, 1230, 1330, 1700 hrs

Tourist information office:

• DTPC Information Counter, Near Children's Park, Palakkad Telefax: 2538996

MUST SEE

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary
Malampuzha Garden
Silent Valley National Park
Tipu's Fort
Nelliyampathy Hill Station