introduction
Palakkad is one of the fourteen revenue districts of Kerala. Its geographical position, historical background, rural natural, educational status, tourist attractions and above all, the developmental activities that are carried out, are wide and varied.
This district, situated almost in the centre of State, has no coastal line. The district opens the State to the rest of the country through the Palakkad gap. This 32 to 40 kms. wide natural gap in the 960 kms. long Western Ghats is perhaps the most influential factor for the unique characteristics of the district such as climate, commercial as well as cultural exchanges between the State and the rest of the country. Palakkad witnessed invasions of historical importance that have left indelible impressions on the history of Kerala. Bharathappuzha, the longest river in Kerala, originates from the highlands and flows through the entire district.
The district is one of the main granaries of Kerala and its economy is primarily agricultural. Agriculture engages more than 65 per cent of the workers and 88.9 per cent of the district’s population is rural in nature. The proximity and easy approach to Tamil Nadu have caused the admixture of Malayalam and Tamil culture, here.
The district is perhaps the foremost in fostering Carnatic music. Great musicians like Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar and Palakkad Mani Iyer, who have enriched Carnatic music by their contributions, hailed from this district.
Forests, numerous streams, several dams and the gardens in them have made this district a tourist paradise.
Palakkad is part of the erstwhile Malabar district of Madras Presidency. The district accounts for about 11.5 per cent of the total land area of Kerala, with the share of population is 8.22 per cent. The district has got two types of climates. Ottappalam, Alathur and Mannarkkad Taluks are having a climate similar to that of other districts of Kerala, whereas Palakkad and Chittur are having rather a dry climate similar to TamilNadu. However the average rainfall is good for cultivation. There are five taluks, 163 villages , four Municipal towns and ninety Panchayaths in the district. The district is divided into 13 community Development Blocks for the effective implementation of various development activities.
Content Courtesy: Department of Information & Public Relation