Pristine dense forests, lush paddy fields, gushing waterfalls and rich history close to form Palakkad, lying at the foot of the Western Ghats in Kerala, a desirable tourist destination. Popularly referred to as the granary of Kerala, this fertile stretch of land is where several legendary battles were fought against British regime and where nature is at its bountiful best. The dense forests of Palakkad shelter gorgeous species of flora and fauna and just cruising through the varied reserves, national parks and bird sanctuaries is an experience not easily forgotten.

From the mesmerising Mayiladumpara Peacock Sanctuary, where you’re likely to seek out one or more peacocks dancing in their glorious splendour, to the Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, where tigers prowling to water holes may be a common sight, Palakkad allows you to observe nature at close quarters. The place derives its name from the Malayalam words pala (a quite tree) and kadu (forest), and history says it had been once a spectacular forest covered with the sweet-scented flowers of the pala tree.

Palakkad features a rich history. consistent with William Logan, the author of the Malabar Manual, the Pallava dynasty of Kanchi (275 CE- 897 CE) may need invaded Malabar within the 2nd or 3rd century AD. one among their headquarters was an area called ‘Palakada’, which might be the present-day Palakkad. In 1757, the Zamorin of Calicut invaded Palakkad and therefore the Raja of Palakkad sought the assistance of Hyder Ali of Mysore. After Hyder Ali helped the raja win, the land of Palakkad passed into the hands of the rulers of Mysore, Ali and his son Tipu Sultan. This history lives on within the Palakkad Fort, which has witnessed several battled between the Mysore kings and therefore the British.

A 40-km break within the mountains, referred to as the Palakkad Gap, gives access to Palakkad. it’s through this pass that a lot of settlers came to the land and therefore the spice trade flourished. This multicultural influence is clear in its temples and palaces. Even today, Palakkad may be a potpourri of varied cultures, and a few of the best Carnatic musicians hail from this region.