Palakkad

Palakkad is a district in the State of Kerala in India. It is situated in the South West Coast of India, bounded on the North by Malappuram in the East by Coimbatore of Tamilnadu, in the South by Thrissur and in the West by Thrissur and Malappuram districts. It lies between 10'21 and 11'14 North latitude and 76'02 and 76'54 East longitude. The total geographical area of the district is 4480 sq.k.m representing 11.53 per cent of the State's geographical area. The forest land per cent covers 136257 hectares.

According to the 2001 census the population of the district is 2617072. The density of the population is 584 per Sq. km.

There are five taluks, 163 villages , four Municipal towns and ninety Panchayaths in the district. The district is divided into 13 community Development Blocks.

It is often called as the "gateway of Kerala". The Sahya Ranges bordering the region and the 32 to 40 km. long gap in the mountains exert a dominant influence on the climate of the region. This gap is known as 'Palakkad Gap'. In the past, this land was known as Palkkattussery.

History

Palakkad witnessed invasions of historical importance that have left indelible impressions on the history of Kerala.

Palakkad wss part of the erstwhile Malabar district of Madras Presidency.

Etymologists trace the word Palakkad from Palanilam meaning the dry area. Palakkad has a long history dating back to the paleolithic period which was substantiated by a number of megalithic relics discovered from this region. It also housed the Capitals of two kingdoms such as Palakkad and Kollengode, which were in prominence till a century back.

Politics

Vidhan Sabha (Legislative Assembly) constituencies and their areas after delimitation order of 2008

49 Thrithala Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Anakkara, Chalissery, Kappur, Nagalassery, Parudur, Pattithara, Thirumittacode and Thrithala Panchayats in Ottappalam Taluk.

50 Pattambi Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Koppam, Kulukkallur, Muthuthala, Ongallur, Pattambi, Thiruvegapura, Vallapuzha and Vilayur Panchayats in Ottappalam Taluk.

51 Shornur Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Shornur Municipality and Ananganadi, Chalavara, Cherpulasserry, Nellaya, Thrikkadeeri, Vaniyamkulam and Vellinezhi Panchayats in Ottappalam Taluk.

52 Ottappalam Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Ottappalam Municipality and Ambalapara, Kadampazhipuram, Karimpuzha, Lakkidi-Perur, Pookkottukavu, Sreekrishnapuram and Thachanattukara Panchayats in Ottappalam Taluk.

53 Kongad Vidhan Sabha Constituency (SC) - Kanhirapuzha, Karakurissi, Thachampara and Karimba Panchayats in Mannarkkad Taluk; Keralassery, Kongad, Mankara, Mannur and Parali Panchayats in Palakkad Taluk.

54 Mannarkkad Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Agali, Alanallur, Kottoppadam, Kumaramputhur, Mannarkkad, Pudur and Sholayur Panchayat in Mannarkkad Taluk.

55 Malampuzha Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Akathethara, Elappully, Kodumba, Malampuzha, Marutharoad, Mundur, Pudussery and Puduppariyaram Panchayats in Palakkad Taluk.

56 Palakkad Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Palakkad Municipality and Kannadi and Pirayiri Panchayats in Palakkad Taluk and Mathur Panchayat in Alathur Taluk.

57 Tarur Vidhan Sabha Constituency (SC) - Kannambra, Kavasseri, Kottayi, Kuthanur, Peringottukurissi, Puducode, Tarur and Vadakkencheri Panchayats in Alathur Taluk.

58 Chittur Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Chittur-Thathamangalam Municipality and Eruthempathy, Kozhinjampara, Nalleppilly, Pattanchery, Perumatty and Vadakarapathy Panchayats in Chittur Taluk; Peruvemba and Polpully Panchayats in Palakkad Taluk.

59 Nenmara Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Elavenchery, Koduvayur, Kollengode, Muthalamada, Nelliyampathy, Nemmara, Pallassana, Ayiloor, Puthunagaram and Vadavannur Panchayat in Chittur Taluk.

60 Alathur Vidhan Sabha Constituency - Alathur, Erimayur, Kizhakkencheri, Kuzhalmannam, Melarcode, Thenkurissi and Vandazhi Panchayats in Alathur Taluk.

Places of interest
Attappadi, Silent Valley National Park, Nelliampathy, Malampuzha Garden, Palakkad Fort, Fantasy Park, Thiruvalathoor, Dhoni, Kottayi, Kollengode, Lakkidi, Siruvani, Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary, Chittur Garumadam, Pothundy, Ottappalam, Mangalam, Siruvani, Meenkara, Parambikulam, Kanjirapuzha, J.P.Smrithi Vanam, Mayiladumpara, Mennvallom, Thunchan Gurumadom, Kunchan Smarakom