Palakkad, also spelt Palghat, is a city and municipality in the state of Kerala, India. It serves as the administrative headquarters of Palakkad district and lies in the central part of Kerala, close to the border with Tamil Nadu. The city takes its name traditionally associated with the pala tree (Alstonia scholaris) and the Malayalam word kadu, meaning forest. Palakkad is geographically distinguished by the Palakkad Gap, a natural break in the Western Ghats that has historically been the principal land route between Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
| Name | Palakkad (Palghat) |
|---|---|
| State | Kerala |
| District | Palakkad |
| Country | India |
| Languages | Malayalam, Tamil |
| Type | Municipality and district headquarters |
| Notable feature | Palakkad Gap in the Western Ghats |
Palakkad lies on the eastern edge of Kerala, with the Western Ghats forming a near-continuous barrier on its eastern, northern and southern flanks. The Palakkad Gap, a roughly 40-kilometre-wide low pass through the Ghats, has shaped the city's climate, vegetation and economy. Because of this gap, Palakkad receives a stronger influence of dry winds from the Tamil Nadu plains than most other parts of Kerala, and it is generally hotter and drier than coastal districts.
The Bharathappuzha, the second longest river in Kerala, flows through the district. Tributaries such as the Kalpathi River pass close to the city. The surrounding region is known for extensive paddy cultivation, earning Palakkad district the description of the "rice bowl of Kerala".
Palakkad's location at the Palakkad Gap made it a strategic point on routes connecting the Malabar Coast with the Tamil country. The region historically came under various local chieftains, including the Palakkad Rajas. In the 18th century, the area saw the involvement of Hyder Ali of Mysore, who is associated with the construction of the Palakkad Fort, also known as Tipu's Fort, in 1766. The fort later passed into British hands and remains one of the most prominent historical structures in the city.
Under British rule, Palakkad was part of the Malabar District of the Madras Presidency. After the reorganisation of states on a linguistic basis in 1956, the Malayalam-speaking Malabar region was integrated into the new state of Kerala. The Palakkad district was formed on 1 January 1957.
Palakkad has a culturally mixed population, reflecting both Malayali and Tamil traditions due to its border location. The city has a long-standing community of Palakkad Iyers, Tamil Brahmins who settled in agraharams (traditional Brahmin street settlements) in and around the city, particularly in the Kalpathy area. The Kalpathi Ratholsavam, a temple chariot festival held at the Sri Viswanatha Swamy Temple in Kalpathy, is one of the oldest and best-known festivals in the region; the Kalpathy heritage village has been recognised as a heritage zone.
The city has contributed significantly to Carnatic music and Malayalam literature. Notable figures associated with Palakkad include the poet Kunchan Nambiar, the writer O. V. Vijayan, and the playback singer K. J. Yesudas, among others linked to the broader district.
Agriculture, particularly paddy cultivation, is central to the economy of Palakkad district. Industrial activity in and around the city includes manufacturing units in the Kanjikode industrial belt on the outskirts, which hosts engineering, automobile component and consumer goods industries. The Walayar checkpost on the Kerala–Tamil Nadu border is a major node for inter-state trade.
Palakkad hosts several institutions of higher education and research. The most prominent among them is the Indian Institute of Technology Palakkad (IIT Palakkad), established in 2015 as one of the newer IITs. The Government Victoria College, founded in the 19th century, is one of the oldest colleges in Kerala. Other institutions include engineering colleges, medical colleges and training institutes located in and around the city.
Palakkad is significant for its role as the principal gateway between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, both historically and in modern transport. Its agrarian landscape, festivals, temple traditions and contribution to Carnatic music and literature give it a distinct cultural identity within Kerala. The presence of IIT Palakkad has further added to its profile as an emerging educational centre.