Palakkad

Understand

Palakkad Fort|thumb thumbnail|'Idli' or steamed rice cake come with four chutneys and sambar in Palakkad thumbnail|Vegetable shop at Olavakkod thumbnail|Cute little temple in Olavakkod Palakkad lies near a wide low gap or pass in the Western Ghats mountain ranges that separates Kerala from Tamil Nadu. Consequently the city is a major conduit for travel between the two states. Palakkad is 4,480 km² and the population is 2,617,072.

Palakkad is the land of Palmyras and Paddy fields. It is the chief granary of Kerala, often called the Gateway of Kerala. Palakkad lies at the foot of the gigantic Western ghats on the border of Kerala. This city surrounded by mountains, forests and fertile valleys, rivers and mountains streams are rich in flora and fauna.

Malayalam is widely spoken language as the rest of Kerala. However Palakkad is close to the Tamil Nadu border and people understand and speak Tamil well. You won't be very far from a person who speaks perfect English or Hindi just in case you need one.

Get in

thumb|Sunset on the road to Palakkad

Get around

Bus - Palakkad is well networked by public bus transport. The state runs KSRTC and many private operators operate bus services. Autorickshaw - This is cheap way of transportation between attractions. Rickshaw drivers are generally very polite unlike big cities of India. However, if you are a foreigner trying to get around by yourself, agree on fare before boarding. Taxi - Local taxis are also available at cheap rates. You will have to bargain. Walk - Many attractions in Palakkad like the Tippu's Fort, the Open air Auditorium called "Rapadi", the Stadiums etc are walkable.

See

thumb|The Garden near the Pothundy Dam has many statues.

Buy

thumb|Deep frying Banana Chips at a shop in Palakkad. Banana chips and jackfruit chips cooked in coconut oil are good take home food from Palakkad. Freshly fried chips will have a better taste and durability compared to packed chips. If you don't find shops deep frying chips, you can go with packed chips which are available at bakery shops and general shops in Palakkad.

Eat

thumbnail|Rice and Chicken at Olavakkod Due to its traditional Tamil-Brahmin culture, Palakkad has maintained a slight distance from Malabar cuisine, focusing more on vegetarian Tamil foods. In snacks, you can take egg puffs, banana chips and jackfruit chips, while parotta with some masala or biryani is usually taken in dinner. You can also eat dosa, idli or vada. Kalan, a vegetarian dish, is unique to Palakkad.

Sleep

thumbnail|Railway Retiring Rooms are very cheap in Palakkad. For ₹200, they give you lockable rooms with air conditioning.

Go next

Agali Hills Hill Station Nelliyampathi a hill station in the Western Ghats, 60 km from Palakkad. Parambikulam wild life sanctuary and boating Silent Valley National Park Malampuzha Gardens