Introduction
The first thing that comes to anyone’s mind when we think about Palakkad is the serene picture of lush green landscapes with the backdrop of the lovely western ghats. This beautiful district derives its name from the indigenous tree, Pala tree, which was once very commonly found it these areas.
The district is also domestic to outstanding educational establishments, burgeoning industries, and a wealthy cultural background that celebrates conventional festivals and ancient landmarks. With its specific combination of natural splendor, present day improvement, and cultural richness, Palakkad stands proud as a wonderful spot for tourists, college students, and entrepreneurs alike.
Through this blog we would like to put across some of the key factors that highlight the strategical advantages of Palakkad,
- Palakkad The Green Hub of Kerala
- Growth and Development
- Education and Innovation
- Entertainment
- Hub for industrial growth
- Future of Manufacturing
- A fusion of tradition and festivals
- Testament of heritage and resilience
- A Natural Haven for Biodiversity and Adventure
Palakkad The Green Hub of Kerala
Having the total cultivated area is 49% of the total geographical area of the district, it’s safe to assume that majority of the people of Palakkad engage in agriculture. River Nila, one of the major rivers flowing through the region, brings great impact on the fertility of the soil here. Being a tropically wet climate, Palakkad gets an average annual rainfall of 200 centimetres mainly during the months from June to October.
The general rainfall pattern, the majestic western ghats, the unique feature of the “Palakkad Gap”, all together contribute to the agro climatic conditions of the district. Known as the “Granary of Kerala”, Palakkad is home to some of the most fertile land and large paddy fields making it the major contributor to the rice production of the state. Other popular crops include coconuts, spices and fruits.
Growth and Development
As the largest district in Kerala, Palakkad boasts a substantial land bank and serves as a crucial railway hub, connecting the region to various parts of India. This strategic position not only enhances its accessibility but also positions Palakkad as a prime location for significant development opportunities. The extensive railway network facilitates the movement of goods and people, fostering economic growth and attracting investments. With its fertile agricultural land, growing infrastructure, and connectivity, Palakkad is poised to become a center for industrial and commercial ventures, making it an ideal setting for businesses seeking to expand in a vibrant and resource-rich environment.
Education and Innovation
To prove this point, in the year 2015, a branch of one of the most established educational institutions has found a home, here, in Palakkad. Having started with just over a hundred college students in 2015, IIT Palakkad is now spread over a 504-acre campus on the foothills of Sahyadri mountain levels, aiming to cater over 5000 students by the year 2025.
In addition to this, Ahalya International foundation has set up “Ahalia Health Heritage and knowledge Village” which is an edu-health campus that integrates speciality hospitals and speciality education focusing on medical and pharma field. Moreover, Palakkad houses a lot of other top notch educational facilities like the IIMS, Nehru College, Chinmaya College and many more.
Entertainment
The influxion of young minds to these educational facilities have not gone unnoticed by the service/entertainment sector either. In December 2023, Lulu Group International inaugurated Lulu Mall, their 7th outlet in India, strategically located alongside the Cochin-Bangalore extension of the CBIC corridor. This expansive mall is a hub for shopping, food joints and entertainment, catering to the growing populace of youngsters within the vicinity.
Located just 10kms away from Palakkad town, Malampuzha, is one of the most popular attractions of the district. Malampuzha Dam, the second largest dam and reservoir of Kerala, surrounded by beautifully maintained lush garden and park, provides the locals as well as the tourists a nature friendly way to spend their evenings. This entertainment unit has marked the beginning of a new era for the state. A 20-minute ride at the height of 60 feet that showcases the lush green gardens and the dam is one of the first ever Ropeway set up of South India.
Similarly, the first ever amusement park of Kerala, Fantasy Park, is also situated near Malampuzha Gardens and has been operational since 1996. One other feature of Malampuzha is the snake park which was established in the year 1984 as a rescue-cum-rehabilitation centre for snakes which are either caught from human habilitations, or orphaned or injured. This snake park attracts over 3.5 Lakh visitors in a year.
Another first of a kind in Malampuzha is South India’s first Rock Garden which was inaugurated on 7th January 1996 and was designed by the renowned sculptor Padmasree Neck Chand Saini. The distinctive specialty of this feature is that the items displayed here are made from waste materials like plastic bottles, tiles, granite pieces, bangles, electric wires, fuses etc.
All these attractions together brings a lot of inflow of tourists that helps in fostering the economic growth of Palakkad.
Hub for industrial growth
Palakkad is also called the “gateway of Kerala” for the reason that the Cochin-Bangalore extension of CBIC corridor that cuts right through Palakkad has increased the connectivity of Kerala to all of India. Along this belt, also lies some of the factories and industries which are regulated by KIF, Kanjikode Industries Forum, whose aim is to revolutionize the pace of industrial development in Kerala. KIF helps neighborhood companies and promotes innovation, making sure that the industries in Palakkad thrive and adapt to trendy demands.
Future of Manufacturing
Adding jewel to the crown, in August 2024, NICDC has named Palakkad as one of the 12 locations in India to develop an Integrated Manufacturing Concern intended to revolutionize the nation’s industrial landscape. Spread over 6 of the major corridors of connectivity and across 10 states, this development truly is a fine step taken towards India’s journey in becoming a global manufacturing powerhouse. With an estimated investment of Rs.28,602 crores, these smart cities intend to create direct jobs to 1 million people and indirect jobs to over 3 million individuals.
Over 1700 acres of land for Palakkad node of this project has been handpicked for development with an investment allocation of over Rs. 3800 crores. This industrial smart city has the potential to attract investments worth Rs. 8700 crores and to create jobs for over 51000 people.
A fusion of tradition and festivals
What’s more, the rich heritage culture of Palakkad is well defined with Kalpathy being the first heritage village of Kerala known for its popular annual festival, Kalpathy Ratholsavam (chariot festival). Many more temples are situated all through the district and they host many festivals annually. This keeps the culture fresh at the hearts of people, as the locals fly down from all over the world to revisit some of their fondest childhood memories.
Testament of heritage and resilience
Palakkad Fort built by the Sultan of Mysore, Hyder Ali, in the 18th century, stands as a amazing testimony to the mixture of Kerala and European architectural styles. Nestled in the heart of Palakkad town, this historical citadel has contributed greatly in shaping the cultural identity of the place. It’s complicated layout of overwhelming partitions and fortifications, reflects the military genius of the time while incorporating elements of local plans that mirror the essence of Kerala’s history. Today it stays a well-known tourist spot, attracting enthusiasts keen to discover its rich history, lovely environment, and exquisite gardens that add to its attraction.
A Natural Haven for Biodiversity and Adventure
Palakkad is plentiful in natural endowments, showcasing a lovable form of landscapes that range from majestic mountains and flowing rivers to dense forests and expansive national parks. The area is domestic to various ecosystems, inclusive of farms and the renowned Parambikulam Tiger Reserve, wherein guided walks provide a look at the rich flowers and fauna in their natural habitat. Trekking the trails of Silent Valley National Park and taking a quick dip in the Dhoni waterfalls will give you a greater appreciation of the unique flora and fauna of this area, as well as the breathtaking splendor of nature.
All in all, whether you are an academic, an entrepreneur, a history lover, an adventure seeker, or a nature enthusiast, Palakkad definitely has something to offer to each and everyone.
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