The Palakkad Gap, also known as Palghat Gap, is one of the most significant geographical features of Palakkad district. This major mountain pass in the Western Ghats connects Kerala to Tamil Nadu, making it a crucial transportation corridor.
The gap is approximately 30-40 kilometers wide and is located at an elevation of about 300 meters above sea level. It serves as a natural gateway between the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, facilitating road and rail connectivity. The gap is formed by the Nilgiri Hills to the north and the Anamalai Hills to the south.
The Palakkad Gap plays a vital role in the climate of the region, allowing the southwest monsoon winds to penetrate into the interior parts of Tamil Nadu. This geographical feature has historically been important for trade, migration, and cultural exchange between the two states.
Palakkad district is part of the Western Ghats, one of the world's eight "hottest hotspots" of biological diversity. The Western Ghats in Palakkad form a continuous mountain range that runs parallel to the western coast of India.
The mountain ranges in Palakkad are characterized by their rich biodiversity, dense forests, and numerous rivers that originate from these hills. The Western Ghats in this region are home to several protected areas, wildlife sanctuaries, and forest reserves.
The Anamalai Hills, also known as the Elephant Hills, form a significant part of the Western Ghats in Palakkad district. These hills are located in the southern part of the district and extend into Tamil Nadu. The Anamalai Hills are the source of several important rivers, including Bharathappuzha and its tributaries.
The hills are known for their rich biodiversity, with dense evergreen and semi-evergreen forests. Several wildlife sanctuaries and protected areas are located in the Anamalai Hills, making them an important conservation area.
The Silent Valley Hills are part of the Western Ghats and are located in the northeastern part of Palakkad district. These hills are famous for the Silent Valley National Park, one of the last remaining tracts of undisturbed tropical evergreen forest in India.
The Silent Valley Hills are the source of the Thuthapuzha river, one of the tributaries of Bharathappuzha. The hills are characterized by their pristine forests, unique biodiversity, and numerous streams and waterfalls.
The Nilgiri Hills form the northern boundary of the Palakkad Gap. While the main Nilgiri range is located in Tamil Nadu, its southern slopes extend into Palakkad district. These hills are known for their blue mountains (Nilgiri means "blue mountains" in several Indian languages) and are part of the larger Western Ghats mountain system.
The Nilgiri Hills in the Palakkad region are characterized by their elevation, cool climate, and rich biodiversity. The Bhavani river originates from the Kunda mountains in the Nilgiris and flows through the Attappady valley in Palakkad.
The Kollengode Hills are located in the central part of Palakkad district. These hills are part of the Western Ghats and are known for their scenic beauty and agricultural importance. The Gayathripuzha river originates from these hills.
The Mannarkkad Hills are located in the Mannarkkad region of Palakkad district. These hills are part of the Western Ghats and are known for their proximity to wildlife sanctuaries and forest reserves. The hills provide a natural habitat for various wildlife species.
The Attappady Hills are located in the northeastern part of Palakkad district, forming part of the Western Ghats. This region is known for its tribal communities, forest reserves, and the Bhavani river that flows through the Attappady valley. The hills are characterized by their rugged terrain and rich biodiversity.
As mentioned earlier, the Palakkad Gap is the most significant pass in the district, serving as a major transportation corridor between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is one of the few breaks in the Western Ghats mountain range.
While the Palakkad Gap is the most prominent pass, there are several smaller passes and gaps in the mountain ranges of Palakkad that have been used historically for local transportation and trade. These passes connect different regions within the district and facilitate movement between the plains and the hills.
The mountain ranges and passes of Palakkad play a crucial role in the district's geography, climate, and ecology. They influence the rainfall patterns, support diverse ecosystems, and provide natural resources including water, forests, and minerals. The passes have been historically important for trade, migration, and cultural exchange, making Palakkad a unique district in Kerala with its strategic geographical location.