Palakkad,
the largest producer of rice is known as granary of Kerala. As many as
eight rivers originates from the Palakkad hills. Among the rivers include
Bharathapuzha, the longest river in the state. The hilly district has
136257 hector reserve forest including Silent Valley.Palakkad, due to its geographical position has strategic role in the Kerala life. Before the commissioning of Konkan Railway along the Western coast, Palakkad was the gateway to Kerala from the country elsewhere. The 32 to 40 km gap in the 960km Western Ghats functions as an inlet for northeast monsoon and dry winds. N H 47, major artillery of Kerala, passes through this Ghat section.
The
district which lies at the foot of the colossal Western Ghats has only
midland and highland areas. Palakkad had witnessed several alien invasions
that had left indelible impressions on the history of Kerala. The Palakkad
Fort of Hyder Ali speaks volumes of Mysore invasions and the advent of
the Britishers to the region. 
