Palakkad Gap - The lowest mountain pass in the Western Ghats

Palakkad Gap or Palakkad Pass is the lowest mountain pass in the Western Ghats. This pass which is near Palakkad town in Kerala has an elevation of 300 metres and is 30-40 kilometers wide. The Palakkad pass is the only break in that stretch of Western Ghats which otherwise acts as a natural border between Kerala and its neighbouring state Tamil Nadu.

The gap has served as a major trade route between the east and west coast of peninsular India. The gap also plays a significant role in the climate of the neigbouring regions of Coimbatore and Palakkad. It allows the south west monsoon to enter Coimbatore thereby moderating the summer temperature of the region and provides greater rainfall compared to the other districts of Tamil Nadu.