Palai, also known as Pala, (9.68°N, 76.71°E) is a municipal town (population 2001: 22600) in the district of Kottayam, Kerala state, India. Palai is the headquarters of the Meenachil sub-district. The town is situated on the banks of the Meenachil river. It is the main gateway to southern highranges. It is 172 meters above M.S.L (mean sea level).

There are various versions regarding the origin of the place name. According to one, Palai gets its name from Palazhi (Ksheera Sagara ), the mythological ocean of milk from which nectar was churned out. Another view is that the name is derived from Palathu Chettiyar families, the prominent settlers of the region.

Early settlements in the region date back to 1000 A.D. Palai is a trading centre of agricultural produces like rubber and pepper. The place had trade links with Tamil Nadu, Armenia and the Middle East. Palai is also used as a generic brand to the black pepper, coconuts and tamarind originating from the region.

The town is en-route the tourist resort at Vagamon . It is also an important halt for pilgrims proceeding towards the Hindu pilgrim centre Sabarimala.

External link

• Palai - The land of Latex, Spices and Pilgrim Centers