Palakkad Gap
Initiated and fully funded by Athachi Group, a comprehensive exploratory study on the Palakkad Gap, Western Ghats, India, was carried out by the Department of Geography, Government College, Chittur.
The following is a summary presenting the key findings of the study, covering the Gap’s geological antiquity, spatial extent, geomorphology, soil science, floristic diversity, and agricultural significance. The findings challenge long-held assumptions and make a compelling case for the Gap’s recognition as India’s next major geoheritage site.
Palakkad Gap
2,100 to 540
Million Years
Western Ghats
99 to 65
Million Years
Himalayan Range
50 to 20
Million Years
Spread over a much larger space
Spread over a
much larger space
The Gap was previously believed to stretch over a length of only 41 kilometres between Coimbatore and Palakkad. The comprehensive research has now precisely delineated the spatial spread to be 979.81 sq.km - a dramatically larger area than previously understood, equally spread across Kerala and Tamil Nadu.
TOTAL AREA - NEWLY DELINEATED
979.81 sq.km
PREVIOUSLY BELIEVED EXTENT
41 km corridor
Between Coimbatore and Palakkad
LONGITUDE
76°38′E - 77°00′E
LATITUDE
10°31′N - 10°53′N
Geological events
behind the formation
of the Western Ghats
Geological events
behind the formation
of the Western Ghats
The formation of the Western Ghats was influenced by several geological events such as rifting, volcanic eruptions, slope recession, erosion, landward retreat of the coastline, and the rising or sinking of the Earth in response to topographic load.
Around 66 million years ago, molten magma rose near the present-day Réunion Islands, triggering major volcanic activity that contributed to the separation of the Seychelles Islands (northeast of Madagascar).
Temperature of Metamorphism
760 - 800°C
High-grade metamorphic conditions
Pressure Conditions
7.1 - 8.4 k bar
Deep crustal pressures
Last Crystallization
777 ± 18 Ma
Million years ago
Continental Assembly Period
2,500 - 1,600 Ma
Episodic Gondwana formation
Tracing the geological bond
between India and Madagascar
Tracing the geological bond between India and Madagascar
Once joined as part of Gondwana, the two landmasses share a direct rock-level connection - the Palghat-Cauvery Shear Zone of southern India traces directly to the Betsimisaraka collision zone in eastern Madagascar.
These highly strained rocks reveal that they formed as Mozambique Ocean closed and the Gondwana supercontinent formed 2,100 to 540 million years ago.
Mahabalipuram Temple
TAMIL NADU
Sri Padmanabha Temple
KERALA
Thiruvalluvar Memorial
KANYAKUMARI
Christ the Redeemer Statue, Brazil
RIO DE JANEIRO
Oscar Wilde Statue, Dublin
IRELAND
A micro-geomorphological marvel
A micro-geomorphological marvel
The Palakkad Gap is a distinct small-scale landform shaped by the long-term interaction of geology, climate, and tectonic activity. Its landscape reflects the combined influence of tectonic forces, erosional processes, and climatic conditions. The Gap is dominated by denudational landforms, where elevation has been reduced over time due to weathering and erosion. It also contains pediplains, which are extensive plains formed by the joining of several pediments. Fluvial processes, including erosion and deposition by water, have contributed to the formation of valley fills and floodplains. In addition, folds, faults, and rock layers influence the drainage systems and distribution of water resources in the region
37.94%
44,256 Ha
Moderately Deep to Deep Soils
56.28%
65,674 Ha
Deep to Very Deep Soils
Floristic diversity of the Gap
Floristic diversity
of the Gap
The Palakkad Gap is highly diverse in terms of flora and harbors many rare and endemic species. The presence of endemic species such as Pandanus palakkadensis highlights the ecological uniqueness of the Gap. The region supports 170 angiosperm species from 44 families and 101 genera, along with seven pteridophyte species from six families. Seasonal vegetation found in the hillocks further adds to this diversity, with about 89 plant species belonging to 39 families and 68 genera.
170
Angiosperm species
44 families ·
101 genera
7
Pteridophyte species
belonging to 6 families
89
Seasonal hillock plants
39 families ·
68 genera
A goldmine for crop diversity
A goldmine for crop diversity
The fertile soil and unique microclimate make Palakkad Gap highly suitable for high-value agricultural produce beyond paddy cultivation. Large-scale cultivation of about 177 varieties of food and cash crops has been recorded in the region. Eruthempathy leads with the highest crop richness, while Vadakarapathy shows high agro-biodiversity. The fertile soil and microclimate also support 136 weed species belonging to 107 genera and 40 families, further reflecting the ecological richness of the Gap.
