Situated on the banks of
Meenachil River, Pala is a small town having beautiful hillocks and vast rubber plantations. Located on the
Western Ghats, it is an important halt for the
Sabarimala pilgrim. It is believed that Pala got its name from the mythological ocean of milk called Palazhi. There are two bridges built across the river Meenachil.
Bharananganam is a famous pilgrimage center in Pala. The tomb of blessed Alphonsa is the main attraction here. Ancient temples like Kadappattoor Mahadev temple, Chembittambalam of Chethimattom, Murikumpuzha Devi temple and Puthiakavu Devi Temple are also worth visiting. It is a major connecting point between various tourist places such as
Thekkady Wildlife Sanctuary, Mamala Aruvi,
Vagamon, Illikakklu and Ilaveezhapunchira.