Pala is a central city in Kottayam district of Kerala, India. It is the headquarters of the Meenachil Taluk and the Pala Revenue Division. Pala is situated on the banks of the Meenachil river. It is one of the main gateways to the southern high ranges of the Western Ghats. People of Palai are largely dependent on agriculture, particularly rubber. It is a plantation town, which is deeply attached to the plantation of natural rubber. It also has trade in spices such as pepper, ginger etc. Pala is a transit point between various places of attraction like, Thekkady Wild Life Sanctuary in the Western ghats, Sabarimala, the pilgrimage centre. Ilaveezhapunchira, Kolahala Medu and Mamala Aruvi, the maiden forest area full of springs. Pilgrim centres like the famous Bharananganam Aruvithura St.Georges Church, Kadappattoor Temple and Mannanam Town are popular with devotees flocking during the Sabarimala season.