Notable people from Palai include:
Politicians
- K. R. Narayanan, President of India (1997âÂÂ2002), Vice-President of India (1992âÂÂ97).
- K M Mani, Minister of Finance, Revenue, Laws, Kerala State.
- Jose K. Mani Member of Indian Parliament - Lok Sabha (2010-Continuing).
- N M Joseph, Minister of Forests, Kerala State (1987âÂÂ91)
- M M Jacob, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) (1981-1993), Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha (1986âÂÂ87), Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Home (1987âÂÂ93), State Governor of Meghalaya (1995âÂÂ2007).
- Kidangoor Gopalakrishna Pillai, General Secretary of NSS (1967 onwards) and Indian High-Commissioner to Singapore (1992 onwards).
- P K Vasudevan Nair, Member of Parliament, Chief Minister of Kerala State.
- K M Chandy, State Governor (1982âÂÂ89), President of Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (I).
- Cherian J. Kappan, Freedom Fighter, Member of Indian Parliament - Lok Sabha (1962âÂÂ67). Municipal Chairman.
- George Thomas Kottukapally, Member of Indian Parliament - Lok Sabha (1957âÂÂ62), U.N. Delegate.
- R V Thomas, President (Speaker) of Travancore State Legislative Assembly (1947âÂÂ49).
- Dr P J Thomas, Member of Madras Legislative Council, 1937âÂÂ42 and Member of Indian Parliament - Rajya Sabha 1957-62.
- Ulahannan Ulahannan Vadakkan, Member of Sree Moolam Popular Assembly of Travancore State (1912âÂÂ31).
- J Thomas Kayalackakom, Member of Sree Moolam Popular Assembly of Travancore State (1922âÂÂ28).
Literature, education and social service
- Aryambika S. V., Malayalam poet.
- Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar: Author of "Varthamana Pusthakam", the first travelogue in an Indian language.
- Ramapurathu Warrier - Poet (Kuchelavritham).
- Kattakayam Cherian Mappillai (1859âÂÂ1936) - Author of Sri Yesu Vijayam (1926) & Editor of Vijnaana Rathnaakaram (1913)
- Pala Narayanan Nair, poet, teacher, most celebrated work 'keralam valarunnu'
- Pravithanam PM Devasia, poet
- Lalithambika Antharjanam, novelist
- Fr. Abel Periapuram, Founder of Kalabhavan.
- Paul Zacharia, writer & columnist
- Ezhacherry Ramachandran, poet
- Bishop Sebastian Vayalil, Founder of St. Thomas College
- Cyriac Thomas, former Vice Chancellor
Government and administration
Sports
Commerce and industry
-Founder Director of Palai Central Bank.
Movies
- Bhadran, movie director
- Miss Kumari, Malayalam actress in leading roles
- Suvarna Mathew, actress
- Ponnamma Babu, actress
- Pala Thankam, actress
- Miya (Gimi George), actress
- Mani C. Kappan, director, producer, actor
- Rimi Tomy, singer
- Meenakshi Anoop, actress
- Listin Stephen, film producer
Journalists
References