Palakkad Fort

4.3

Location: Palakkad-Koduvayur, Meenakshipuram Highway, Kenathuparambu, Kunathurmedu, Chittur-Thathamangalam, Palakkad, Kerala 678001, India.

Estimated Visiting Time: It Should not take more than 3 hours.

The old Palakkhad fort situated in the heart of Palakkad town is one of the best preserved places in Kerala to visit. The Fort is nested in the heart of Palakkad city of Kerala state, southern part of India. This place carries a rich history. It was recaptured and rebuilt more gracefully by Sultan Hyder Ali in 1766. Currently, it is one of the best-preserved forts in the state.
A museum that conducts Archeology is also functioning inside the Fort. The whole area is surrounded by lush greenery and a tactical moat to protect it from enemies. Today, you will see a jogging track parallel to the moat. For jogging in the morning and evening hours, Palakkad Fort is a common destination for the nearby residents. The entire area is beautifully landscaped as well. If you are visiting Kerala, we highly recommend you visit this place at least once.

Attraction

This place carries a long history with itself. This place is also a spectacular one. There is a large ground between the Fort and the Palakkad Town Hall, which is known as Kota Maidanam or Fort Maidan or Fort Grounds. Today, the ground is now used to stage cricket matches, exhibitions, seminars, and other public meetings. There is an open-air auditorium called ‘Rappadi’, which is currently under preservation by the ‘Archeological Survey of India.’ It is located within the spacious grounds of the Fort as well. In addition to this, there is a children’s park on one corner of the Fort. This children’s park is known by the name ‘Vatika.’ Vatika has a beautiful garden alongside basic outdoor playground equipment for kids. As a result, kids always find it interesting to visit. Health-conscious people love to walk or jog. Historical enthusiasts also find it a must-visit one.

History

The Palakkad Fort is said to have existed from very ancient times. However, the history of this fort will surely take you back to the medieval period. It is believed to have been constructed (in the present form) in 1766 A.D, although little is known of its earlier history. Palakkad Fort was occupied and rebuilt by the famous ruler ‘Hyder Ali’ of Mysore in 1766. The reconstruction was greater than the previous one. However, in 1790, it was again captured by the Britishers (under the guidance of Colonel Stuart). It was renovated once again and was used as a base for operations that ended with the storming of ‘Srirangapatnam.’ Reports say that the fort continued to be garrisoned until the middle of the 19th century. The fort was converted into a ‘Taluk’ office in the early 1900s.

Inside/Outside Views

The whole Palakkad Fort area is covered by lush greenery. It is fully protected by a moat. Palakkad Special Sub Jail is within the fort premises. Besides, there is a small shrine dedicated to ‘Lord Hanuman’ known as ‘Anjaneya Swamy temple’; the temple is situated at the Eastern entrance of the fort, and ‘Figure Anjaneya’ is carved on the inner side of the fort wall. The murti of Lord Anjaneya is south facing, while the Lord himself is facing west. It is believed by some of the locals that Tipu Sultan (Son of Hydar Ali) and his warriors worshipped the Lord to protect them from all enemies. A garden called ‘Vatika-Shilavati’ is maintained inside the court, which is basically a playground for the children.

Opening Hours

Monday 8 AM–5:30 PM

Tuesday 8 AM–5:30 PM

Wednesday 8 AM–5:30 PM

Thursday 8 AM–5:30 PM

Friday 8 AM–5:30 PM

Saturday

(Dussehra)

8 AM–5:30 PM

Hours might differ

Sunday 8 AM–5:30 PM

Entry & Others Fees

There is no entry fee for visiting Palakkad Fort.

Near Restaurants

Near Hotels

How to Reach

By road: It is situated in Kerala’s ‘Palakkad’ area. From the busy area of Palakkad, the Palakkad Fort is only 2 to 4 kms away. Kerala is well connected with other major cities like Kolkata, Midnapore, Chennai, Siliguri, Delhi, Ghaziabad, Mumbai etc. of the country. And from Palakkad city, you will get local transports to reach the site.

By air: The closest airport, ‘Coimbatore International Airport’ (which is an international one), is almost 50 kilometres away from this area which is in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. You can visit this place from outside of India. Apart from that, there are airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or Lucknow with direct flights in Kerala through ‘Cochin International Airport’, Kerala. From the airport, you can easily get local transports to reach the site.

By train: The closest railway station from the Palakkad Fort is only 5 km away at the ‘Palakkad Junction.’ This station is well connected with major areas of the country. From the station, you will get local transport so that you can reach the site.

Tips for Travellers

Please wear suitable and comfortable clothes according to both culture and seasons.
Don’t forget to follow the code of conduct.
If you are visiting Kerala for the first time, try to visit in a group for safety purposes.
Please stay away from total strangers.