Palakkad Fort
Where History comes alive!
Palakkad Fort has enacted several roles- as an Imposing structure built as the epitome of dominance and authority, as a mute testimony of several takeovers and upheavals, and finally a historical monument preserved as the symbol of glorious legacy.
The fort stands proudly at the heart of Palakkad on its western borders, sprawling over an area of 15 acres. Built by Haider Ali in 1766, this square shaped, granite built fort is counted amongst one of the best preserved ones in the state. It is now a declared protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.
The history of Palakkad Fort is the history of British invasion and Mysore sultanate’s valiant fight back. According to history, the Ruler of Palakkad declared independence from the ‘Zamorins’ of Calicut and fearing invasion, approached Haidar Ali for help. The whole region later on came under the reigns of Haidar Ali who built the fort to improve the communication between his Coimbatore and the West Coast sultanate.
During the years that followed, the fort witnessed several takeovers and changing of hands before finally being taken over by the British in the year 1790. Initially built with the help of French engineers, it was renovated with strong bastions and thicker walls by the British. The fort was converted into a ‘Taluk’ office in the early 1990’s. Due to the legendary battles between the British forces and Emperor Tipu Sultan, Palakkad fort is also known as Tipu Sultans Fort. Today the visitors are treated with panoramic views of nearby towns from the fort.
Palakkad Fort (Attractions)
• Kota Maidanam (Fort Ground): Earlier used to house stables of Tipu Sultans elephants and horses, it now serves as the venue for public meetings, exhibitions and cricket matches.
• Rappadi (Open Air Auditorium): The Open Air Auditorium used for various exhibitions and cultural programs.
• Hanuman Temple: Dedicated to Hanuman (monkey god) and regarded to be as old as the fort.
• A martyr's column
• A Children’s Park
Best time to visit
Although the climate here is ideal to visit any time of the year, the period from September to February is regarded the best.
Timings: 10 am to 5pm
Palakkad Fort (How to reach)
By Air: Combatore Airport is the nearest one at 55 km, the other airports being Cochin International Airport (160 km) and Kozhikode airport (130 km).
By Rail: Palakkad Junction (5 km from city center)
By Road: NH 47(Salem to Kanyakumari)
NH 213(Palakkad-Kozhikode)
