If you are looking for a place that combines history, culture, and nature, then you should visit the Palakkad Fort in Palakkad, Kerala. This majestic fort is one of the best-preserved and most visited monuments in the state, and it offers a glimpse into the rich and diverse past of the region. The Palakkad Fort is not only a stunning example of architecture and engineering, but also a place where you can enjoy the scenic beauty and charm of the surrounding landscape. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, you will find something to admire and appreciate at the Palakkad Fort.
In this article, we will guide you through the history, features, attractions, and tips of visiting the Palakkad Fort, and help you plan your trip to this amazing destination. Read on to discover why the Palakkad Fort is a must-visit place for anyone who wants to explore the historic and scenic treasure of Kerala.
History of Palakkad Fort
The Palakkad Fort has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 13th century. The fort was originally built by the Pallava dynasty, who ruled over parts of South India at that time. The fort was later captured and rebuilt by various rulers, such as the Zamorins of Calicut, the Vijayanagara empire, the Mysore kingdom, and the British colonialists. The fort witnessed many battles and sieges, and played a crucial role in the political and military history of the region.
The most notable event in the history of the Palakkad Fort was the Palakkad Revolt of 1849, when a group of rebels led by Veer Kunwar Singh and Shahabad Mohammad Khan rose up against the British rule and occupied the fort for a few days. The revolt was inspired by the First War of Indian Independence of 1857, and was one of the earliest expressions of nationalism and resistance in Kerala. The revolt was eventually suppressed by the British forces, but it left a lasting impact on the history and culture of the state.
The Palakkad Fort is also associated with some legends and stories, such as the legend of Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, who is said to have hidden a treasure in the fort, and the story of Kunhali Marakkar, the naval chief of the Zamorins, who is said to have escaped from the fort by swimming across the river. The fort also hosts some festivals and events, such as the Kalpathy Ratholsavam, a chariot festival celebrated by the Tamil Brahmin community, and the Palakkad Fort Fest, a cultural extravaganza organized by the district administration.
Architecture and Attractions of Palakkad Fort
The Palakkad Fort is a splendid example of the Indo-Islamic style of architecture, which blends the elements of Hindu and Muslim designs. The fort is built of laterite stones, and has a rectangular shape, with four massive bastions at the corners. The fort is surrounded by a moat and a wall, which provide protection and security. The fort has two main entrances, one on the east and one on the west, which are adorned with arches and carvings. The fort also has a watchtower, a stable, a magazine, and a court. The Palakkad Fort has many attractions and points of interest within and around its premises, such as:
The Palakkad Fort Museum: A museum that showcases the history, culture, and art of the Palakkad region, with exhibits of weapons, coins, pottery, paintings, and sculptures.
The Tipu Sultan Fort: A smaller fort within the Palakkad Fort, which was built by Tipu Sultan, and is also known as the Lal Mahal or the Red Palace.
The Hanuman Temple: A temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, the monkey god, which is located inside the Tipu Sultan Fort, and is believed to be very ancient and powerful.
The Anjaneya Swamy Temple: Another temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, which is located outside the Palakkad Fort, and is famous for its giant statue of the deity, which is about 18 feet tall.
The Kalpathy River: A river that flows near the Palakkad Fort, and offers a scenic view of the fort and the surrounding landscape. The river is also a sacred place for the Hindus, who perform rituals and ceremonies on its banks.
The Malampuzha Dam and Garden: A dam and a garden that are located about 10 km from the Palakkad Fort, and are popular tourist attractions. The dam is built across the Bharathapuzha river, and provides irrigation and drinking water to the region. The garden is a beautiful and well-maintained park, which has a rock garden, a rose garden, a snake park, a toy train, and a rope way.
The Palakkad Fort is a place where you can admire the beauty and charm of the architecture and the nature, and also learn about the history and culture of the region. You can take some amazing photos and videos of the fort, its attractions, and its surroundings, and capture the memories of your visit.
How to Reach Palakkad Fort
The Palakkad Fort is easily accessible by various modes of transport, and you can choose the one that suits your convenience and budget. Here are some of the ways to reach the Palakkad Fort:
By Air:
The nearest airport to the Palakkad Fort is the Coimbatore International Airport, which is about 55 km away. You can take a flight to Coimbatore from any major city in India, and then take a taxi or a bus to Palakkad. The taxi fare is around Rs. 1500, and the bus fare is around Rs. 100.
By Train:
The nearest railway station to the Palakkad Fort is the Palakkad Junction Railway Station, which is about 5 km away. You can take a train to Palakkad from any major city in India, and then take an auto-rickshaw or a bus to the fort. The auto-rickshaw fare is around Rs. 50, and the bus fare is around Rs. 10.
By Road:
The Palakkad Fort is well-connected by road to the rest of Kerala and the neighboring states. You can take a bus or a car to Palakkad from any nearby city, such as Cochin, Coimbatore, Thrissur, or Kozhikode. The bus fare is around Rs. 200, and the car rental is around Rs. 3000.
Best Time to Visit Palakkad Fort
The best time to visit the Palakkad Fort is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant and cool, and the fort is in its full glory. This is also the time when you can witness some of the festivals and events that take place at the fort, such as the Kalpathy Ratholsavam and the Palakkad Fort Fest. The average temperature during this time is around 25°C, and the rainfall is low.
You can also visit the Palakkad Fort between April and June, when the weather is hot and humid, but the fort is less crowded and more peaceful. This is also the time when you can enjoy some of the attractions and activities near the fort, such as the Malampuzha Dam and Garden, and the rope way. The average temperature during this time is around 35°C, and the rainfall is moderate.
You should avoid visiting the Palakkad Fort between July and September, when the weather is wet and rainy, and the fort is prone to flooding and damage. This is also the time when the fort is closed for maintenance and renovation, and the attractions and activities near the fort are also affected by the monsoon. The average temperature during this time is around 30°C, and the rainfall is high.
Tips and FAQs for Visiting Palakkad Fort
To make your visit to the Palakkad Fort more enjoyable and hassle-free, here are some tips and FAQs that you should know:
The entry fee to the Palakkad Fort is Rs. 10 for Indians and Rs. 100 for foreigners. The entry fee to the Palakkad Fort Museum is Rs. 5 for Indians and Rs. 25 for foreigners. The entry fee to the Malampuzha Dam and Garden is Rs. 10 for adults and Rs. 5 for children.
The timings of the Palakkad Fort are from 8 am to 6 pm, and the timings of the Palakkad Fort Museum are from 10 am to 5 pm. The timings of the Malampuzha Dam and Garden are from 9 am to 8 pm.
The things to do at the Palakkad Fort are to explore the fort, visit the museum, see the temples, enjoy the river view, and attend the festivals and events. The things to do near the Palakkad Fort are to visit the Malampuzha Dam and Garden, take the rope way, and see the snake park.
The best places to stay near the Palakkad Fort are the Hotel Indraprastha, the Hotel Tripenta, the Hotel Gazala, and the Hotel Kairali. These hotels offer comfortable and affordable accommodation, with amenities such as Wi-Fi, AC, TV, and restaurant. The average price of these hotels is around Rs. 2000 per night.
The best places to eat near the Palakkad Fort are the Noorjehan Hotel, the Hotel Arya Bhavan, the Hotel Sri Chakra, and the Hotel Ammbi’s. These restaurants serve delicious and authentic Kerala cuisine, as well as other Indian and Chinese dishes. The average cost of a meal at these restaurants is around Rs. 300 per person.
The best souvenirs to buy near the Palakkad Fort are the Palakkadan Matta Rice, the Palakkad Halwa, the Palakkad Sarees, and the Palakkad Handicrafts. These items are unique and special to the Palakkad region, and reflect its culture and tradition. You can find these items at the local markets and shops near the fort.
We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive and useful guide to the Palakkad Fort, and has inspired you to visit this historic and scenic treasure in the heart of Kerala. The Palakkad Fort is a place that will enchant you with its beauty and charm, and will educate you with its history and culture. If you are planning a trip to Kerala, make sure to include the Palakkad Fort in your itinerary, and experience the magic of this amazing destination.
Thank you for reading this article, and please share it with your friends and family. For more articles on the best places to visit in India, please visit our website.
