Monuments In India

Palakkad Fort

Palakkad fort was constructed by Haider Ali during 1766 and is located in the middle of the Palakkad district in the Kerala state of India.  This fort is also known as the name of Hanuman Swami Kotta.  Presently this fort is being maintained by the Archeological Survey of India.  It is said in the local area that this fort was existing in the Palakkad from very ancient period, but according to the records available in history, Haider Ali constructed this fort in 1766.  It is evident from the history that Palakkad Achchan.  He was earlier working with Zamorin but later attained self reliance.   During the year of 1757, Achchan asked assistance from Haider Ali to complete an invasion against Zamorin.  Haider Ali grab the opportunity and in turn of assistance, he captured the area which was strategically important.  In 1766 he constricted a fort in this area. This fort was captured by a British Army Officer when he raided on Haider Ali but later the fort was recaptured by Haider Ali from British.  Fort shuttled from this hand to that hand in the course of time and finally it was captured by British Colonel Stuart in the year 1790. This fort was later modified with several provisions to prevent the storming at Srirangapattanam. This fort was being utilized as it was originally designed but later changed into the office of division of Palakkad district.

Inside the fort campus, there is a huge ground between main building of fort and Palakkad town hall. This ground was used as stable for the animals of Haider Ali’s army but now there are cricket matches are being organized. Various public exhibitions and meetings are also conducted at this ground.  Inside the fort, there is a good park is also provisioned specially for children.

Inside the fort, a Hanuman Temple is also located and a big number of pilgrims visit there.  Lord Hanuman is the main deity of this temple. At present sub jail of Palakkad district is also situated in this fort premises.

Attractions

Various attractive places are located around the fort. Some of them are described as under

Malampuzha Dam and Gardens

Malampuzha dam is located in the close vicinity of this fort.  This dam provides the cool and easy breeze to the visitors as fall of water with natural force creates a very scenic atmosphere.

Nelliyampathy

This is a small hill station located at 52 kilometers from this fort.  In this are tea estates are spread all along. This place consists of various gorges, cliffs and valleys which provide a soothing and relief full atmosphere for tourists. Those who love adventure can also have the fun with trekking options available.

Silent Valley National Park

Presently this area is only the green spot in Western Ghats.  Dense forestry and lush greenery is the property of this area.  Various film makers also chose this location for picturisation.   In this national park, elephants, Deers, Tigers and Hyenas are naturally habited.

Parambikulam Wildlife Sanctuary

Parambikulam wildlife sanctuary is located at nearby distance from this fort.  This sanctuary is spread over an area of 285 sqkm. In this sanctuary except the wild life full of Bears, Elephants, Deers, Hyenas and Leopards, there is an amazing thing to attract the visitors.  A large and old teak tree named “Kannimari” which is believed to be older more than 360 years.

How to reach : Palakkad is well connected by all the means of transportation.

By Air

Coimbatore is the nearest airport located at 55 kilometers from this fort.  From every major station of India, the flights are being operated to this airport.

By Train

Palakkad is the nearest railway station and maximum trains whether from South India or Northern part of India are well connected with this station.

By Road

Road transportation is better in this district as state road transport corporation is running its bus service alongwith the taxies and private cabs to reach a traveler to this site.

Best time to visit

November to April is considered is the best time to visit this area.

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