PALAKKADU FORT

 HISTORY

The Palakkad Fort is said to have existed from very ancient times, but believed to be constructed in present form in 1766 A.D, but little is known of its early history. The local ruler, Palakkad Achchan, was originally a tributary of the Zamorin,but had become independent before the beginning of the eighteenth century.In 1757 he sent a deputation to Hyder Ali seeking help against an invasion threatened by the Zamorin. Hyder Ali seized upon the opportunity to gain possession of a strategically important location such as Palgat and from that time until 1790 the fort was continually in the hands of the Mysore Sultans or the British. It was first taken by the latter in 1768 when Colonel Wood captured it during his raid on Hyder Ali's fortresses, but it was retaken by Haider a few months later. It was recaptured by Colonel Fullarton in 1783, after a siege that lasted eleven days but was abandoned the following year. It later fell into the hands of the Zamorin’s troops. In 1790 it was finally captured by the British under Colonel Stuart. It was renovated and was used as a base for operations that ended with the storming of Srirangapatanam. The fort continued to be garrisoned until the middle of 19th century. In the early 1900s it was converted into a taluk office.

        

CURRENT STATUS

There is a large ground between the Fort and the Palakkad Town hall, known as Kotta maidanam (Fort Maidan/Fort Grounds). The ground is now used to stage cricket matches, exhibitions and public meetings. An open air auditorium called "Rappadi", currently under the preservation of the Archeological Survey of India, is also located within the spacious grounds of the Fort. Additionally, there is a children's park on one side of the Fort

                                   

                           

INTERIOR

The Palakkad Special Sub Jail is also located within the fort. There is a small shrine dedicated to lord Hanuman known as Anjaneya Swamy temple, The temple is situated on the Eastern entrance of the fort, A figure of Anjaneya is carved in the inner side of the fort wall. The murthi of lord Anjaneya is south facing, while the lord himself is facing west. It is believed that Tipu and his warriors worshipped the lord to protect them from all enemies. A garden called Vatika-Shilavatika is maintained inside the court.

                                            

LOCATION:Palakkad-Koduvayur, Thathamangalam-Meenakshipuram Highway, Kenathuparambu, Kunathurmedu, Palakkad, Kerala 678001, India

PLACES MUST BE VISITED

 Malampuzha

Malampuzha has something to offer to every kind of visitor. There is a wonderful rose garden with 100 species of roses for you to savour, a snake park with a large variety of reptiles to send a chilly sensation down your body, a ropeway ride at a height of 60 feet to view the garden from above, a fancy park with as many as 20 ride options and a KTDC Garden House offering pedal boats, motor boats, row-boats and water scooters for a trip round the reservoir.

If none of the above interests you, then you can simply have a look at the sculpture of the bare bodied Yakshi (demoness) with the head flung back and raised fisted hands positioned close to the ears. Malampuzha is an ideal picnic spot in every sense and is just 14 km from Palakkad.

                                                       

   

                                                    

       

Silent Valley National Park

The Silent valley National Park is highly popular in the state of Kerala, it being one amongst those that are untouched by the passage of time. Its topographical seclusion ensures that the area remains uninhabited and continues to preserve the flora and fauna that house it.

Visitors get  permission to explore a limited area and overnight stay is discouraged.Special permission needs to be sought from the Wildlife Warden for this purpose. The park is located on the Kundali Hills of Western Ghats , 65 km north east of Palakkad.

 

                                                   

Nellliyampathy

54 kilometers south of Palakkad is Nellliyampathy, a hill station perched at a height of 4600 feet above sea level. The small town is perfect to soak in the magical beauty of hills, coffee, tea and orange plantations. On the way you can stop by the Pothundy Dam and relish in the beauty of the dam or go on a boating ride.

At a distance of 8 kilometers from Nelliyampathy is the viewpoint of Seetharkundu. This place gives you an amazing views of the valleys and cities below. It is believed that Lord Rama, Sita and Laxmana, took a rest here during their exile. Another notable location of Nelliyampathy is the Kesavan Rock, the place where Mammootty starer Moreover, there are also opportunities to explore the dense forests and sight some exotic animals.