Palakkad Fort
Famously known as the Tipu Fort, Palakkad Fort, is situated right in the centre of Palakkad and is considered one of most well-preserved tourist sites in Kerala. Tucked away in the foothills of the majestic Sahayadri mountain range, the fort is a classical beauty situated among dense green forests and serpentine, cascading rivers cutting among the woods. Having served as a military base in the past, the fort is now under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India. It was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766 and later taken over and modified by the British in 1790. It is named after Hyder Ali’s son, the infamous Tipu Sultan. The fort holds a special place in the hearts of history aficionados and cultural buffs because of its importance in the history of the subcontinent and the struggle for India’s independence.Spread over a massive 60,702 square meters, the grounds are an awe-inspiring sight to behold. The fort is also famous among architecture students because of its unique amalgamation of French craftsmanship and traditional Indian style. The grounds of the fort served as a stable of horses and elephants of Tipu Sultan’s army in the bygone days and is now known as Kota Maidanam. Nowadays, it hosts public events like cricket matches, exhibitions, and gatherings. The huge grounds are an attractive spot for a picnic and taking strolls in the area.The grounds also host a museum of Archaeology which is a tourist hotbed and attracts hundreds of visitors every year. The museum showcases beautiful photographs of the fort in the before and after fashion. It is quite fascinating to watch the transformation of the place from a forgotten, dilapidated building to its present state bustling with visitors and showcasing gorgeous French architecture. The work done by ASI over the Palakkad fort is impressive in its own right and makes one stare around the place in wonder. A must visit place for anyone who is interested in architecture, history, and restoration of old buildings.The fort is surrounded by a beautiful moat that adds to the mystical quality of the place. Earlier, a drawbridge connected the fort to main grounds, but it has now been replaced by a permanent bridge. The jogging tracks running along the moat are extremely popular among tourists and locals for evening and morning runs. The square-shaped fort with its laterite walls is a sight to behold in itself and because of its beautifully landscaped structure, it is an ideal place for you enjoy a picnic with your friends and family.Looking to pay a visit to the famous fort, but worried about the best time to visit? Or if there are any other attractions in the area? Want to know the detailed history of the place? Where can you get some snacks around the area?Do not worry, you have landed at the right place. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Palakkad fort along with detailed answers.What is the best time to visit Palakkad fort? Since the town is surrounded by land from all sides, the temperatures are higher than in areas next to the sea. The summers are uncomfortably hot. Mercury rises to extreme levels and visiting at this time would not be conducive. During the rainy season, the moisture in the air can be difficult to handle at best and plain unbearable at worst. Due to these reasons, it is best if you visit Palakkad Fort during the months of winter, that is November to March when temperatures are a pleasant 22 degrees and there is hardly any rain. Due to heavy tourist intake during the season, book your stay in advance to avoid hassles later on.What are the everyday timings?Palakkad fort is open all the days of the week. The fort opens at 8:00 AM every day and closes down at 6:00 PM.What is the entry fee?Generally, the entry to the fort is free for adults and children of all ages through the week, provided they are not carrying any photography materials. But for those of you looking to click stunning shots of the French-inspired architecture of the palace, or simply take some candid pictures of your friends and family against the lush backdrop of the fort, you can carry a camera at a meagre cost of INR 20. If you are looking to make a memorable video of your experience at the fort, you can pay a measly price of INR 50 and take in a video camera with you. Enjoy Palakkad Fort the way your heart desires without burning a hole in your pocket.Are there special timings on weekends?There are no changes in opening and closing timings of the Palakkad fort during weekends. The fort opens at 8:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM like on the rest of the days of the week.What is the history of Palakkad fort?Palakkad Fort was built in 1766 AD. Very little facts are known about the early few years of the construction process. It is assumed it was constructed by the local king, Paliyath Achchan, who only became an independent monarch late in the 18th century. When he asked Hyder Ali to help him against an invasion, the latter took the opportunity to take possession of the Palakkad fort and the fort stayed under the rule of Mysore Sultans after that until 1790. That was when it was captured by Colonel Stuart, long after several backs and forth battles over the fort between the British and the Sultans. Under the British rule, the fort was renovated and used as an operation base till the mid 19th century. Later, it was converted into a Tehsil.The fort was forgotten until 2004 when the Archaeological Survey of India took it under its wing. The war memorial was a falling, dilapidated, damaged building when the ASI took over. It has undergone quite a mesmerizing journey of renovation under the same, and you can enjoy the history of the fort in the museum located within the grounds. History aficionados will find the rich history and diverse stories a captivating way of spending an afternoon in the museum.What are the main attractions in Palakkad fort?Surrounded by acres of paddy fields, and encircled by majestic mountains – the Palakkad Fort is truly a visual treat in itself for tourists all over. The main attraction here is nature in all its glory – rolling green hills, deep forests, humming rivers and tall deodar trees singing along in harmony. The fort also features Kota Maidanam – a place where cricket matches and public gatherings are held every year that attract locals and tourists alike. The museum housing various photographs of the place during its renovation stages holds a special place in the hearts of history lovers. The captivating French architecture with gracefully designed interiors is another huge selling point among architecture students. There is the Anjaneya temple inside that is also a much-visited site among tourists.Is photography allowed in Palakkad fort?It would be a shame not to capture the exquisite amalgamation of architectural intricacies of the Palakkad fort paired with sheer natural splendour scattered around with a camera. Capture truly dazzling shots with your camera at a small cost of INR 20 per person. Or if you want to make video montages of the picturesque vistas, you can carry a video camera by paying INR 50 only.What are the places to eat near Palakkad fort?Exhausted by walking around all day and want to grab a bite before you continue exploring the gorgeous grounds of the fort? There are numerous establishments to satisfy your hunger pangs around the area. Enjoy baked goods at London Bakes and Grills or relish in fine dining at Noorjahan. Chic cafes like Mani’s are also there to satisfy your caffeine pangs. No matter what cuisine you desire, you’ll find something to take care of your whims here.
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