Palakkad Fort

Palakkad, Kerala, India

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Palakkad Fort, also called Tipu's Fort, is a well-preserved historic fort situated in the center of Palakkad town in Kerala.

Built in 1766 by Hyder Ali, the ruler of Mysore, it served as a strategic military stronghold due to its location at the gateway to Kerala. The fort is square-shaped with tall granite walls, bastions at the corners, a moat, and an entrance that originally featured a drawbridge.

Inside the fort, there is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman called Kota Ambalam, a Martyr's Column, an open-air auditorium called Rappadi, a garden, and a special sub-jail. The fort played an important role during battles between Mysore rulers and the British, with Tipu Sultan using it as a military base before it was captured by the British in 1790.

Today, the fort stands surrounded by lush greenery and rivers at the foothills of the Western Ghats, offering visitors a glimpse into Kerala’s rich military history and architectural heritage.​