GABARITANGLES

Palakkad is called as granary of Kerala. Palakkad is unique in its own way, i.e., the district has got most number of temples, ponds, festivals and fairs,  ponds, peaks, dams rich with its flora and fauna Palakkad is also land of paddy fields and palm trees. Palakkad lies on the natural pass through the Western Ghats and connects to the state of Tamil Nadu. It is the gate way of Kerala. When we think about Palakkad, the First thing that comes to mind is the Palakkad fort or the Tipu Sultan’s Fort. It is 250 years old monument well maintained by Archeological survey of India. The Fort was built by Hyder Ali during 1766. The fort even though built by Hyder Ali it is known as the Tipu Sultan Fort.. Tipu Sultan, the Lion of Mysore is well remembered as an able warrior for his bravery and his multi talented personality.

The Raja of Palakkad sought the help of Hyder Ali of Mysore to check the invasion of the Zamorin of Calicut in 1757. Hyder Ali for his work he needed a fort , centre point between Malabar and Kochi. Thus the Palakkad Fort was built in 81/2 acres of land. The fort was built in the year 1766. In 1767 , again the fort was damged in war, and in 1782 this was renovated and went in the hands of Tipu Sultan, Son of Hyder Ali after  his demise. In 1790, this again went to the hands of British. Hyder Ali helped the Palakkad ruler to regain his land captured by the Zamorin. But in due course, Hyder Ali acclaimed power and was succeeded by Tipu Sultan. But after his defeat to the British, Tipu gave his Malabar territories to the British following the treaty with the English East India Company in 1872.

Fort is located at the heart of Palakkad town. Today, fort of Tipu Sultan is a protected monument and is looked after by the Archaeological Survey of India.  When one enters  the fort, you can see  pond made of black stones  well maintained. There are the firing points to safeguard from the invaders, where the warriors used to hide and use cannons on the attacking enemy.  The only thing prohibited here is that one should not write anything on the wall of the fort, which is punishable as the  fort is a great monument which has to be well preserved by us. There is trench around the fort which safe guard the fort from the invasion of the enemies. In this trench crocodiles were bred that no enemy enters the fort.

There is one temple inside the fort, Human Mandir  .  special pooja is performed on Thursdays and Saturdays. The main offering is Venna Charthal (adorning the god with butter ), Vada Mala, Laddu nevidhyam are important. It is being told that the whatever you wish in mind and pray , that Hanumanji makes your wish true.. Srima Navamai, the birthday of Lord Srirama is celebrated over a month for many years now.

Then when you come out there is the wide spread ground known as Kotta Maidan, which was used to park the horses and elephant of the Tippu. At present this is maintained nicely and this serves as cricket ground and major tournaments under the Kerala Cricket Association like Ranji trophy are hosted here.

The visiting time of the fort is from 8.00 am to 6.00 pm. There is ample space for parking the vehicles and they charge you Rs.20/- for Mini bus,Rs.10 for Car/Auto Rs.5/- for Scooter Motor Cycles & Rs.3/- for Cycles.