Palakkad

Palakkad, often called the “Gateway of Kerala,” has a history shaped by the famous Palakkad Gap—an important mountain pass in the Western Ghats that connects Kerala with Tamil Nadu. This natural corridor made the region a key route for trade, migration, and military movement for centuries. Because of its fertile plains and river systems, Palakkad also grew as a strong agrarian belt, known for paddy cultivation and village-based economies.

In earlier times, Palakkad was influenced by the Cheras and later regional chieftains, and it developed a distinct cultural blend—Kerala traditions mixed with Tamil influences—visible in language, food, music, and temple practices. The area gained major political importance in the 18th century when Hyder Ali of Mysore captured Palakkad, recognizing its strategic value. Soon after, Tipu Sultan strengthened control, leading to frequent conflicts in the region.

During this period, the Palakkad Fort became a central landmark. Later, with the expansion of British power in South India, Palakkad came under British administration, and new roads and systems further connected it to the larger Madras region. In modern Kerala, Palakkad is known for its classical arts, temples, the Kalpathy heritage, and its continuing role as a vital link between the coasts and the plains—where history, agriculture, and culture meet.