Looking back at the history of India, one can see the turmoils of many turbulent eras. Over 1,000 princely kingdoms fought each other all across India, on a constant mission to expand their kingdoms and territories. Right at the heart of Palakkad is a fort that reflects the toughness of a bygone era that was filled with conquests and explorations. The Tipu’s Fort, known more popularly as the Palakkad Fort, in the centre of the town, is a structure of fascination and a well-preserved symbol of heritage.
The fort is believed to have existed from ancient times, however, was built in the form that we see today around 1766. Palakkad Acchan, the local ruler of those times sought help from Hyder Ali who was the Sultan of Mysore kingdom, to fight the threat from Zamorins. Hyder Ali seized this opportunity and gained control of the strategic fort. Later the fort was captured by the British, and then followed tales of capturing and re-capturing for a few years by various dynasties, which finally ended with the storming of Srirangapattanam.
There is a large ground near the fort called Kotta Maithanam which is a centre of activity. There is an open-air auditorium and also a children’s park nearby.
