Palakkad, Trade center in Kerala, India.
Palakkad is a major trade center in Kerala, India, spreading along the natural opening between the Western Ghats that connects the coastal region with the Tamil Nadu plateau. The town sits among wide paddy fields and low hills, with roads lined by shops, markets and residential neighborhoods, while old trees provide shade along the main avenues.
The local ruler Hyder Ali of Mysore built the fort in the late 18th century to secure the strategic gap through the mountains. British forces captured the stronghold shortly after and used it as a base during their expansion across southern India.
The name of this town comes from the Sanskrit words for "old fort," referring to the historic stronghold at its heart. Residents often visit temples in the early morning for prayers and rituals, and daily life follows the agricultural calendar and lunar phases that guide planting and harvest.
The town is accessible via several highways and the railway station at Olavakod, located a few kilometers from the center. Visitors walking around will find shaded paths along main roads and should plan for comfortable footwear when exploring the sprawling neighborhoods.
The region serves as a major granary for the state of Kerala, supplying much of the rice harvest sold in markets across the coast. Visitors often see groups of farmworkers bending over the fields, cutting the golden stalks by hand.
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