Palakkad Fort, Military fort in Palakkad, India
Palakkad Fort is a military fortification in central Kerala featuring sturdy laterite walls and multiple bastions arranged in a square layout. The structure dominates the landscape and remains a defining feature of the city's skyline.
Sultan Hyder Ali rebuilt this fortification in 1766 as a strategic outpost to control the frontier between the kingdoms of Travancore and Mysore. The structure served as a crucial point in regional power struggles during that era.
A temple dedicated to Anjaneya Swamy sits at the eastern entrance with a carved figure of Lord Hanuman visible on the inner wall. This sacred space draws both worshippers and visitors, adding a spiritual layer to the fort grounds.
The grounds are open to the public and include a children's park, an open-air auditorium, and spaces for sporting events and exhibitions. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended to explore the expansive terrain.
The fort houses the Palakkad Special Sub Jail within its walls while simultaneously functioning as an open national monument for public visits. This unusual arrangement shows how historical sites adapt to contemporary administrative needs.
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