Palakkad, also known as Palghat, is a city and municipality in the state of Kerala, India. It is the administrative headquarters of the Palakkad District and is known for its rich cultural heritage and picturesque landscapes. The city lies near the Palghat Gap, a low mountain pass in the Western Ghats that serves as a gateway between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, making it strategically important in history. Palakkad is renowned for the Palakkad Fort, which was built by Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1766 AD and later taken over by the British East India Company. The region is also home to many temples, such as the Kalpathy Temple, and the annual Ratholsavam chariot festival is a major attraction. Agriculturally, Palakkad is often referred to as the 'Granary of Kerala', with extensive paddy fields and a major producer of rice. The Malampuzha Dam and Garden near Palakkad is a popular tourist spot. The blend of cultures is evident in the local cuisine, festivals, and languages spoken, including Malayalam, Tamil, and English.