Kunchan Smarakam Fort

Kunchan Smarakam Fort is a memorial built as a tribute to a famous poet of Kerala - Kunchan Nambiar. The monument has been converted into an institution for young people, where they are trained in the various divisions of satirical art forms of Kerala, including ‘Parayanthullal’. Artistes in this fort are provided training in three-year course on the art forms native to Kerala, including Ottanthullal, Seethamkan Thullal and Parayan Thullal. The celebrations at Kunchan Smarakam Fort, such as Thullal, Navarathri festival, and birthday of the poet (celebrated as Kunchandinam) are organized in a splendid manner. Kunchan Smarakam Fort is a unique destination, which offers a historical site, bearing the buds of arts and literature. The place is unique also because it is the monument which is one of its kinds in India.

History
Kunchan Nambiar was a renowned Malayalam poet, and inventor of Kerala’s own dance form - Ottamthullal. ‘Smarakam’ is a Sanskrit word, which means ‘memorial’. Kunchan Smarakam Fort was built as a memorial for the great poet of Malayalam - Kunchan Nambiar. The fort is located at Lakkidi in Palakkad district. The place is popularly known as Killikurissi Mangalam - the birth place of Kunchan Nambiar. He spent his early years at Kudamaloor and his youth at Ambalappuzha. Some scholars believe that Kunchan Nambiar and Sanskrit poet Rama Panivada were same. In 1748, Kunchan Nambiar attended the court of Martanda Varma, and later moved to the court of Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma.

Kunjan Nambiar, a genius and one of the renowned poets of Kerala, is credited to organize Thullal as a genre of poetry in Malayalam and as a dance form. During a temple festival, Kunjan Nambiar was playing the drum for a Chaakiaar. There, he made a mistake, which annoyed Chaakiaar who publicly dejected him. Kunjan Nambiar left the place quietly. Next day, when same Chaakiaar was performing, he began to sing and dance. In brief time, the audience turned to Nambiar’s antics, leaving the Chaakiaar without spectators. Kunchan Nambiar represented the golden age of Malayalam literature. Today, Kunchan Smarakam is a national monument. It is now under the governance of a committee appointed by the Government.

Attractions
Kunchan Smarakam Fort is not just a historical monument, but also a memorial built as a tribute to the famous poet of Kerala - Kunchan Nambiar. The fort currently serves as a training institution teaching various art forms devised by the renowned poet. The institution provides an insight into the life and academic excellence of the poet. It became the centre point of cultural, literature and artistic growth of Kerala. The Smarakam plays host to big celebrations during the festival of "Navaratri", and Thullal. The birthday of the poet, fifth day of May, is celebrated with pomp and show, here. A detailed library and an auditorium form the other attractions of the Smarakam.

How to Reach

By Air
The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, about 55 km from the place. From this airport you can catch a flight to almost all major destinations of India and abroad.

By Road
The monument is well connected by the network of road. Hence, it is easily accessible by road too.

By Rail
The nearest railway station is at Palghat Railway Station, about 12 km away. From here trains are available to almost every major destination in India.