Kunchan Smarakam Fort is one of the famous forts of Kerala. The fort has been built in memory of a famous poet of Kerala - Kunchan Nambiar. It is located 30 kms from Palakkad in Kerala. Kunchan Smarakam Fort now has been converted into an institution for young people, who are interested in satirical art forms. Students here are given training and are guided properly in these art forms of Kerala that also includes `Parayanthullal`. Artistes in this fort are trained for in a three-year course on the art forms such as Ottanthullal, Seethamkan Thullal and Parayan Thullal. Different festivals are celebrated at Kunchan Smarakam Fort, such as Thullal, Navaratri festival as well as the birthday of the poet which falls on the fifth day of May. These festivals are celebrated in a grand way with much enthusiasm and fervour. Tourists visiting the Kunchan Smarakam Fort can get a glimpse of the historical site that stands as a symbol of arts and literature. The place is unique also because it is the monument which is one of its kinds in India.

History of Kunchan Smarakam Fort
Kunchan Smarakam Fort is dedicated to the Kunchan Nambiar who was a famous Malayalam poet. He is credited with inventing the popular dance form of Kerala - Ottamthullal. The word `Smarakam` has been derived from Sanskrit which means `memorial.` The birth place of Kunchan Nambiar is popularly known as Killikurissi Mangalam. The poet had spent his early years at Kudamaloor and his youth at Ambalappuzha. Some scholars believe that Kunchan Nambiar and Sanskrit poet Rama Panivada were same. Kunchan Nambiar had served at the court of Martanda Varma in 1748. However, later he shifted to the court of Karthika Thirunal Rama Varma.

Kunjan Nambiar bears the honour of creating and organizing Thullal as a genre of poetry in Malayalam and as a dance form. According to legend once during a temple festival, Kunjan Nambiar was playing a drum for a Chaakiaar. While playing the drum he made a mistake, which annoyed Chaakiaar. He publicly dejected him and Kunjan Nambiar left the place. The following day when the same Chaakiaar was performing, Nambiar began to sing and dance. Within few minutes Nambiar`s antics drew the attention of the audience thus leaving the Chaakiaar without spectators. Kunchan Nambiar represented the golden age of Malayalam literature. Kunchan Smarakam is regarded as a national monument today. It is now governed by a committee appointed by the Government.

Kunchan Smarakam Fort is thus regarded as an important historical monument of Kerala that serves as a training institute teaching various art forms that have been devised by the renowned poet. The institution provides an insight into the life and academic excellence of the poet. The fort is an example of cultural, literature and artistic growth of the state. A detailed library and an auditorium is also a part of the Smarakam.

Kunchan Smarakam Fort is easily accessible by rail, road and air. The nearest airport is Coimbatore International Airport, about 55 km from the place. The monument is well connected by the network of road. Hence, it is easily accessible by road too. The nearest railway station is at Palghat Railway Station, about 12 km away.