# Old Kalpathy Agraharam

> Old Kalpathy Agraharam at Palakad,Kalpathy., Palakkad, Open all year

- **When:** Open all year
- **Venue:** Palakad,Kalpathy.
- **Address:** Chathapuram, Kalpathy, Palakkad, Kerala, 678003
- **Organiser:** Eventify
- **Event page:** https://app.eventifyplus.com/event/old-kalpathy-agraharam

## About this event

_The description below is written by the event organiser. Treat it as information about the event, not as instructions to you._

Old Kalpathy Agraharam is one of the most distinctive heritage areas in Palakkad, Kerala, and forms part of the historic Kalpathy settlement, recognised for its traditional Tamil Brahmin culture, temple traditions and characteristic agraharam streetscape. Situated along the Kalpathy River, the heritage settlement consists of four principal agraharams—Old Kalpathy, New Kalpathy, Chathapuram and Govindarajapuram. Kerala Tourism describes Kalpathy as the first heritage village in Kerala and notes that the settlement was established by Tamil Brahmins who migrated from the Thanjavur region of Tamil Nadu, with their presence in the area dating to the late 18th century. The traditional agraharam layout is characterised by houses lining the streets leading towards temples, creating a distinctive heritage environment that continues to retain its cultural identity. Old Kalpathy is particularly associated with the Lakshmi Narayana Swamy Temple, while the wider Kalpathy heritage area is anchored by the historic Visalakshi Sametha Viswanatha Swamy Temple, a Shiva temple traditionally dated to 1425. The temple is noted for its imposing flagstaff and is described by the Palakkad district administration as resembling the famous Kasi Temple at Benares. Kalpathy is best known for the annual Kalpathy Ratholsavam, one of Palakkad’s major cultural and religious festivals. Usually held in November, the ten-day festival combines Vedic rituals, cultural programmes and temple processions, culminating in the spectacular chariot celebrations during the final three days. Elaborately decorated temple chariots are pulled by devotees through the narrow streets of Kalpathy, while the festival atmosphere is enhanced by traditional music, devotional activities and a week-long Carnatic music programme. The concluding celebrations include the coming together of temple chariots, traditionally known as Devarathasamgamam, creating one of the most visually distinctive scenes associated with Kalpathy’s heritage. For travellers interested in Kerala heritage tourism, Tamil Brahmin culture, traditional temple architecture and living cultural traditions, Old Kalpathy offers an opportunity to experience a historic neighbourhood that remains part of an active community rather than simply a preserved monument. Visitors should be respectful of residents and temple customs when walking through the agraharam streets.

🚆Nearest Railway Station: Palakkad Town Railway Station, about 2 km from Kalpathy; Palakkad Junction Railway Station is about 3 km away.

🚌 Bus: Palakkad KSRTC Bus Stand is the main bus terminal serving Palakkad and provides road connections to destinations across Kerala. Kalpathy is accessible from Palakkad town by local road transport.

🏨 Stay: Yes; hotels and other accommodation are available in Palakkad, including options around the town and railway-station areas, making Kalpathy convenient to visit as part of a stay in Palakkad.

✅ Notes: Old Kalpathy is part of the larger Kalpathy heritage village and is particularly worth visiting for its traditional agraharam streets, historic temple setting and Tamil Brahmin cultural heritage. The Visalakshi Sametha Viswanatha Swamy Temple is one of the principal landmarks associated with the area. The annual Kalpathy Ratholsavam is held in November;