Ottapalam is a town in the Ottapalam taluk in the Palakkad district, state of Kerala, India. It is also the headquarters of the taluk. Situated on the banks of the Bharathappuzha river (also called the Nila or Perar), it has a rich cultural heritage and has played host to many historic events. It is famous as the location for several films. Even though a part of Palakkad district, it has a very different culture as compared to Palakkad, situated 35 km east to Ottapalam. Being headquarters of the taluk, it is one of the municipalities of the district. Chinakathoor Pooram held every year at Chinakathoor Kavu Temple is a famous event. It used to be a major town of Nedunganad and later became part of Valluvanad Taluk during the reign of the Zamorins of Calicut. Ottapalam is connected to India's railway network by Shornur-Palakkad Railway Line.