Ottapalam is a town in Palakkad district of Kerala state in India. It is also the headquarters of Ottapalam 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 for having several films shot here. Being headquarters of the taluk of the same name, 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. The principal spoken language is Malayalam.