Palacode (also spelled Palakkodu) is a major town and revenue taluk in the northwest region of the Dharmapuri district in Tamil Nadu. The etymology of its name stems from the ancient Tamil words "Pazhaiya" (old) and "Kodu" (town or fortified hill), signifying its identity as an ancient, historically fortified settlement.
​The historical timeline of Palacode extends from prehistoric times through the Sangam era down to the Anglo-Mysore conflicts: