Chalakudy (ചാലക്കുടി) is a municipal town situated on the banks of Chalakudy River in Thrissur District of the Kerala State in India. It is the base camp for travellers to Athirappilly and Vazhachal Falls. It lies on National Highway 47 and located about 36 km (23 mi) north of the city of Kochi, the commercial capital city of Kerala and 30 km (19 mi) south of Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala.

The name "Chalakudy" is derived from the word "Shalakudy", meaning a place where sacrifices are made. The best season to visit Chalakudy is December to March and also in monsoon season. Chalakudy is a place of historical importance as it was the base for the operations of the Mysore invader Tipu Sultan while attacking the "Travancore lines'.

As of the 2001 census, Chalakudy had a population of 48,371. Males constitute 49% of the population and females 51%. Chalakudy has an average literacy rate of 85%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with male literacy of 86% and female literacy of 84%. 10% of the population is under 6 years of age.