Kadanad's early history is closely linked to the medieval Kingdom of Vadakkumkoor, which ruled over the Meenachil region before being annexed by Maharaja Marthanda Varma of Travancore in the mid-18th century. Following the annexation, the region experienced an era of relative peace, allowing agriculture and local trade to flourish.
The village is profoundly important to the history of the Syrian Christian community in Kerala. Kadanad St. Augustine's Church, a prominent local landmark, was a major spiritual and administrative center. During the late 1700s, the renowned priest and scholar Paremmakkal Thoma Kathanar served as the parish priest here. It was during his time in Kadanad that he completed the *Varthamanappusthakam*, documenting his arduous journey to Rome—a milestone in Malayalam literature and Indian travel writing.
In the 20th century, Kadanad evolved into a prominent agricultural hub. The introduction of natural rubber by the British in the nearby hilly regions eventually trickled down to local farmers. Post-independence, Kadanad embraced the Kerala model of development, focusing heavily on education and healthcare, leading to high literacy rates and significant emigration to the West and the Middle East, which in turn transformed the local economy through remittances.
