Like much of the Meenachil Taluk, Kadanad's early history is deeply intertwined with the agrarian expansion of central Kerala. The area was historically ruled by local chieftains (such as the Meenachil Karthas) before being absorbed into the Kingdom of Travancore in the 18th century by Marthanda Varma.
The village developed significantly alongside the migration and settlement of the Syrian Christian community, who played a crucial role in clearing land for agriculture and establishing local trade. St. Augustine's Forane Church, a central historical landmark of the village, was established several centuries ago and has undergone multiple reconstructions, serving as a focal point for the community's spiritual and educational development.
During the 20th century, the introduction of commercial rubber cultivation transformed Kadanad's economy. Following India's independence in 1947 and the formation of the state of Kerala in 1956, Kadanad transitioned into a formal Grama Panchayat under the modern decentralized governance framework.