Kerala Picnic Spot

Kerala has a lot of forts constructed by the Kings and the Western power. Each fort has its own story to tell about the bloodshed, bravery and valour. Read on to know about some of the Historical Monuments of Kerala.

Bekal Fort

Bekal fort is the largest and one of the best preserved forts in Kerala. The 300 plus year old fort is a coastal fort lying 16 km south-east of Kasaragod situated on the backdrop of Arabian seashore of Pallikkara village in the Kasaragod district of North Kerala. The Bekal fort spreads over 40 acres (160,000 m2) of land. Due to its historic relevance, the fort is controlled by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Palakkad fort

Palakkad Fort, also known as the ‘Tipu’s Fort’, spread across 15 acres and built in 1766 AD by the Mysore Sultan, Haider Ali (father of Tipu Sultan), is another well preserved fort situated in the centre of Palakkad town. The Palakkad fort which witnessed the Mysorean invasion and the British colonialism, a gateway into Kerala’s intriguing past. Nestled amidst picturesque Sahayadri ranges of the Western Ghats, the fort with its thick granite walls and strong bastions, reminds every visitor of many of its tales of bloodshed, bravery and valour; it is from this fort that the Tiger of Mysore (Tipu Sultan), fought many battles against the colonial rule of British.

St. Angelos Fort, Kannur

St. Angelo’s fort also known as Kannur fort is situated in Kannur cantonment area. The fort was built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India on the Arabian Sea shore about 2 km from Kannur town. In 2015, 35,950 cannonballs were discovered from the Fort premises by the excavation conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Anjuthengu Fort

Anjuthengu fort or Anjengo fort was established by British East India Company during 17th century. The fort has got much historical relevance as it is the first permanent major trading station of the British East India Company. It was also the first signalling station for ships arriving to Kerala.

As the name indicates Anjuthengu is a place full of coconut trees. Apart from being a site of high historical relevance, the fort’s aesthetical beauty sandwiched between the sea and backwaters makes it a favourite getaway for tourists.

Thelassery Fort

Thalassery fort was constructed by the British East India Company in early 18th century with massive walls, strong bastions and grandiose doors embellished with elaborate carvings, secret tunnels and two underground chambers. The Fort was the military centre of British rule and it stands as the monument of colonial imperialism. The fort is situated in the heart of Thalassery city in Kannur district. This historical fort today, is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India

Chandragiri Fort

Chandragiri Fort is situated in the Kasaragod district of Kerala.  Build in the 17th century by Shivappa Nayaka, this grand fort in square shape and lies 46m above the sea level and spreads across seven acres of land abutting the Payaswani River. The fort is falling into pieces now owing to lack of preservation.

Pallipuram Fort

This fort was constructed in 1503 by Portuguese colonials and holds the reputation of being one of the oldest Indian forts erected by Europeans. Situated in the Ernakulam district, the fort stands valiantly along the Vypin Island’s norther side. Adjacent to the fort is the Pallipuram Catholic Church which is a major centre of pilgrimage for the Christians. Alokkotta is hexagonal in shape and are the most antiquated European structures still standing in India.

Hosdurg fort or Kanhangad Fort

Hosdurg Fort near Kanhangad is renowned for its chain of forts built by Somashekara Nayak of Ikkeri Dynasty. Another popular landmark here is the Nithyanandashram, an internationally famed spiritual centre. The place is located 15 km south of Bekal in Kasaragod.