Kerala state is as much fortunate by nature as by the ancient political happenings. This state had experienced many activities of the politics in the past period. Kerala state has witnessed several convergences of the outside powers, all those powers then adjusted in different corners of this state. The forts of this state are the memorial presence of those colonial powers, which looks like they are still standing fearlessly to tell about those past ruling empires. The forts which are witness to outside powers are the Bekal fort, Pallippuram fort, Palakkad fort, St. Angelo fort and Thalassery fort etc forts; which also showcase the dominance of the foreign architecture.
Anchuthengu Fort
- Region: Kerala State, from town Thiruvananthapuram, about thirty six kilometers
- Constructed By: East India Company
- Constructed In: Seventeenth century
- Relevance: Over the Malabar coast, first trading station
- Entry: No entry fee
- Timings: 09:00 am – 05:00 pm
- Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
The creation of the British Government is the, Anchuthengu fort. This historical fort is one of the attractive factor of Kovalam, the exact location of this fort is about forty kilometers from Trivandrum and from Varkala, it is around twelve kilometers away. This British architectural monument was constructed by the East India Company. This British company was founded in the seventeenth century. During that time, East India Company was doing trade business with the Indian subcontinent and China. During that trading, their major center for trading became this Anchuthengu fort.
This fort was their essential construction. During the colonial times, this major center of trade was developed, as per recorded history this fort was one of the earliest trading structure. The development of this fort was completed during the year of 1695. From that period, this fort is standing by being a hidden fortress. Within the fort area, there is a lighthouse, close to the fort, which was used in the earlier time, to give guidelines to the ships which were coming from Britain.
Historically this fort has essential information which happened in the earlier times. You will definitely find this fort very interesting through its architectural structure, which are witness to the British period. There are many structures, which signifies, how the British colony were managing the trading business. The different parts of the fort, includes some various construction differences; through which you feel the presence and influence of the British over this monument. Mostly people who are very interested in the architecture and history, those tourists visit this fort.
But this monument is not less interesting than any other beautiful Hill station, it’s just how you adopt the things. Visiting this fort is actually a perfect spot to observe the British architectural view. When you will walk into this ancient structure, you will get to see the earlier Dutch colony’s funerary grounds in the surrounding area of this fort.
Not only, the Architecture of this fort mesmerizes you, but also the mood of the weather which gives slow waves in the air which again and again refreshes you, which actually give a relaxed feeling. When you roam in the Anchuthengu fort, you can also go to Anchuthengu town. This is a very small village situated on the beach area; this comes under the district of Thiruvananthapuram. This town has 2 churches and also a huge and broad beach area, here you can play volleyball, and enjoy the ambiance of the beach. After coming here you will won’t face any issue with accommodation, because there are numbers of resorts which are available here to serve you the best service with comfort.
Palakkad Fort
- Region: Kerala State
- Constructed In: 1766
- Constructed By: Hyder Ali
- Acquisition By: In 1790, from British
- Entry: No entry fee
- Timings: 08:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Time Required: 2 to 3 hours
The unique feature of the Palakkad fort is that, the entire structure is constructed in the old granite, and the location of this fort is exactly at Palakkad town. This fort is one of the best forts, which has been maintained till now by the people. This was constructed in the 1766 and constructed by Hyder Ali. During the year of 1790, it was captured by the British Colony, and they improved it by renovating this fort. This Palakkad fort was also called as Tipu’s fort.
The major motto behind making this fort was for better communication between two parts of the world that is the West Cost and Coimbatore. During that time, son of Haider Ali, famous Tipu Sultan got the title called Loin of Mysore, and he became a hero, because of having a war opposite the colony of British on his side. In the year 1799, Tipu Sultan died, during the fight with the British Government, because of this incident, Palakkad fort is called by the name Tipu Sultan.
Palakkad fort was sealed for eleven days, by the British colony, but in the end, it went on the side of Zamorin’ troops; but during the 1790, it was again won by the British. Here you will get to see the large open air auditorium, which is known as a Rappadi; it was situated at the huge ground of the Palakkad fort. There is a park, attached to the single side of the fort, for the children. It is a very interesting fort, with the enjoyable surrounding.
St. Angelo Fort
- Region: Kerala, Kannur
- Constructed By: Don Francesco de Almeida
- Constructed In: 1505
- Ancient Importance: Military Base of British
- Entry: No entry fee
- Timings: 08:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Time Required: 1 hour
This British fort is called by the name of Kannur fort. This fort of Kerala state is very huge which was constructed by India’s first Portuguese Viceroy called Francisco de Almeida. During the year 1505, this historical fort was built. During the present time, this historical memorial is in the hands of the Archaeological Survey of India .St. Angelo fort was handed over from many empires, but at the end it came to the British Government, this happened in the 1790. Even if, it was built by the Portuguese Viceroy, still the permission of the ruling empire of that time Raja Kolathiri was required.
The ruling empire of this fort was again and again changing, it was handed over from the empire of Portuguese, to the empire of Dutch and in the end the major empire that was British. They made this fort as their main center of military, at the Malabar Coast. The entire personality of the fort is huge, the walls of the St. Angelo fort are very impressive, it also has a big canal. You get the amazing scenery of the famous Mappila Bay, which attracts a number of tourists. The sea is very near from this fort but it has not immersed with the Sea water because of the strong and huge walls of the St. Angelo fort.
You will also get to see the very popular island known as a Dharmadam, which is situated hundred meters away from the Sea Shore. The look of this island is fabulous, from the fort. Because of these interesting spots, at one time you will get a chance to visit more than one naturist spot. There is a bay which is well equipped by the all useful fishing harbor, and also with the new technology, which they need for the fishing business. Because of the perfect maintenance of India’s archeological survey, this historical survey is still in good condition. Visiting this British monument is actually a great experience, because through this you will get to see the earlier Architectural view and construction of the British colony.
Bekal Fort
- Region: Kerala State, Bekal
- Constructed In: About 1650
- Constructed By: Sivappa Naik
- Attractive Feature: Kerala’s Largest Fort
- Entry: Rs.20/- per person
- Timings: 08:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Time Required: 2 to 3 hours
During your Kerala trip, you will realize one thing after visiting this Bekal fort is that, this is a very well maintained fort as compared to Kerala’s other forts. This is a very essential monument of the Kerala state. This historical monument is located near the highway. There is a belief that, this Bekal fort was constructed during the year of 1650, through Ikkeri Empire’s Sivappa Naik. After Sivappa Naik, it was handed over to Mysore’s Hyder Ali and in the end to the British Government. Bekal fort has many impressive features such as the tower of observation, Sea side and also the common factor of this historical monument is the underground tunnels.
All these interesting characteristics of the fort can be seen in this fort. More than visiting or watching the fort, it is more important and amazing to feel the atmosphere of this old structure. Near this fort, there is a mosque, as per the ancient record, it was made by the Mughal King Tipu Sultan. The feeling which you get when you touch this historical or ancient structure is very unique and pleasant which you don’t get when you touch the new one. If you will see the fort from the outside, it looks as if this monument is sleeping from hundreds of years, having stored all the memories in its eyes.
The landscape of this fort is refined, at the ground area, there is an endless grassland. Each and every aspect of this monument is perfect as the best tourist spot. This fort has covered about thirty five acres of area which is joined to the Arabian Sea. The maintenance of this ancient monument is handled by India’s Archeological Survey. There are some attractive spots which are close to the Bekal fort.
Close Attractive Spots:
Aqua Park
This is situated on Bekal fort’s northern direction. This type of park is only in the whole Malabar region. Here you can enjoy boating, which is close to the Beach, known as a Pallikere. Many facilities are offered here to enjoy the trip like water cycling and pedal boats. You will enjoy and have a lot of fun just like you are on a picnic
Pallikere Beach
This is a very nice place with the silent waves of the water. This spot is continuously progressing as a tourists spot. Many aspects of this tourist spot has been recreated, you will get ample of relaxation. The surrounded scenery has the Bekal fort.
Pallipuram Fort
- Region: Kerala State, Ernakulam
- Constructed In: 1503
- Constructed By: Portuguese
- Relevance: European Monument
- Entry: No entry fee
- Timings: 09:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
This is one of the beautiful forts of Kerala. It is located on the Vypin Island’s northern edge. This Pallipuram fort was constructed by the Portuguese empire, during the year of 1507. People say that, this fort is the Europeans first fort, which was made in India. This fort is very old that’s why it is witness to the various fights which happened in between the Dutch empire and Portuguese. The shape of this Pallippuram fort is hexagonal, it also has 3 storeys, earlier this fort did not have any security, but now it has got protection.
This is the oldest monument of the Europeans, constructed in India. in the year 1661, this Pallippuram fort was under the rule of Dutch empire; but they also didn’t have this monument for a long time, because in the end they had to sell this fort to the Travancore, during the year of 1789. Within this fort, there is a catholic church, which is an essential place of the Christian People. This fort is very popular among the people of Kerala .
Nearby Attractions:
Dutch Palace:
This Palace was constructed in the sixteenth century, through the Portuguese empire. The actual location of this palace is Mattancherry, Dutch palace is also known as a Mattancherry palace. In the year 1555, this palace was served to the King of Kochi. After some time, this Dutch palace was captured by the British Empire. They extended this fort and also renovated it.
Jewish Synagogue:
This monument is the earlier house of prayer. The Jewish Synagogue was constructed during the year of 1586; by the Jewish community. The connection of this synagogue started from northern part of Kerala.
Fort Kochi Beach:
After reaching Kerala, don’t forget to visit Kerala’s popular Kochi fort. Walking by the city’s lanes is a perfect way to explore the Kochi fort. There is one small confusing village which was the first township of the European empire. Kochi is very popular for their various events and also its history which is very colorful and interesting.
Bolgatty Palace
This palace is one of the very famous spots of Kerala. This is very beautiful scenery island which is close to Ernakulam. This palace is also the construction of the outside colony that is Dutch. During the year of 1744, they made this palace. There are so many interesting places near the fort, which is beneficial for tourists; you get to see more and more beautiful spots, in less effort. So don’t wait more, and get ready to explore the nature surrounded state Kerala.
Thalassery Fort
- Region: Kerala State, from district Kannur, twenty two kilometers
- Constructed By: British
- Constructed In: 1708
- Close Attractive Spots: Rama Swami temple and Jagannatha temple
- Entry: Rs.10/- per person
- Timings: 08:00 am – 06:00 pm
- Time Required: 1 to 2 hours
Thalassery fort of Kerala state was built in the year of 1708; it was situated twenty two kilometers away from the district of Kannur. This fort also belongs to the colony of British. This was the British Empire’s center of military. The background behind the construction of this fort was, when during the 1708 century, East India Company of the British Government had started to settle their trade business at the Coast of Malabar; at that time they made this beautiful Thalassery fort.
The shape of this fort is square. This fort very strong and huge, the walls are very large, the doors of this fort are very nicely carved, and there are also some underground tunnels which indirectly connected to the Sea. The construction structure of this monument is very impressive. At one time, this fort was the real source of development of the Thalassery. The entire fort had been built on the rocky scarp, at the Beach area of Thalassery. In the year of 1683, the East India Company of the British came to this fort, but it got hampered from the Dutch. Till the 1700, British constructed this Thalassery fort, over the tiny hill which is known as a Thiruvizhamkunnu. The height of this fort was increased by the British in the year of 1708. In the development of the Thalassery region this fort was built.
To reach this place, you can choose any mode of transport as per your convenience, because it is a very well developed location, connected with all modes. By air, you can land at the Thalassery airport of that is in Karipur. From the district called Malappuram, Thalassery fort is close, about ninety three kilometers. You can take a train and get down at Kannur railway station, this station is also near to the fort. Choosing the bus Transport is also nice, because it is well linked with roads, for the local traveling, on the roads of the Kerala, you can use buses of the KSRTC.
