Kerala piques itself of a rich heritage that has contributed immensely in shaping the image of ancient India that still is held in high esteem universally. Imposing forts across the landscape of Kerala stand tall in the glory of exquisite craftsmanship and immaculate architecture. The 7 amazing forts in Kerala – Rich Heritage have been shortlisted below to help you finalize your itinerary. All these forts have eventful histories and were the center of social and political activities through the ages.
It is another name for Tipu’s fort. It is situated at the centre of Kerala’s Palakkad town and is built entirely of granite. It was constructed by Haider Ali of Mysore, Tipu Sultan’s father. Built in 1766 AD, Tipu lost the fort to East India Company’s armies in 1790 AD. British then got the fort renovated. The fort commands panoramic views of the Palakkad town. The fort has been very well preserved by the Archaeological Survey of India.
It enjoys the unique distinction of being Kerala’s largest fort and sprawls over 40 acres of area. The rustic ambience produced by the fishermen community coupled with the idyllic touches lend by the lapping sea renders Bekal fort an ideal place to get first hand taste of politically active Kerala’s history. The fort is about 26 Kms to the south of Kasaragod town. This fabulous fort was constructed in 17th century by Ikkeri Naikkan.
This fort was constructed in 1503 by Portugese colonials and holds the reputation of being one of the old Indian forts erected by Europeans. In Ernakulam district, the fort stands valiantly along the Vypeen Island’s norther side. Adjacent to the fort is the Pallipuram’s 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.
This fort is situated in the Kannur area of Kerala. In 1703, East India Company got the fort constructed to announce their colonial might. The spellbinding structure is square in shape. The thick walls soar to imposing heights. Beneath the fort is a maze of secret alleys whose mouths open in the abutting sea. The imposing doors have been worked upon in intricate manner. The fort once was the hot spot of aggressive social and political action which paved the way for Thalassery province’s progress. Next to the Muzhappilangad Beach is a steep hangin on which the fort stands proudly.
This sea abutting fort is in Kannur town of Kerala and is also known as Kannur Kotta or Kannur Fort. The first Portugese Viceroy of India, Sir Francisco De Almeiyda, got this imperial fort constructed on lavish scale in 1505 AD. From the main town towards the sea, the Fort is just 2 Kms away from the city centre. After the British spread their colonial wings across Kerala, they captured this fort and ruled the Kannur town from this fort. The Archaeological Survey of India is now responsible for looking after the fort.
Kerala’s Kasargod district is the home to this 17th century grand fort. The fort is square in shape and lies 46m above the sea level. The fort sprawls over seven acres of land abutting the Payaswani river. The fort is falling into pieces now owing to lack of preservation. Payaswini river once served as the border between two mighty kingdoms of Kolathunadu and Thulunadu. After the kingdom of Thulunadu fell to the Vijainagara Empire, Chandragiri region was annexed from the Kolathunadu kings. Once the Vijainagara empire started declining, Ikkeri’s Keladi Nayakas ruled from the region and were responsible for looking after the administration of the area. This happened in the sixteenth century after Vengappa Nayaka announced freedom from the rule of Vijainagara empire. Once Shivappa Nayaka was at the helm of the kingdom, he started constructing a chain of forts across the kingdom and the Chandragiri fort was a part of this series.
This fort, in the coastal town of Anjengo in Thiruvananthapuram district, was constructed in 1695AD by British East India Company after seeking permission from Attingal’s queen. It was primarily used for signalling ships that would arrive from England. On the Malabar coast, this fort served as the first permanent imperial post of East India Company. Near to the fort is the birthplace of the popular Malayali poet Kumaran Asan. The sea beach adjacent to the fort is clean and well preserved. The fort enjoys the neighbourhood of some of the most famous temples of Kerala like Parambil Sree Bhadrakali Yogeeshwara Kshethram, and Sree Bala Subrahmanya Swami Kshethram. The fort is situated 36 Kms away to the northern side of Thiruvananthapuram and is just 2 Kms away from Kadakkavur Railway Station.
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