One historical monument that has survived and continues to tell a country's story is forts. They served as the fortifications of protection and security for the land's governors because they constructed them. Similar to other countries, Kerala has some forts that can be visited and which can narrate historical tales. However, a handful continue to stand as symbols of the age in which they were constructed, even though the majority are in ruin. Famous forts in Kerala, built about the 1500s, are here, and you must see them before they proceed forever.
List of Top 12 Historical Forts in Kerala
Many of Kerala's ancient forts testify to the state's glorious heritage. Tourists worldwide are drawn to these artefacts because they allow them to travel in time and experience all the luxuries. Here are some of the best historical forts in Kerala mentioned below:
Palakkad Fort. High Walls and Impressive Bastions
- Chandragiri Fort. Historic Architecture and Cultural Significance
- Anjengo Fort. The Best Coastal Fort in Kerala
- East Fort. Heart of Thiruvananthapuram
- Kodungallur Fort. Lush Greenery With Stone Walls And Watchtowers
- Nedumkotta Fort. Ancient Architecture Offers Panoramic Views
- Hosdurg Fort. Intricate Carvings And Robust Bastions
- Bekal Fort. Largest Fort in Kerala
- Pallipuram Fort. Oldest European Fort in India
- Thalassery Fort. Intricate Carvings and Secret Tunnels
- St. Angelo Fort. Mesmerising Views of the Arabian Sea
- Chendamangalam Fort. Surrounded by Lush Greenery
1. Palakkad Fort - High Walls and Impressive Bastions
One of the best-preserved Hill forts in Kerala is Palakkad Fort, commonly referred to as "Tipu's Fort" or occasionally "Hanuman Kotta," which is looked after by the Indian Archaeological Survey. Until the Palakkad Fort was built, a different fort is said to have existed in the exact location. The fort's entryway is reached through a short bridge-like construction. The fort is essentially a granite building that is encircled by a moat. Incredible panoramic views of Palakkad could be seen from the fort.
- Where. 70 km to the northeast of Thrissur.
- Entry Fees. No entry fees
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2. Chandragiri Fort - Historic Architecture and Cultural Significance
Sivappa Naik of Bednapore constructed Kasaragod's Chandragiri Fort in the 17th century, 46 meters above sea level. The Payaswini River and the fort share the fort's seven acres of land as a border. The fort's magnificence is steadily eroding as a result of negligence. Shivappa Nayaka built some forts, including Chandragiri Fort.
- Where. Kasaragod, Kerala
- Entry Fees. INR 100 for Adults and INR 20 for children
3. Anjengo Fort - The Best Coastal Fort in Kerala
The East India Company constructed Anchuthengu and Anjengo Fort during the 17th century, which served as the initial permanent imperial outpost of the British on the coast of Malabar, India. There's a beach close to the fort that is popular with visitors. Numerous sights may be found near the Anchuthengu fort, including the home of renowned Malay poet Kumaran Asan and a few well-known Keralan temples, including Sree Bala Subrahmanya Swami Kshethram.
- Where. Thiruvananthapuram's northern side is 36 km away.
- Entry Fees. No entry fees.
4. East Fort - Heart of Thiruvananthapuram
The name of the East Fort, which is in the centre of Thiruvananthapuram, comes from the fort's eastern gateway. The fort had been built to safeguard the city. The Sri Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Ganesha Temple, Gandhi Park, and Kuthiramalika Palace Museum are all situated within the centre of the fort. You can add to your bucket list this Kerala fort tourism.
- Where. Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Entry Fees. INR 150
5. Kodungallur Fort - Lush Greenery With Stone Walls And Watchtowers
Cranganore Fort or Kottappuram Fort were the earlier names of Kodungallur Fort, which was constructed by the Portuguese in 1523. Translated, Kottappuram implies "the area surrounding a fort." The Archaeological Survey of India discovered one pillar while preserving it as public property because this fort was found in ruins.
- Where. Thrissur District
- Entry Fees. No entry fees
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6. Nedumkotta Fort - Ancient Architecture Offers Panoramic Views
The Dharma Raja Karthika Thirunal, King of Travancore, constructed Nedumkotta Fort. To be prepared for the ongoing assaults from the Northern Kingdoms of Kozhikode, this fort was built.
- Where. Thrissur
- Entry Fees. INR 5
7. Hosdurg Fort - Intricate Carvings And Robust Bastions
Somashekara Nayaka of the Keladi Nayaka dynasty constructed this nearly circular fort, although it is primarily an ancient Shiva Temple called Karpureshwara Temple. In the past, the Hosdurg Fort served as both a cremation and a cemetery. To the southwest of the fort is the Nityananda Ashram, whereas to the southeast is the Sri Lakshmi Venkataramana Temple.
- Where. Hosdurg, Kanhangad, Kerala
- Entry fees. INR5
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8. Bekal Fort - Largest Fort in Kerala
Established in the 17th Century by Shivappa Nayaka of Nagar, the Bekal Fort is the largest in Kerala, spreading over 40 acres of land. History has it that Tipu Sultan’s father, Haider Ali, took over this fort in 1763, but the British eventually seized it in 1792. ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) manages this popular tourist destination and has an adjoining beach where one can witness breathtaking sunsets.
- Where: Kasaragod, Kerala
- Entry Fees: INR 20 for Indians and SAARC nationals and INR 250 for foreign nationals.
9. Pallipuram Fort - Oldest European Fort in India
Pallipuram Fort is the oldest European fort in India, built in 1503. Locally, it is known as Ayikkotta or Alikotta. The ruins of this hexagonal fort still lie unprotected between thick vegetation.
- Where: Vypin, Kochi
- Entry Fees: No fees.
10. Thalassery Fort - Intricate Carvings and Secret Tunnels
Thalassery was one of the most important trading centres in Kerala. During their reign, the East India Company was compelled to establish a stronghold on the Malabar coast, and hence, they built the Thalassery, or sometimes known as Tellicherry fort. It is a square fort with high walls and intricately carved doors. This fort also has a secret tunnel leading to the sea.
- Where: Pilakool, Thalassery, Kerala
- Entry Fees: No entry fees.
11. St. Angelo Fort - Mesmerising Views of the Arabian Sea
Built-in the 16th Century by Dom Francisco De Almeida, St. Angelo Fort, or Kannur Fort, offers mesmerising views of the Arabian Sea. It is a huge fort made of laterite stones that overlooks the harbour. According to legends, the Portuguese built this fort with official permission from Ali Rajas. It is located in the Kannur Cantonment area and protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
- Where: 3 km from Kannur City
- Entry Fees: No entry fee.
12. Chendamangalam Fort - Surrounded by Lush Greenery
This fort is around 450 years old and is one of the oldest forts in India. It has many historical items on display for the public and is surrounded by lush greenery. A few churches and mosques are nearby as well.
- Where: Kochi
- Entry Fees: INR50.
Conclusion
With its rich historical heritage, Kerala is home to many forts, each narrating tales of courage, trade, and colonial influence. Each site offers a glimpse into the past from famous forts in Kerala like Palakkad Fort and Bekal Fort to the lesser-known gems like Chendamangalam Fort. Exploring these forts in Kerala not only allows one to appreciate their architectural splendour but also to understand the strategic importance they hold. So, if you’re wondering how many forts in Kerala are worth visiting, start with these top seven and delve into the historical richness they offer.
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