This square-shaped fort is a mind-blowing tourism spot in the Kannur district that takes its visitors to a bygone era with its magnificent architecture and ambiance. Situated near Thalassery town, this place was a major trading center at the beginning and an administrative center of Malabar later. This fort was also used for the imprisonment of Hyder Ali’s army. Now a major tourist destination, this place offers immaculate scenery as the fort is on the shores of the beach. A major attraction of this fort is that it has a secret underground tunnel that leads directly to the beach from within the fort. Unfortunately, this is the only section of this fort that is now closed down as security issues occurred when it was opened to the public.
Architecture: This fort is at a height of 90 ft above sea level. One has to go up a few stairs to reach this height and enter the fort. Upon entering, the spacious garden, blocks of buildings, arch-shaped sentinel’s area, a lighthouse, and the gentle breeze from the seashore greet its guests. This fort was constructed with lime, jaggery, and egg white as an additive in its making. History documents that the East India Company founded it to honor the imperial rulers. Surprisingly, it was here in the secret underground chamber that the conspiracy to arrest Pazhassi Raja was carried out. The archeology department found many British coin collections and other remains here.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Thalassery, about 900 meters away
Nearest airport: Kannur International Airport, about 25 km
