11 Historic Forts You Should Visit In Kerala India

Forts are one of the surviving symbols of history that stand testimony to the past of a land. Built by the governors of the land, they acted as the fortifications of safety and security of the rulers. Like every other land, Kerala too has several forts which tell their tales of antiquity. While most of them are in a state of disrepair, there are a few that live on as the markers of glory of the era they were built in. Dating from the 1500s, here are 11 forts that must be visited in Kerala before they are lost forever.

1. Hosdurg Fort, Kasaragode

Ruins, Historical Landmark, Archaeological site

Hosdurg fort in Kasaragode, with its round bastion, is an imposing structure built by Somashekara Nayaka from the Keladi Nayaka dynasty of Ikkeri. The fort is now in ruins. The place near the fort is famously known for the Nithyanand Asram with its 45 caves.

2. St. Thomas Fort, Kollam

Ruins

Remains of St Thomas Fort at Thangasseri

St. Thomas Fort, AKA Thangasseri Fort, is a ruined fort located in the beach town of Thankasseri in Kollam. Thangasseri is known for its trade relations with the Chinese traders, from as early as the first millennium CE. Due to its importance as a trade port, it was later colonized by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British during the European reign in Kerala.

3. Fort Emmanuel, Ernakulam

Ruins, Archaeological site, Historical Landmark

Fort Emmanuel, AKA Immanuel Fort, is a ruined fort located in Fort Kochi. The fort was built by the Portuguese subsequent to the permission granted by the Rajah of Kochi in 1503 CE. The first part of Fort Kochi comes from this fort. Later in 1663, the fort was captured by the Dutch, who in turn held it until 1795, after which the British took control by defeating them.

4. Kottappuram Fort, Thrissur

Ruins

Cranganore Fort, AKA Kodungallur Fort or Kottappuram Fort, is situated in Kodungallur in Thrissur district. The stone fort was built by the Protuguese in 1523, and was called Fortaleza da Sao Tome. The Dutch took possession of the fort in 1661, which later came under the control of Tipu Sultan, who destroyed it shortly after.