Vattakottai fort

The unique experience

Touted as one of Southern India’s biggest forts, the Vattakottai Fort sprawls over 3.5 acres of area and is a must to be seen in your lifetime. The most intriguing feature of this fort is its location which is just on the shore of the majestic Bay of Bengal. History buffs too will have loads to discover and study when they come here, particularly the architecture. There is a lighthouse in ruins very close to the fort. It is perfect for shooting pictures. 

About

Nestled majestically 7 kilometers from Kanyakumari, the fort is a gem that overlooks the Bay of Bengal and the Western Ghats on either side. An 18th-century fort, it was constructed as the last fort by the rulers of Travancore. The construction started in 1729 after the Battle of Colachel was won by King Marthanda Varma. He defeated Eustachius De Lannoy, the Captain of Dutch East India Company and gave the charge of constructing the fort to him. It was under Lannoy’s supervision that the fortress was completed with success. The ASI declared this fort as a protected site and hence, makes sure that it is always well maintained. So, if you are going for Kanyakumari tour packages, you will also be advised to visit this place.

Legend

As per one belief, the fort was also under the reign of the Pandya Empire as its walls are sculpted with fish motifs, the symbol of the Pandyas. It is also believed that the main aim of building the fort was to protect the Port of Kanyakumari which was famed for its pearls. 

More about the place

There are many places to visit in kanyakumari, but this fort has a distinct appeal to it. At Vattakottai Fort, you will find a secret tunnel measuring 4 feet in width. This tunnel takes you right into the palace of the king. Historians believe that it was built to help the king and his family members to escape if there was an emergency or an attack by the enemies. Known as Circular Fort, it, however, is rectangular in shape and offers a 360-degree view of the entire region. The walls on the front of the walls are 29 feet in thickness while the side walls are 18 feet thick. More than two centuries old, the fort stands tall even to this day. 

What else?

Awesome features

Granite was used to build the facade of the fort which looks massive. Some features to see here include army cants, provisional supply rooms, watchtowers, and equipment rooms. 

Vattakottai Fort near tourist places

If you plan to come to this fort, include kanyakumari beach, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Mahatma Gandhi Mandapam and Bhagavathi Amman Temple among a host of other unique places. 

Vattakottai Fort entry fee

There is no entry fee to visit Vattakottai Fort which is considered one of the topmost places to visit in kanyakumari. 

How to reach Vattakottai Fort

Distance in kilometers from - Kanyakumari Railway Station- 8 kilometers and Nagarcoil to Vattakottai distance -  21.7 kilometers