Thalassery Fort- 10 Things to Know Before Visiting

Thalassery Fort rises to a height of 10 meters and it is oblong in plan overlooking the sea. Built out of laterite blocks, it has high walls and strong flanking bastions and secret tunnels to the sea behind. The now-closed tunnel leads to the sea from where those seeking a sudden getaway could do so.

There is a small lighthouse inside the fort as well. It stands on the western side and a winding staircase leads to the top. Two underground chambers were used to store goods like pepper and cardamom. It is said that the coins of the British East India Company were minted here.

The fort had been constructed in a strategic location to withstand assaults and invasions. The design of the fort is in a way that it facilitates quick survey of enemies approaching by the sea. On a lighter note, it was at the beach near this fort that the British engaged in their first-ever cricket matches against the Indian natives.

Inside the premises of Thalassery Fort

One of the unique features of the fort is the entrance. The entrance to the fort is through the top of a giant 10-meter wall. Visitors have to ascend the stairs to enter the fort. The first thing to notice upon entering will be the arch-shaped station where the guards used to keep vigil.

A wide courtyard, two underground chambers, a tunnel leading to the beach, lighthouse, and bastions which once help artilleries follow the guard station. The tunnel to the beach is now closed due to security issues. The underground chambers were used to store pepper and cardamom, and British coins were also minted here. It is said that Major General Arthur Wellesley conspired here to capture Pazhassi Raja, the ruler of the Kingdom of Kottayam in Malabar.

The fort offers incredible views of the sea and the low-laying nearby areas of Thalassery. Looking from the fort, it is amazing to think about the time when the British engaged in their first-ever cricket matches against the Indians on the beach below.

Thalassery was one of the most important European trading centres in Kerala during colonial times. It was the main opening for spices, hill products, and timber from the vast hinterlands. Towards the end of the 17th century, the British opened a factory north of Thalassery. And later they obtained a site in Thalassery from Kolathiri Raja, the king of Kolathunadu (a feudal kingdom in North Kerala in which Thalassery was a part) and established a factory in 1708. 

The Udayamangalam branch of the Kolathiri family and Korangoth Nair- the local chieftain resented the establishment of the factory and they attacked and made a serious damage to the British property. To safeguard their trade activities, with the support of Kolathiri Raja they built a fort around the outlying hills of Thalassery.

The French occupation of Mahe, 5 km south of Thalassery started in 1725 and compelled the British to strengthen their fortification to establish a stronghold on the Malabar Coast. From 1776 to 1784, they kept a strong military establishment at Thalassery Fort although it was originally established as a warehouse for cardamom and pepper. 

The time of Mysore Kings and post Independence 

In 1718, Hyder Ali, the ruler of the Mysore Kingdom tried to capture the fort in his campaign to control Malabar. He failed in his attempt of conquering Malabar and later his successor Tipu Sultan was forced to cede Malabar to the British in 1792 after numerous wars. 

After the Independence of India, the fort housed many government offices. Later it was handed over to the Archeological Survey of India recognising its historical significance.

Don't visit the fort at midday. The weather will be very humid and warm. Best to be here in the evening, watching the sunset in the Arabian sea. There will be a lot of people visiting at the weekends.

1. It is a well-maintained fort but people with disabilities and seniors will have a hard time climbing the stairs.
2. Visit in the evening to see a magnificent sunset in the Arabian sea.

1. It is believed that the coins of the British East India Company were minted here.
2. It was at the beach near this fort that the British engaged in their first-ever cricket matches against the Indian natives.
3. The conspiracy to capture Pazhassi Raja, the ruler of the Kingdom of Kottayam in Malabar was held at Thalassery Fort.

Thalassery Fort is not large. 30 minutes to an hour is sufficient to explore it.

The fort is situated very near to the Thalassery bus stand and requires only 10 minutes of walking. Thalassery, situated in the middle of the Trivandrum- Mangalore bus route is connected very well with the rest of the districts of Kerala State. The nearest major railway station is in Thalassery, and that too is only 10 minutes away from the fort on walking.

There is no entry fee for the fort.

Thalassery Fort is open daily from 8 AM to 5.30 PM.