Arikady Fort
Sub Place Details: Arikady Fort, also known as Kumbla Fort, is a historical landmark that tells the story of the shifting power dynamics in North Kerala. Built in the early 17th century by Ikeri Hiriya Venkadappa Nayak, the fort is strategically located on a laterite hillock overlooking the Arikady and Shiriya rivers. Over the centuries, it has been controlled by the Kolathiri Rajas, the Vijayanagara Empire, Tipu Sultan, and finally the British. The fort’s circular design is unique in the region, offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding plains and the river estuary. Recent excavations have uncovered a large congregation hall, ancient pottery, and even lead bullets, proving its significance as a military and administrative hub. Today, the fort stands in a state of atmospheric ruin, with its walls covered in moss and creepers, giving it a romantic, "lost-in-time" feel. It is less crowded than the nearby Bekal Fort, making it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude and a deeper connection with history. The site provides a fantastic vantage point to watch local fishermen at work in the river below. The fort is not just a pile of stones but a silent witness to the battles fought for the control of the Tulunadu and Malabar regions.
General information
-
Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
History & FortsEntry Fees:
Entry Fees:
No Charge: Currently, there is no entry fee to visit Arikady Fort.
Parking Fee: Small charges (20-50 INR) may apply if using designated local parking areas. ...Entry Fees:
No Charge: Currently, there is no entry fee to visit Arikady Fort.
Parking Fee: Small charges (20-50 INR) may apply if using designated local parking areas.Timing:
Timings:
Open 24 Hours: The fort is technically accessible at all times, but visiting between 6:00 AM and 6:30 PM is recommended for safety.
Ideal Visit Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM to catch the sunset and avoid ...Timings:
Open 24 Hours: The fort is technically accessible at all times, but visiting between 6:00 AM and 6:30 PM is recommended for safety.
Ideal Visit Time: 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM to catch the sunset and avoid the midday heat.Special Events:
Special Event:
Excavation Tours: Occasionally, the Department of Archeology organizes guided tours to showcase recent findings.
Local Festivals: The nearby Hanuman Temple celebrates its annual festival with t...Special Event:
Excavation Tours: Occasionally, the Department of Archeology organizes guided tours to showcase recent findings.
Local Festivals: The nearby Hanuman Temple celebrates its annual festival with traditional lighting that can be seen from the fort.Best Photo Spots:
Photo Spots:
The Circular Ramparts: Capturing the curve of the walls against the sky highlights the unique architecture.
River Estuary: A wide-angle shot from the highest point of the fort showing the river j...Photo Spots:
The Circular Ramparts: Capturing the curve of the walls against the sky highlights the unique architecture.
River Estuary: A wide-angle shot from the highest point of the fort showing the river joining the sea.
Overgrown Walls: Close-up shots of the moss-covered stones provide a textured, vintage aesthetic.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
-
Things to Do:
History Walk: Explore the ruins and try to identify the different layers of construction from the Nayak and British eras.
Photography: The contrast between the dark laterite walls and the blue river below makes for stunning photographs.
Bird Watching: The estuary below the fort is a haven for migratory birds like the Eurasian Oystercatcher.
Sunset Watching: The fort offers one of the best unobstructed sunset views in the district.
Picnicking: The quiet grounds are perfect for a family picnic (remember to carry your trash back).
River Gazing: Sit on the ramparts and watch the boats navigate the Shiriya river.
Sketching:
Information
-
Why Famous:
Why Famous:
Historical Significance: It is one of the key forts built by the Keladi Nayakas, who were instrumental in the architectural development of Kasaragod.
Scenic Views: Famous for its breathtaking view...Why Famous:
Historical Significance: It is one of the key forts built by the Keladi Nayakas, who were instrumental in the architectural development of Kasaragod.
Scenic Views: Famous for its breathtaking view of the Shiriya river estuary meeting the sea, a sight that is particularly stunning during the golden hour. -
Architecture:
Sub Place Architecture:
Laterite Construction: The fort is primarily built using locally available laterite blocks, which have weathered beautifully over the centuries.
Strategic Layout: The fort features a c...Sub Place Architecture:
Laterite Construction: The fort is primarily built using locally available laterite blocks, which have weathered beautifully over the centuries.
Strategic Layout: The fort features a circular rampart with a steep slope, designed to provide a tactical advantage against naval and land invasions.
Dimensions: The fort complex covers a relatively small area on the hilltop, with the main circular wall having a diameter of approximately 150 meters. -
How To Reach:
How to Reach:
By Air: Mangaluru Airport is 46 KM away.
By Train: Kumbla Railway Station is just 1. 5 KM from the fort.
By Road: The fort is located right on NH-66 near Kumbla... -
Near Tourist Places:
Ananthapura Lake Temple (5 KM), Kanipura Temple (2 KM), Madhur Temple (14 KM), Kasaragod Town (13 KM), Chandragiri Fort (18 KM), Bekal Fort (25 KM), Kappil Beach (28 KM), Maipady Palace (12 KM), Bela Church (22 KM), Manjeshwar (20 KM)
Tourism Tips
-
Tourism Tips:
Health and Safety: Wear sturdy shoes as the path to the top can be slippery and uneven.
Packing: Carry water and snacks as there are no shops on the hilltop.
Connec...
Reviews
Information about New and Updated Locations(891+) of Kerala Has Been Added :-
Card subtitle
Rajarajeshwara TempleSadhoo Merry KingdomSree Peralassery TempleSt. Angelo FortSundareswara TempleThalassery FortV-Pra Kaayal Floating ParkBhoothathankettu Dam & Reserve ForestBolgatty PalaceChendamangalam Palace & Jewish SynagogueCherai BeachEdappally Church ComplexErnakulam Shiva TempleJew Town Jewish Synagogue Kalady Sree Sankaracharya TempleKodanad Elephant Training Centre Kumbalangi Integrated Tourism VillageMore PlacesNote:-
Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.
All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.
Near Places
Adhur Gopalakrishna Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Ananthapura Lake Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Arayi Temple
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Arikady Fort
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Azhithala Beach
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Bela Church
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chandragiri Fort
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Chembirika Beach
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Cheruvathur
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewhere
Hosdurg Fort
Some quick example text to build on the card title and make up the bulk of the card's content.
Go somewherein Other Cities