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Fort St. Angelo

Kannur, Kerala, India
Fort St. Angelo, also known as Kannur Fort, is a massive triangular laterite structure that stands as a testament to the colonial history of India. Built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India, it is one of the earliest Portuguese forts built on Indian soil. The fort is situated on a cliff overlooking the Arabian Sea, providing a strategic vantage point that was fought over for centuries. In 1663, the Dutch captured it from the Portuguese and later modernized the structure, building the bastions that we see today. Eventually, it fell into the hands of the British in 1790, who used it as their primary military station in Malabar. The fort features massive ramparts, a chapel, a stable, and a long-drawn-out prison cell. The cannons still face the sea, reminding visitors of its turbulent past. Today, the fort is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). It offers a serene environment with well-manicured gardens and walkways. From the fort's walls, one can see the Mopila Bay fishing harbor and the Dharmadam Island in the distance. The sea wall provides a perfect spot for people to sit and watch the sunset. It is not just a historical site but a living part of Kannur's urban landscape.

General information

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    Ideal Duration:
    1 to 2 Hours
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    Place Type:
    Historical Fort
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    Entry Fees:
    ASI Charges: A ticket of 25 INR for Indian citizens and 300 INR for foreigners.

    Digital Payment: Only digital payments or QR codes are accepted at the counter. ...
    ASI Charges: A ticket of 25 INR for Indian citizens and 300 INR for foreigners.

    Digital Payment: Only digital payments or QR codes are accepted at the counter.
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    Timing:
    Regular Timings: Open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

    Ideal Visit Time: After 4:00 PM when the sun is low and the breeze is cool. ...
    Regular Timings: Open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

    Ideal Visit Time: After 4:00 PM when the sun is low and the breeze is cool.
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    Special Events:
    Independence Day: The fort is illuminated with tricolor lights, and official ceremonies are held nearby.

    Heritage Walks: Special guided tours organized by local historians during World Heritage Week in November. ...
    Independence Day: The fort is illuminated with tricolor lights, and official ceremonies are held nearby.

    Heritage Walks: Special guided tours organized by local historians during World Heritage Week in November.
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    Best Photo Spots:
    The Main Entrance: The massive wooden gate with the ASI plaque.

    The Sea Wall: Capturing the waves crashing against the fort's foundation.

    The Lighthouse Backdrop: Framing the nearby lighthouse through the f...
    The Main Entrance: The massive wooden gate with the ASI plaque.

    The Sea Wall: Capturing the waves crashing against the fort's foundation.

    The Lighthouse Backdrop: Framing the nearby lighthouse through the fort's archways.

Photo Gallery

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Darjeeling
Queen of Hills • Tea Gardens

Things To Do

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    History Walk: Explore the barracks and the old chapel ruins.

    Cannon Spotting: Find the original iron cannons still mounted on the walls.

    Sunset Viewing: The sea-facing wall is the best spot in the city for sunsets.

    Photography: The red laterite against the blue sea creates high-contrast photos.

    Harbor Watching: Observe the colorful boats at Mopila Bay.

    Garden Stroll: Walk through the neatly kept lawns inside the fort.

    Lighthouse View: See the Kannur Lighthouse from the fort's southern tip. ...

Resturants

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Information

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    Why Famous:
    First Portuguese Fort: Famous for being the first major foothold of the Portuguese Empire in India.

    The Triple Legacy: Renowned for showcasing the combined architectural influences of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. ...
    First Portuguese Fort: Famous for being the first major foothold of the Portuguese Empire in India.

    The Triple Legacy: Renowned for showcasing the combined architectural influences of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British.
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    Architecture:
    European Military Style: The fort is built of red laterite stones in a triangular shape, covering roughly 10 Acres.

    Bastions: It features four massive bastions named after saints, each about 8 Meters high.

    The ...
    European Military Style: The fort is built of red laterite stones in a triangular shape, covering roughly 10 Acres.

    Bastions: It features four massive bastions named after saints, each about 8 Meters high.

    The Moat: A deep protective ditch, now dry, surrounds the landward side, measuring 5 Meters in width.
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    How To Reach:
    By Air: Kannur International Airport is 28 KM away.

    By Train: Kannur Railway Station is just 3 KM away.

    By Road: Located in the Cantonment area; easily accessible by car.

    By L...
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    Near Tourist Places:
    1. Payyambalam Beach (2 KM), 2. Arakkal Museum (1 KM), 3. Mopila Bay (0. 5 KM), 4. Kannur Lighthouse (2 KM), 5. Baby Beach (2 KM), 6. Muzhappilangad (14 KM), 7. Parassinikadavu (20 KM), 8. Meenkunnu Beach (10 KM), 9. Dharmadam (18 KM), 10. Thalassery Fort (21 KM)

Tourism Tips

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    Health & Safety: Be careful while walking on the ramparts; some edges do not have railings.

    Packing: Wear comfortable walking shoes.

    Accommodation: Stay in the Cantonment area for a heritage feel.

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Reviews

Note:-

Information provided here in good Faith and for reference only.

All information and pictures will be updated soon, please keep visiting.

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