St. Angelo Fort
Sub Place Details: St. Angelo Fort, also known as Kannur Fort, is a magnificent laterite structure that stands as a silent witness to the colonial history of India. Built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India, the fort is situated on a cliff overlooking the Arabi an Sea. Its strategic location made it a prized possession for various European powers. Over the centuries, the fort changed hands from the Portuguese to the Dutch in 1663, who modernized the structure and added bastions. Later, in 1772, it was sold to the Arakkal royal family, the only Muslim royalty in Kerala. The British eventually captured it in 1790 and used it as one of their primary military stations on the Malabar Coast. Today, it is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The fort offers a panoramic view of Mappila Bay, a natural fishing harbor, and the vast Arabian Sea. Inside the fort, visitors can explore the old barracks, ammunition storehouses, a lighthouse, and a chapel. The well-maintained gardens and the cool sea breeze make it a popular spot for both history buffs and casual strollers. The fort's walls are steeped in stories of battles, imprisonment, and trade, making it an essential stop for anyone wanting to understand the colonial fabric of North Kerala. It remains one of the best-preserved coastal forts in the country, blending European military architecture with the rugged beauty of the Kerala coastline.:
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 - 2 HoursPlace Type:
Fort / Historical MonumentEntry Fees:
Sub Place Entry Fees:
Minimal Charges: As of the latest update, the entry fee for Indian citizens is approximately 25 rupees, while for foreign tourists, it is around 300 rupees. There is usually an additional charge for professional video c...Sub Place Entry Fees:
Minimal Charges: As of the latest update, the entry fee for Indian citizens is approximately 25 rupees, while for foreign tourists, it is around 300 rupees. There is usually an additional charge for professional video cameras, though mobile photography is free. Parking fees for cars are about 30 rupees. These fees go towards the maintenance of the gardens and the structural preservation of the monument. :Timing:
Sub Place Timings:
Regular Visiting Hours: The fort is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is late afternoon, around 4:30 PM, so you can explore the ...Sub Place Timings:
Regular Visiting Hours: The fort is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.
Ideal Visit Time: The best time to visit is late afternoon, around 4:30 PM, so you can explore the structures comfortably and then enjoy the sunset from the ramparts. Morning visits around 9:00 AM are also good for those who want to avoid the heat and the evening crowds. :Special Events:
Sub Place Special Event:
Independence Day and Republic Day: The fort is often illuminated and becomes a center for local patriotic celebrations. The Kannur military cantonment nearby adds a sense of ceremony to these days.
Read MoreSub Place Special Event:
Independence Day and Republic Day: The fort is often illuminated and becomes a center for local patriotic celebrations. The Kannur military cantonment nearby adds a sense of ceremony to these days.
Occasional Cultural Festivals: The district tourism board sometimes organizes small cultural fests or photography exhibitions within the fort grounds during the peak tourist season in December. :Best Photo Spots:
Sub Place Best Photo Spots:
The Ocean-facing Bastions: Capture the vast sea with the rugged fort walls in the foreground.
The Tunnel Entrances: Great for edgy, historical-themed shots.
Read MoreSub Place Best Photo Spots:
The Ocean-facing Bastions: Capture the vast sea with the rugged fort walls in the foreground.
The Tunnel Entrances: Great for edgy, historical-themed shots.
The Garden Walkways: The symmetrical paths lined with green grass and laterite stones provide a neat, organized look for portraits.
Mappila Bay Viewpoint: A specific corner of the fort provides a perfect high-angle shot of the colorful fishing boats in the harbor. :Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Sub Place Things to Do:
Walk Along the Ramparts: The best activity is walking along the high walls of the fort. This gives you an unobstructed view of the Arabian Sea and the fishing boats in Mappila Bay.
Explore the Ammunition Magazine: Step inside the thick-walled rooms that were once used to store gunpowder and cannons.
Photography: The contrast between the red laterite walls, green grass, and blue sea makes for stunning photographs.
Visit the Old Chapel: Spend a few moments in the ruins of the chapel, reflecting on the religious history of the colonial era.
Bird Watching: The area around the fort is home to various coastal birds; bring binoculars for a better look.
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Information
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Why Famous:
Why Famous Sub Place:
First Portuguese Fort in India: It holds immense historical value as one of the earliest European fortifications on the Indian subcontinent.
Strategic Coastal Views: Famous for its breat...Why Famous Sub Place:
First Portuguese Fort in India: It holds immense historical value as one of the earliest European fortifications on the Indian subcontinent.
Strategic Coastal Views: Famous for its breathtaking views of Mappila Bay and the point where the sea meets the land, offering a 270-degree vista of the ocean.
ASI Protected Heritage: Its status as a well-preserved national monument makes it a primary attraction for educational tours and heritage walks. : -
Architecture:
Sub Place Architecture:
Colonial Military Design: The fort is a triangular structure built with massive laterite blocks. It features heavy bastions designed for cannon placements to guard against naval attacks.
...Sub Place Architecture:
Colonial Military Design: The fort is a triangular structure built with massive laterite blocks. It features heavy bastions designed for cannon placements to guard against naval attacks.
Dimensions: The fort walls rise significantly above the sea level, with a deep moat (now dry) that once protected the landward side.
European Influence: The architecture is a mix of Portuguese simplicity and Dutch engineering. The barracks are long, single-story structures with thick walls to keep the interiors cool. A Dutch-style cemetery and an old chapel remain within the premises. The British added a lighthouse nearby in the 19th century, further modifying the landscape. : -
How To Reach:
Sub Place How to Reach:
By Air: Kannur International Airport is about 30 KMS away. Taxis are the best way to reach the fort directly.
By Train: Kannur Railway Station is very close, just 3 KMS away. An auto... -
Near Tourist Places:
Arakkal Museum (1 KM), Payyambalam Beach (3 KM), Kannur Lighthouse (2 KM), Mappila Bay (0. 5 KM), Baby Beach (2 KM), Meenkunnu Beach (10 KM), Muzhappilangad Beach (15 KM), Parassinikkadavu Snake Park (18 KM), Peralassery Temple (16 KM), Sundareswara Temple (4 KM)
Tourism Tips
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Sub Place Tourism Tips:
Health and Safety: The ramparts do not always have high railings; be extremely careful when walking near the edges, especially with children.
Packing: Wear a hat, sunglasses, and sunb...
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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:-
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