Udayagiri Fort
Udayagiri Fort is a massive historical structure spread across 90 acres, originally built in the 17th century and later fortified by King Marthanda Varma. The fort is famously associated with Eustachius De Lannoy, a Dutch naval officer who, after being captured, became the commander of the Travanco re army. The fort contains the tombs of De Lannoy and his family within a ruined chapel. Today, it serves as a biodiversity park managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department. Inside the fort, visitors can find a deer park, a small aquarium, and a variety of rare tree species. The massive granite walls of the fort are about 15 feet thick and enclose a 200-foot-high hillock. Historically, the fort was a major military camp and a foundry for casting cannons. The quiet, wooded atmosphere makes it a great spot for nature lovers and history buffs. It offers a unique blend of colonial history and local heritage. Walking through the fort feels like stepping back in time, with the ruins of barracks and ammunition stores still visible. The fort's location provides a strategic view of the surrounding plains and the Western Ghats. It is much less crowded than other sites in Kanyakumari, offering a peaceful exploration experience. The biodiversity park initiative has made it a favorite for local families with children. The tomb of De Lannoy, known as the 'Valiya Kappithan' (Great Captain), is a site of historical pilgrimage. The fort stands as a silent witness to the battles fought between the local kingdoms and European powers.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
Duration:
2 to 3 Hours:Place Type:
Historical / Wildlife Park:Entry Fees:
Entry Fees:
Adult Entry: The entrance fee for adults is approximately 20 INR to 30 INR per head.
Children Entry: A discounted rate of 10 INR is charged for kids below the age of 12.
Read MoreEntry Fees:
Adult Entry: The entrance fee for adults is approximately 20 INR to 30 INR per head.
Children Entry: A discounted rate of 10 INR is charged for kids below the age of 12.
Camera Charges: A fee of 25 INR for still cameras and 100 INR for professional video cameras applies.Timing:
Timings:
Regular
Timings: The fort and biodiversity park are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.
Ideal Visit Time: Morning at 9:00 AM is best to see the deer and enjoy ...Timings:
Regular
Timings: The fort and biodiversity park are open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day.
Ideal Visit Time: Morning at 9:00 AM is best to see the deer and enjoy the cool, fresh forest air.
Afternoon Visit: 3:30 PM is ideal for photography when the sunlight filters through the dense tree canopy.Special Events:
Special Event:
Wildlife Week: Celebrated in October with special awareness programs for school children and tourists.
Independence Day: Local celebrations and flag hoisting are held near the historic fort ...Special Event:
Wildlife Week: Celebrated in October with special awareness programs for school children and tourists.
Independence Day: Local celebrations and flag hoisting are held near the historic fort entrance.Best Photo Spots:
Photo Spots:
The Ruined Chapel: The roofless walls of the Dutch chapel offer a very "Indiana Jones" style photo vibe.
Fort Entrance: The massive wooden gates and granite archway are perfect for historical ...Photo Spots:
The Ruined Chapel: The roofless walls of the Dutch chapel offer a very "Indiana Jones" style photo vibe.
Fort Entrance: The massive wooden gates and granite archway are perfect for historical portraits.
Hilltop View: The peak of the internal hill provides a wide-angle view of the Padmanabhapuram town.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Things to Do:
History Walk: Explore the ruins of the Dutch chapel and read the inscriptions on the historic tombs.
Deer Spotting: Visit the enclosed deer park within the fort where spotted deer roam in a natural setting.
Trekking: Take a mild trek up the hillock inside the fort for a panoramic view of the Western Ghats.
Photography: Capture the contrast between the ancient granite ruins and the lush green forest canopy.
Visit the Aquarium: Check out the small fish museum maintained by the forest department near the entrance.
Bird Watching: The dense trees are home to peacocks, parrots, and various migratory bird species.
Picni...Things to Do:
History Walk: Explore the ruins of the Dutch chapel and read the inscriptions on the historic tombs.
Deer Spotting: Visit the enclosed deer park within the fort where spotted deer roam in a natural setting.
Trekking: Take a mild trek up the hillock inside the fort for a panoramic view of the Western Ghats.
Photography: Capture the contrast between the ancient granite ruins and the lush green forest canopy.
Visit the Aquarium: Check out the small fish museum maintained by the forest department near the entrance.
Bird Watching: The dense trees are home to peacocks, parrots, and various migratory bird species.
Picnic: Use the designated shaded areas for a quiet family lunch away from the city's hustle.
Explore the Walls: Walk along parts of the massive fortification to understand the military strategy of the era.
Botany Study: Learn about local flora as many trees have their scientific and common names displayed.
Relax in Nature: Spend time in the quiet atmosphere, which is much cooler than the coastal town.
Information
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Why Famous:
Why Famous:
Dutch Connection: It is famous for housing the grave of Admiral De Lannoy, who modernized the Travancore army.
Granite Walls: The fort is an architectural marvel for its use of local black gran...Why Famous:
Dutch Connection: It is famous for housing the grave of Admiral De Lannoy, who modernized the Travancore army.
Granite Walls: The fort is an architectural marvel for its use of local black granite in military fortification.
Biodiversity: It is one of the few historical forts in India that has been converted into a lush biodiversity park. -
Architecture:
Architecture & Dimensions:
Fort Area: The entire fort complex spans an expansive area of 90 acres of hilly and forested land.
Wall Thickness: The outer walls, made of massive granite blocks, are approximat...Architecture & Dimensions:
Fort Area: The entire fort complex spans an expansive area of 90 acres of hilly and forested land.
Wall Thickness: The outer walls, made of massive granite blocks, are approximately 15 feet thick.
Hill Height: The fort surrounds an isolated hillock that rises to about 200 feet above the ground.
De Lannoy Tomb: The historic chapel ruins measure approximately 40 feet by 20 feet in dimension. -
How To Reach:
How to Reach:
By Air: Trivandrum Airport is roughly 55 KMS away; one can take a pre-paid taxi from there.
By Train: Eraniel Railway Station is the nearest, located just 3 KMS away from the fort entrance. ...How to Reach:
By Air: Trivandrum Airport is roughly 55 KMS away; one can take a pre-paid taxi from there.
By Train: Eraniel Railway Station is the nearest, located just 3 KMS away from the fort entrance.
By Road: It is located on the highway near Thuckalay, easily reachable from Kanyakumari (34 KM).
By Local Transport: Any bus going from Nagercoil to Trivandrum will stop at the Puliyoorkurichi junction. -
Weather and Best Time to Visit:
Best Time to Visit:
Cool Season: November to February is the best time as the fort area remains misty and pleasant.
Rainy Season: June to August makes the fort look exceptionally green, though paths can be...Best Time to Visit:
Cool Season: November to February is the best time as the fort area remains misty and pleasant.
Rainy Season: June to August makes the fort look exceptionally green, though paths can be slippery.
Day Part: Always plan a morning visit as the park area can get quite dark and lonely after 5:30 PM. -
Near Tourist Places:
Near Places: 1. Padmanabhapuram Palace (2 KM), 2. Mathur Aqueduct (12 KM), 3. Thirparappu Falls (18 KM), 4. Suchindram Temple (22 KM), 5. Kanyakumari (34 KM), 6. Muttom Beach (20 KM), 7. Vattakottai Fort (40 KM), 8. Sanguthurai Beach (25 KM), 9. Pechiparai Dam (25 KM), 10. Colachel Port (15 KM).
Tourism Tips
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Tourism Tips:
Health & Safety: Stay on the marked paths to avoid insects or snakes; the area is quite wild in parts.
Packing: Wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers as you will be doing a lot of walki...Tourism Tips:
Health & Safety: Stay on the marked paths to avoid insects or snakes; the area is quite wild in parts.
Packing: Wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers as you will be doing a lot of walking on uneven ground.
Accommodation: Good budget and luxury hotels are available in Nagercoil and Padmanabhapuram.
Cash & Connectivity: Carry cash for the entry ticket; mobile signals are weak once you go deep into the fort.
Wildlife Rule: Do not feed the deer or the animals in the park, as it is strictly prohibited by forest rules.
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