Monuments In India

Thalassery Fort

Thalassery fort was constructed by British in the Kannur district to make their empire much powerful in the Malabar Coast.  This fort was constructed during the year 1708.  After a considerable period, in 1781 Haider Ali made an unsuccessful effort to capture the fort.   His son Tipu Sultan also tried to capture this fort in his first effort but not succeeded. His effort was resulted into third war between British and Marathas.  Earlier during the establishment, the fort was constructed on a hill top near Tiruvellapadkunnu and after 8 year the fort was restructured with the high walls and bastions around it. The fort is the best example of British colonial system.  This fort is located at 22 kilometers distance from Kannur district headquarters.

Architecture

The construction of the fort is in a mixed architectural style of European and Islamic. Some fortification of this fort was also done by the Nawabs of Mysore estate.  The walls of this fort have been made in such a way that allows proper ventilation inside the fort. Bastions of the fort are so strong and during ancient period, these bastions were capable enough to maintain a vigil on any type of infiltration. A hidden and secret way to the nearby sea was also present but presently this way is closed.  For entrance, there were huge gates were provisioned in this fort to enter the large elephants with their riders. The fort is constructed in square styling.  The material used in the construction of this fort is laterite soil and lakhauri bricks. Internal portion of the fort is made of pure stone while exterior is made of lime and mortar.  Left portion of this fort is north facing and ground floor is full of carvings and different type of internal fortification. Carved huge doors are another specialty of this fort as the wood used in making of doors is still having the same shine as earlier. In older days, this fort was also used as prison of Haider Ali’s captain.

Attractions

Around this fort, some attractions are also in the outskirts and at a small distance of Kannur. Some of them area as under:-

Coorg

This is a hill station located at 97 kilometers from this fort. Various falls, trekking options are available at this hill station.

Wayanad wildlife sanctuary

This wildlife sanctuary is located at 109 kilometers distance from Kannur is also visit able place.

Madikeri

This is also a hill station located at 115 kilometers from Kannur.

Kabini

This wildlife sanctuary is situated at 133 kilometers from this fort.  Wildlife sanctuary and camping activities can also be done in this place.

How to Reach

This fort is accessible by all means of transportations.

By Air

By air reaching is easy as Kozhikode is the nearest airport to reach, which is equipped with international standard in all amenities.

By Rail

Thalassery is the nearest railway station.  This station is connected to other important parts of the state as well as country too.

By Road

National Highway - 17 connects this district and fort too. Various link roads and state highways are also available in good condition.

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