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St. Thomas Fort, which is also known as Tangasseri Fort is located in the coastal town of Tangasseri which is located in Kollam, Kerala. This fort was built by the Portuguese back in the beginning of the 16th century which showcases the colonial history and sea-faring legacy of Kerala. It is a centre of attraction for travellers and historians as it offers a magnificent overview of the Arabian Sea, thus making it a popular place to visit when you are planning to travel to Kerala.
History Of St. Thomas Fort
Photo: Jensonantony / Wikimedia Commons
St. Thomas Fort came into existence back in during the rule of Britishers when the Portuguese monitored their trade routes right with the Malabar, thus making St. Thomas Fort an important military hub cum trading centre for the Portuguese army to channel the rule in the spice trade.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kollam
How To Reach St. Thomas Fort
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
The famous St. Thomas Fort is accessible by mainly using three modes of transport:
By Air: When going by air, the nearest airport to St. Thomas Fort is Trivandrum International Airport, which is around 70 kilometres from the fort. This airport links with a number of major Indian cities and foreign countries which enables foreigners to visit India.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to St. Thomas Fort. is 5 km away, which is named as Kollam Junction. Kollam railway junction has trains connected to major cities in Kerala and its adjacent states.
By Road: The fort has a lot of highways and roads connected to it. Regular road transport can be done from major cities of Kerala and from nearby states to Kollam. Travellers can use local buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws to reach the fort.
Places To Visit Nearby St. Thomas Forts
St. Thomas Fort has a lot of nearby tourist attractions that travellers can explore after visiting the fort:
1. Tangasseri Lighthouse
Photo: Arunvrparavur / Wikimedia Commons
It is located at Tangasseri in the Kollam city of the Indian state of Kerala. This lighthouse is managed by the Cochin Directorate General of Lighthouse. This lighthouse came into operation in 1902, which is in a cylindrical shaped tower painted with white and red bands. The height of the lighthouse is 41 meters, thus making it the second tallest lighthouse in Kerala, thus it is one of the most visited lighthouses in the state of Kerala.
Suggested Read: Adventure Park Kollam
2. Kollam Beach
Photo: Surajram Kumaravel / Wikimedia Commons
Kollam Beach which is also known as Mahatma Gandhi Beach, is located in Kollam city of Kerala. It is also known as the first Beach wedding destination in Kerala. Moreover, this beach features a park which is known as the “Mahatma Gandhi Park” which was built based on International standards and was inaugurated by the then vice president of India, Zakir Hussain on 1st January 1961. This beach is one of the few beaches which has a lifeguard outpost stationed at the beach from the year 2005, thus making Kollam beach the beach in south Kerala that has lifeguard outposts.
3. Ashtamudi Lake
Photo: Timothy A. Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons
Ashtamudi Lake is a unique wetland ecosystem which is located in the Kollam district of the Indian state of Kerala. It is a large palm-shaped water body and is the second largest after the Vembanad ecosystem of the states. The word Ashtamudi means ‘eight peaks’ in Malayalam language. It is just 10 km from St. Thomas Fort and is famous for its houseboat cruise, through which a traveller can experience the village life and backwater beauty of Kerala.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kollam
4. Munroe Island
Photo: Kkkriku / Wikimedia Commons
Munroe Island is a secret pearl in the backwaters which is built around a cluster of 8 islands where each cluster is separated by small water channels and lakes. This island is located 27 km from Kollam. This island got its name in honour of Resident Colonel John Munroe, who integrated several backwater regions by digging the canals. A few major attractions of this Islands are the narrow waterways, the canal cruise and the famous Kallada Boat race that is conducted during the 10-day festival of Onam.
5. Punalur Suspension Bridge
Photo: Athul Shaji / Wikimedia Commons
This bridge is situated in Punalur. It is a motorable bridge which was built in the 19th century (i.e. in the year 1877) by the Travancore Government and has become a historical attraction now. This bridge is 400 feet in length and was constructed to prevent wild animals from crossing the tow from the forest area of the old Kattupathanpuram, it is 45 km away from St. Thomas Fort.
Suggested Read: Waterfalls In Kollam
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Akhilan / Wikimedia Commons
Entry Fees: No fees, it is completely free
Fort Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM every day
Tips For Travellers Visiting St. Thomas Fort
- The fort offers some great photography opportunities to capture the beauty of the Arabian Sea and other surroundings of Tangasseri.
- It is important to respect the local customs and regulations of the historical sites when you visit the fort.
- Enjoy the local food and cuisines of Kerala.
- Although Kollam is the safest place for tourists, it is always advisable to take the usual precautions for your personal belongings and safety.
Located in Tangasseri, Kollam, St. Thomas Fort is a historical attraction which showcases the colonial past of Kerala. It is a centre of attraction for travellers and environment lovers from across the globe. The surroundings of the fort are worth watching and capturing to cherish the experience of a lifetime. Plan a visit to St. Thomas Fort with TripXL and capture the serenity of the history of Kerala.
Cover Photo: Shishirdasika / Wikimedia Commons
