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Kerala or God’s own country is blessed with mesmerising scenic beauty and ancient forts. These forts in Kerala are a testament to Kerala’s glorious history and past. These relics attract a lot of tourists and make them experience the grandeur. Kerala has a long history of rulers and armies that have shaped the architecture and culture of the state, over centuries. These forts of Kerala carry stories of invasions, military ingenuity, bravery, and betrayals. Tourists visiting Kerala must also visit some of the best forts here and witness their beauty and charm.
12 Forts In Kerala: Explore The Valour and Bravery Of Historical Empires
Here are some of the top forts in Kerala that offer historic retreats. These are well-maintained forts and offer amazing views due to their location.
1. Palakkad Fort
Photo: Shafeeq basheer / Wikimedia Commons
Palakkad Fort is also known as ‘Tipu’s Fort’ or sometimes ‘Hanuman Kotta’. This fort is one of the best-preserved forts in Kerala and is also a major tourist attraction. The entry to the fort is through a small bridge-like structure surrounded by a moat. The forts also offer panoramic views of the surroundings and are an ideal spot for sightseeing. The fort is built entirely of granite There is also a temple of Lord Hanuman adjacent to the main entrance. This historical monument is integrated with high walls and lush green gardens.
Location: Palakkad City
Timings: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Palakkad For Your Next Vacation
2. Bekal Fort
Photo: Renjithks / Wikimedia Commons
Bekal Fort is one of the best forts in Kerala and is shaped like a giant keyhole. It was built in the 17th century and offers a superb view of the Arabian Sea from the tall observation tower. Its scenic surroundings are quite popular amongst international tourists and even filmmakers. Moreover, the music of waves from the adjoining beach is soothing. The idyllic backdrop of this fort is breathtaking, and the manicured laws make it one of the best places to visit in Kerala. You can also witness the majestic golden sunset here.
Location: Kasaragod
Timings: 8 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee/Person: ₹20
3. Pallipuram Fort
Photo: Juan Carlos Arcia Vallejo / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Pallipuram Fort is the oldest European fort in Kerala, which was built in 1503. The ruins of this hexagonal fort lie unprotected between thick vegetation. This fort is locally known as Ayikotta or Alikotta. This fort houses a rich cultural heritage and foretells a majestic part of Kochi. This 34-foot-tall fort is built using laterite, chunam, and wood. You must visit this historical fort in Kerala to witness its beauty, rustic charm, and surrounding beauty.
Location: Ernakulam, Kochi
Timings: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Picturesque Places To Visit In Kochi For A Scenic Retreat
4. Thalassery Fort
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Thalassery Fort is a historical monument that lies on a group of low wooden hills running down the sea. This fort has a stylish entrance door with mural paintings on the walls, and secret tunnels leading to the sea. The walls and doors of this fort are gigantic. This is one of the popular forts in Kerala which also features a lighthouse. This fort is square-shaped, 90 feet above sea level. It is a perfect fusion of architectural elegance and brilliance.
Location: Kannur
Timings: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee/Person: ₹10
5. St. Angelo Fort
Photo: Mproopesh / Wikimedia Commons
St. Angelo Fort is one of the famous forts in Kerala. It holds historical significance as it was constructed by the first Portuguese Viceroy, Don Francesco de Almeida in 1505. It is a massive triangular structure with gigantic bastions. It is also known as the Kannur Fort or Kannur Kotta. This fort is loved by tourists as it offers fantastic views of the Arabian Sea and Mappila Bay harbour. The fort is aesthetically built by strong laterite stones.
Location: Kannur
Timings: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee/Person: ₹20
Suggested Read: Places To visit In Kannur
6. Chandragiri Fort
Photo: TP RADHAKRISHNAN / Wikimedia Commons
Chandragiri Fort was built in the 17th century and lies on the bank of the Chandragiri River. The two sides of the fort face the Arabian Sea. There are eight round bastions with cannon holes. The sea route can be seen through these. There is a pond with a flight of steps located inside the fort. The fort is built with hard laterite stones. There are remains of barracks and other buildings inside the fort.
Location: Kasaragod
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: ₹20 per adult and ₹10 per child
7. Anjengo Fort
Photo: Navaneeth Krishnan S / Wikimedia Commons
Anjengo Fort or Anchuthengu Fort is a place of historical significance. This fort was built during the British era and was their first trade settlement in Kerala. This fort is made of laterite and concrete. Walking around the walls of the fort offers a nice view of the surrounding areas. History buffs must visit this place and explore its past. This place is a majestic architectural marvel located in a picturesque setting.
Location: Varkala
Timings: 9 AM – 5 PM
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Varkala That You Must Explore For A Unique Experience
8. East Fort
Photo: sabu-mampallil-kottayam / Wikimedia Commons
East Fort is one of the most bustling areas of the city. One of the top forts in Kerala, it is famous for being home to the very famous Shree Padmanabha Swamy Temple. It is a historical and cultural landmark and was built to protect the temple. The fort is named after its main entrance from the eastern side. You must visit this fort and also take blessings at the temple, which is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This fort holds the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.
Location: Thiruvananthapuram
Timings: 8:30 AM – 1 PM, 3 PM – 5:30 PM
9. Hosdurg Fort
Photo: Ertuğrul Müyesseroğlu / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Hosdurg Fort is also known as Puthiyakotta. This fort is well-known for its chain of forts built during the Ikkeri Dynasty rule in the 16th century. The fort is set up over a low hillock, adjacent to NH 17. The watchtower at this fort offers panoramic views of the region. There are also caves cut in laterite formations. Tourists can have a great time here exploring the history of Kerala. It is one of the top historical forts in Kerala.
Location: Kasargod
Timings: 24*7
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit In Kasaragod For Your Next South India Trip
10. Chendamangalam Fort
Photo: Ranjithsiji / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Perched amid lush green hills in Ernakulam district, Chendamangalam Fort dates back some 450 years and once served as the residence of the Paliath Achans, prime ministers to the Maharajas of Cochin. Three rivers gently curve around its stone ramparts, adding to the tranquil setting. Inside, the fort precincts display rare relics, manuscripts and historical documents that trace local rule and colonial encounters. Nearby stands a temple, church, mosque and even a synagogue; an enduring symbol of Kerala’s centuries-long religious harmony. A stroll through its weathered walls offers a vivid stroll through regional history.
Location: Chendamangalam, Ernakulam, Kerala
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
11. Kodungallur Fort
Photo: Challiyan / Wikimedia Commons
Also known as Kottappuram or Cranganore Fort, this Portuguese-built stronghold dates to 1523 and commands the entrance to the River Periyar before it meets the Arabian Sea. Thick laterite walls, once 18 feet wide, guarded trade ships bound for the ancient port of Muziris. In 1565 the fort was enlarged, only to fall to the Dutch in 1663, after which much of its structure was demolished. Today, fragments of bastions and cannon emplacements rise from the earth, hinting at its strategic importance in controlling maritime routes along Kerala’s Malabar coast.
Location: Near K.K.T.M. College, Kodungallur, Thrissur, Kerala
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
Suggested Read: Kottappuram Fort
12. Nedumkotta Fort
Photo: Justin_Shutterstock / Shutterstock
Stretching nearly 48 kilometres from Krishnapuram on the coast to the Anamala Hills, Nedumkotta, also known as the Travancore Lines, was built between 1762 and 1775 as a defensive bulwark against Mysore’s incursions. Commissioned by Dharma Raja Karthika Thirunal under commander Eustachius De Lannoy, it combined earthen ramparts, stone bastions and deep ditches filled with bamboo hedges. At around 20 feet wide and 12 feet high, it successfully repelled forces under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Though now largely in ruins, it is one of the best places to visit in Kerala for a deeper understanding of the state’s glorious past.
Location: Passes through Mukundapuram
Timings: N/A
Kerala Forts are very famous as they offer an insight into the history and culture of the state. These old majestic monuments make us remember our past. Each fort has a different story to tell. History enthusiasts must visit all these forts in Kerala. Plan your trip with TripXL and visit all these popular forts of Kerala and soak in the beautiful views that they offer.
Cover Photo: Nikhil Kumar Pal / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
