Pallippuram Fort: Your Complete Guide To History

Pallippuram Fort is one of the major tourist attractions in Ernakulam. It was built by the Portuguese and houses a rich cultural heritage. The fort is built in a gigantic hexagonal structure using laterite, wood, and chunam. The door posts, gate, and lintels of the fort are all finely arched and dressed. Also, this fort is considered the oldest surviving European monument in India. This iconic landmark of Ernakulam speaks volumes about the history and cultural heritage of the place.

Location

An image of Ernakulam district of Kerala where the iconic Pallippuram Fort is located.

Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons

This fort lies in Vyppin, Ernakulam district of Kerala. It is just 1 km away from the main boat jetty to Vypeen Island.

How To Reach

An image of Cochin International Airport serving the city of Kochi, Kerala, India.

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It is very convenient to reach this fort. The nearest airport is the Cochin International Airport, which is 20 km away. From there you can hire a taxi to reach Ernakulam. You can also hire a jetty operating from Ernakulam and Kochi to Vypeen. Bus service is also available from Vypeen to Pallippuram.

Places To Visit Around Pallippuram Fort

1. Thumpolly Beach

Explore the beautiful Thumpolly Beach on your visit to the Pallippuram Fort in Vyppin.

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Thumpolly is a coastal town in Kerala and a must-visit destination for tourists. The beach is very beautiful and sandy. Here you will see several canals making their way into the Arabian Sea. The blue waves crush on the sea and offer a lovely sight. There are many fishing villages around the beach that tourists can also visit. People come here to relax and gaze at the beautiful birds. The shacks on the shore serve lip-smacking food too. Tourists must visit this beach for a relaxing time.

Location: Kerala
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM

2. Thiruvizha Mahadevar Temple

Seek blessings form the sacred Thiruvizha Mahadevar Temple on your trip to Kerala.

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The Thiruvizha Mahadevar Temple is a place where people come to seek mental peace. This is a very famous temple in South India. People come here with the belief that all their problems and the poison in their bodies will heal. It is also said that mad people or people who are under evil spirits get cured here. Lord Shiva is worshipped here with milk and coconut water. Milk Abhishek done 1001 times is considered special in this temple.

Location: Thiruvizha Mahadeva Temple Road, Thiruvizha, Kerala 688530
Timings: 5 AM – 7:30 PM

3. Mararikulam Shiva Temple

Offer prayer to Mararikulam Shiva Temple on your visit to Pallippuram Fort, Vyppin.

Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons

Mararikulam Shiva Temple is an age-old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Devotees have faith in this temple as this shrine fulfils the wishes of the devotees. There are two deities of Shiva worshipped in this temple – Vadakkanappan and Thekkanappan. These idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess are self-originated. Moreover, the temple is very unique in its architectural magnificence. Swayamvara Pooja and Thalicharthu are the special poojas of this temple.

Location: Alappuzha
Timings: 3:50 AM – 8:45 PM

4. St. Thomas Church

Seek solace at the sacred St. Thomas Church on your vacation to Ernakulam, Kerala.

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St. Thomas Church in Pallippuram is a church established way back in 1503. It is believed that St. Thomas lived here for a year and this church is also known as Our Lady of Snow Church. It is believed that the cross that St. Thomas erected here was thrown in Vemband and it reached a small island “Mattel”. Some women spotted this bleeding cross and gave it to a Christian family. That’s how the church was formed here. Tourists will also love the rustic charm of this beautiful church.

Location: Pallipuram, Kerala
Timings: 6 AM – 8 PM

Where To Stay

An image of a hotel room, an accommodation near Pallipuram Fort, Kerala, India.

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Ernakulam offers many good and comfortable hotels and resorts, that offer a luxurious stay. Some of the best places to stay here are- Flamingo Suites, Hotel Let’s Stay, Vayo Tristar Regency, Kochi Riverside Homestay, Palm Grove Serviced Villa, Hotel Mart View, Zostel Kochi, and many more.

Where To Eat

Savour the delicious dishes of Kerala, India on your next trip to its natural wonders.

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Kochi offers a great variety of food. You will find all kinds of cuisines served here, and the hot favourite is the Kerala Thali. Some of the best places to eat here are- Brindhavan Restaurant, Paragon, Sreekrishna Inn, Kochi Kitchen, Hungry Plates, and more.

Best Time To Visit

An image of beautiful Ernakulam city, with blooming flowers and pleasant weather.

Photo: Jithin Vijayamohanan / Unsplash

The best time to visit this fort is from October to March, as the weather is cool and comfortable. Tourists can indulge in outdoor activities and enjoy the green views of the place as well.

Average Cost Of The Trip

Pack all your travel things and essentials on your visit to Pallippuram Fort, Kerala.

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There is no entry fee for this fort. Tourists will only have to spend on transportation to reach this fort. It is a very budget-friendly visit.

The oldest European Building in India, Pallippuram Fort, is an excellent tourist destination. Pallippuram Fort’s location is ideal as it offers tourists various other nearby places to explore. Tourists planning to visit Kochi must also plan to visit this fort and witness the majestic history of the place. It is a good place for history and nature lovers. So, plan a trip withTripXL and visit Ernakulam.

Cover Photo: MANAS PALKAR / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The times to visit this fort are from 9:30 am to 5 pm.
Yes, tourists can click amazing and scenic photos at this fort.
Tourists can spend one to two hours here.
The fort gets its name from Manjumatha Church (Manju means snow in Malayalam). The fort is located in the surrounding area of this church. Since church means Palli in Malayalam, this surrounding area was named Pallippuram.
The fort also goes by other names like Ayikotta or Alikotta.

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