Kerala has its own book of historical invasions and surrenders by internal and foreign powers. Forts being a Symbolic and integral part of Military during olden days explains about the invasions and battles fought in the land. Of the lot, most forts are close to the sea and today is a place of visitors attraction.
Bekal fort, Bekal
The largest fort preserved in the state of Kerala is the Bekal fort situated in North Kerala. Built specifically for defense requirements, the fort is built from the sea and is spread over forty acres. It was constructed to prevent and defend attacks from the sea. One important aspect which sets the fort apart from other forts is the ramp to the top of the fort, the inbuilt water tank, and abundant space for storing ammunition. According to historic reference, the fort was built during the 12 century and was take over and occupied by different powers. The present structure of the fort was slowly modified by different rulers. Presently it is under the procession of archeological survey of India. Today the fort is a major attraction in North of Kerala. It is spot which has one of the best views of the mighty Arabian Sea.
Pallipuram fort, Cochin
The oldest fort built by the Europeans is the Pallipuram fort which was built by the Portuguese in 1503. It is situated towards the north end of the Vypin Island, which is not far from Cochin. The fort is hexagonal in structure. It was invaded by the Dutch in 1663 and later by due course of time the fort was bought by the Raja of Travancore – Raja Kesavadas. Today it is a preserved monument under the Kerala state archeology department. The fort is mostly visited by people who find themselves interested in the history of colonial invasions in Kerala.
St Anglo fort, Kannur
This five hundred year old fort was initially built by the Portuguese in the year 1505, near to the town of Kannur. In three years time the fort was attacked by the local rulers and changed hands many times. The Dutch conquered the fort as part of its invasions in Kerala and strengthened it with minor modifications and sold it to the Arrakkal family of Kannur, who were the local ruling family. Later, during the 17th century the British acquired the fort and named it as their prime military headquarters in Malabar (North Kerala). Today it is visited by many to see the historical remains of this preserved fort.
Thalassery fort, Thalassery
The fort was built by the British East India Company in 1708 on the shores of the Arabian Sea at Tellichery, with the intention of being a strong hold in the rich Malabar. The fort has cellars, military training chambers, administrative offices and underground tunnels to the sea. The Sultan of Mysore –Hyder Ali failed to conquer this fort more than once. The marks of gun shots and other remains are still found and a old British cannon brought from England is still preserved here. The architecture is purely British with local materials used. It is preserved by the archeological department of India and is visited by many every day.
Tipu’s Fort, Palakkad
Historic record states that this fort in Palakkad was constructed during ancient times and it was restored to its present shape with granite in the year 1776 by the ruler of Mysore – Hyder Ali. Earlier, the fort was under the procession of Palakkad Achachen, the Local ruler of Palakkad. By course of time the fort went into the hands of Hyder Ali. Tipu sultan, son of Hyder Ali restored the fort to its present condition and that became Tipu’s fort. Later, the fort went into the hands of British as part of its invasion program in Kerala. The fort is surrounded by water and is connected to the main land by a fixed bridge, which makes it different from other forts built in Kerala. Today, the fort being in the heart of palakkad, certain parts of the fort are converted into jails, govt. offices, and a small portion is preserved by the archeology department.