Vattakottai is a seaside fort in Kanyakumari built in the 18th century. It was built as part of the Travancore Kingdom’s coastal defense project and is an architectural marvel. Historians believe that the Vattakottai Fort’s history dates back to the Pandyas because of the fish motifs carved on the fort’s walls. It is one of the top attractions in Kanyakumari, visited by hundreds of tourists daily.
Raja Marthanda Varma built the Vattaikottai fort to defend the Travancore region from invaders through the sea. Though the fort started a simple construction, Captain Eustachius De Lannoy was responsible for the major renovation with granite stones.
De Lannoy was French but fought with the Dutch invaders. He surrendered to the Raja after losing the Battle of Colachel in 1741. The Raja, impressed by his skills and knowledge, made him the commander-in-chief. De Lannoy focused on strengthening the kingdom’s multiple forts, including the Vattakottai Fort. This majestic fort still stands as a testimony of his skills and contribution to India’s naval history.
Vattaikottai fort’s history is sure to surprise everyone. Some believe that the fort was probably under the control of the Pandyas, thanks to the fish emblem found on the walls surrounding the fort. This could be true because Kanyakumari was, at some point in history, ruled by the Pandyas.
The Vattaikottai fort was initially built using bricks but was later renovated and built with granite stones, on the suggestion of De Lannoy. The fort’s outer walls have openings for canons to be placed to attack invaders. Interestingly, a part of this fort extends into the sea, giving the army a 360-degree view of the sea and land, protecting the region from invaders. Historians are still amazed by the planned fortification.
The Vattaikottai fort is situated at the shore of the Arabian sea, offering a full view of the place. The premises of the fort is filled with trees and greenery that provide a soothing experience. Since the fort is close to the Western Ghat, the greenery adds beauty to this place. When it comes to the premises of Vattakottai Fort inside you will find a small stepped tank that still holds water.
The Vattakottai Fort is easily accessible by bus or cab. You can plan your stay at one of the best hotels in Kanyakumari and visit the Vattakottai Fort and other places.
You can visit the Vattaikottai Fort from 10 AM to 4.25 PM. If the weather is hot, the best time to visit would be in the evening. However, with humid weather, any time of the day would be a great time to visit this historical place.
The entry fee to visit the Vattaikottai Fort is INR 25 for visitors, with added charges if you take a camera inside the Vattaikottai fort.
The Vattakottai Fort is 7 km from Kanyakumari and is one of the nearest tourist places in Kanyakumari.
I hope you now have insights into the Vattakottai fort’s history in Kanyakumari. Make your trip more comfortable by planning your accommodation at one of the top hotels near Vattakottai fort in Kanyakumari – Hotel Comorin Grand. Visit us!
Contact us at +91 88254 66315 or book your rooms online.
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