Udayagiri Fort

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September 11, 2024

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Udayagiri Fort: A Historical Gem in Tamil Nadu

Udayagiri Fort is a remarkable historical monument located in the southern part of Tamil Nadu, India. With its rich history, scenic beauty, and stunning architecture, Udayagiri Fort has become a popular tourist destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.

Summary of all the key points about Udayagiri Fort:

Category	Details
Famous For	Historical significance, military architecture, tomb of Dutch Admiral Eustachius De Lannoy, flora and fauna.
Best Time to Visit	October to March, especially November to February for pleasant weather.
How to Reach (Train)	Nearest railway station: Nagercoil Junction (15 km). Cost: ₹200-₹1,000 depending on the class.
How to Reach (Bus)	Frequent buses from Nagercoil. Cost: ₹50-₹100.
How to Reach (Car)	30-minute drive from Nagercoil, 2 hours from Trivandrum. Fuel cost: ₹500-₹1,000 round trip.
Famous for Architecture	British barracks, underground tunnels, watchtowers, Elephant Yard.
Location	Near Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu, India.
Address	Udayagiri Fort, Puliyoorkurichi, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu 629180.
What to Do	Explore military ruins, underground tunnels, nature walks, bird watching, and photography.
Review	Peaceful, historically rich, surrounded by lush greenery. Visitors appreciate the serene and scenic atmosphere.
Rating	4.5/5
Nearby Attractions	Padmanabhapuram Palace (20 km), Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Beach (30 km).
Things to Do	Photography, trekking, picnicking, nature walks, bird watching.
SIM Card Coverage	Airtel, Jio, BSNL have good coverage. Jio and Airtel provide reliable 4G service.
Wi-Fi Speed	Mobile data is reliable, no public Wi-Fi available.
Nearest Petrol Pump	Located in Nagercoil, 10 km away.
Things to Carry	Water bottle, comfortable footwear, sunscreen, hat, snacks, camera.
Hotels/Lodging	Hotel Udupi International, Hotel Parvathi Residency in Nagercoil; plenty of options in Kanyakumari.
Local Food	Try Appam with stew, fish curry, and Kottu Parotta in Nagercoil.
Police Station	Nearest police station in Thuckalay, about 5 km from the fort.
Nearest Hospital	Thuckalay Government Hospital, approximately 5 km away.
Recommendations	Ideal for history lovers, nature enthusiasts, and families. Explore early to avoid heat and crowds.
Genuine Experience	Visitors appreciate the historical significance, peaceful surroundings, and scenic beauty.

About the Place

Udayagiri Fort was originally built in the 17th century by the Travancore Kings as a strategic military fortress. It was later refurbished and used by the British East India Company. The fort served as a military outpost and prison during British rule.
The fort is surrounded by lush greenery and offers panoramic views of the Western Ghats. The architectural features, including high walls and underground tunnels, still attract history enthusiasts.
Famous For: Historical significance, scenic views, old military architecture, and exotic flora and fauna. The fort is also home to some rare species of animals and birds, making it a great place for nature lovers.

Best Time to Visit

Best Time: The ideal time to visit Udayagiri Fort is between October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. Summers can be quite hot and humid, making it less favorable for sightseeing.
Which Month is Best: November to February is considered the peak tourist season, as the climate is more comfortable for exploring outdoor attractions.

How to Reach Udayagiri Fort

By Train:
- The nearest railway station is Nagercoil Junction, which is about 15 kilometers from Udayagiri Fort.
- Trains to Nagercoil are available from major cities like Chennai, Bangalore, and Trivandrum.
- Cost: Train tickets range from ₹200 to ₹1,000 depending on the class.
By Bus:
- Frequent buses are available from Nagercoil and nearby towns to Udayagiri Fort.
- Cost: Bus tickets typically cost around ₹50-₹100.
By Own Vehicle:
- Udayagiri Fort is easily accessible by road. If you’re driving from Nagercoil, it’s a 30-minute drive.
- From Trivandrum, it takes around 2 hours by car.
- Cost: Fuel cost for a round trip from Trivandrum would be around ₹500-₹1,000.

What to Do After Reaching Udayagiri Fort

Explore the Fort: Walk through the ancient ruins, underground tunnels, and remnants of military architecture. Climb the walls to enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding hills.
Nature Walk: The fort is home to a variety of flora and fauna. Enjoy a leisurely walk around the lush surroundings.
Bird Watching: The region is known for its diverse bird population. You can spot some rare species during your visit.

Places to explore in Udayagiri Fort

1. British-Era Barracks and Ruins

What to Explore: As you enter the fort, you’ll come across the British barracks that were used by soldiers during colonial times. These ruins give you a glimpse into the past military operations of the British Empire.
Why It’s Special: These well-preserved structures are a reminder of the strategic significance of Udayagiri Fort during British rule. The architectural style is distinct, and walking through the barracks feels like a step back in time.

2. Underground Tunnels

What to Explore: Udayagiri Fort is famous for its underground tunnels that were once used as secret passageways. These tunnels add an element of mystery and adventure for visitors.
Why It’s Special: The tunnels were used as escape routes during times of siege and offer insight into the tactical defenses of the fort. Exploring these passages provides a thrilling experience.

3. Watchtowers

What to Explore: The fort features several watchtowers that offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, including the Western Ghats.
Why It’s Special: Climb up to the watchtowers for breathtaking views. The strategic location of these towers once helped soldiers keep an eye on potential invasions. Today, they provide visitors with a perfect vantage point for photography.

4. Old Granaries and Warehouses

What to Explore: These old structures, used for storing grains and ammunition, are scattered throughout the fort. Though in ruins, they give a clear picture of how essential resources were stockpiled during wartime.
Why It’s Special: Walking through these granaries and warehouses brings the fort’s military history to life. It’s fascinating to imagine how soldiers survived within these walls during times of war.

5. Elephant Yard

What to Explore: Udayagiri Fort is known for its Elephant Yard, which was used to train war elephants during ancient times.
Why It’s Special: The Elephant Yard gives you a unique look at how elephants were trained and kept as part of the Travancore Kingdom’s military might. This part of the fort is quite different from most historical sites, making it even more interesting.

6. Tomb of a Dutch Admiral

What to Explore: One of the fort’s unique features is the tomb of Dutch Admiral Eustachius De Lannoy, who helped the Travancore King modernize his army.
Why It’s Special: De Lannoy’s contributions to Travancore’s military are notable, and his tomb is a reminder of the historical connection between Dutch and Indian forces. It adds a layer of international history to the site.

7. Nature Trails Around the Fort

What to Explore: The fort is surrounded by lush greenery and nature trails. These trails offer a peaceful walk with views of diverse plant and bird species.
Why It’s Special: Nature enthusiasts can enjoy birdwatching and exploring the flora around the fort. The combination of history and nature makes Udayagiri Fort a serene and educational destination.

8. Nearby Water Tanks and Ponds

What to Explore: The fort has ancient water tanks and ponds, which were used for water storage.
Why It’s Special: These water systems were essential for sustaining the inhabitants of the fort. The design of these tanks reveals the advanced engineering skills of the time.

Udayagiri Fort is famous for

Udayagiri Fort is famous for its historical significance and strategic military architecture. Here’s why the fort stands out:

Historical Importance: Udayagiri Fort was originally built by the Travancore Kings in the 17th century and later used as a stronghold by the British East India Company. It played a key role in military strategies during both the Travancore and British periods.
Tomb of Dutch Admiral Eustachius De Lannoy: The fort is renowned for housing the tomb of Dutch Admiral Eustachius De Lannoy, a significant military officer who was captured by the Travancore army and later served as a trusted commander, helping modernize the kingdom’s military forces.
Military Architecture: The fort is known for its strong walls, underground tunnels, watchtowers, and barracks, which highlight the advanced military techniques and defensive strategies used during its operational days.
Flora and Fauna: The fort is set amidst lush greenery and is home to various species of plants, birds, and animals, making it a notable spot for nature lovers in addition to history enthusiasts.
Scenic Views: The fort offers stunning panoramic views of the Western Ghats and surrounding landscape, making it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.

Review

Visitors often describe Udayagiri Fort as a hidden gem of Tamil Nadu. Its historical significance combined with its scenic beauty makes it a unique attraction. The peaceful atmosphere, away from the hustle of the city, offers a great escape into nature and history. The fort’s well-preserved walls and underground passages intrigue history lovers, while the greenery and biodiversity appeal to nature enthusiasts.

Rating

Overall Rating: 4.5/5
Historical Significance: 5/5
Scenic Beauty: 4.5/5
Accessibility: 4/5

Nearby Places to Visit

Padmanabhapuram Palace: A stunning wooden palace showcasing the royal heritage of Travancore Kings, located about 20 km from Udayagiri Fort.
Thiruvalluvar Statue: An iconic 133-foot-tall statue of the famous Tamil poet, located in Kanyakumari, about 30 km away.
Kanyakumari Beach: Famous for witnessing both sunrise and sunset at the same location, this beach is a major attraction near Udayagiri Fort.

Attractions & Things to Do

Photography: The scenic surroundings and ancient architecture offer great opportunities for photography.
Trekking: You can trek around the nearby hills for an adventurous experience.
Picnicking: The greenery around the fort makes it a perfect spot for a peaceful picnic.

Which SIM Card Works?

Airtel, Jio, and BSNL have good coverage in and around Udayagiri Fort.
Mobile Data: Jio and Airtel offer reliable 4G service, while BSNL may work better in remote areas.

How is the Wi-Fi Speed?

Wi-Fi is not available in the fort. However, mobile internet speeds are adequate for general browsing and navigation.

Nearest Petrol Pump

The nearest petrol pump is located in Nagercoil, about 10 km away from Udayagiri Fort. Make sure to refuel your vehicle before heading to the fort if you’re driving.

Things to Carry

Water Bottle: Carry enough water, especially during the summer months.
Comfortable Footwear: The fort involves a lot of walking, so wear sturdy shoes.
Sunscreen and Hat: Protect yourself from the sun if you visit during the day.
Snacks: There are limited food options near the fort, so it’s best to carry some light snacks.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation/Food

Hotels in Nagercoil: There are several mid-range hotels available in Nagercoil like Hotel Udupi International and Hotel Parvathi Residency.
Accommodation in Kanyakumari: For those extending their trip, there are plenty of hotel options in Kanyakumari, which is just a short drive away from the fort.
Food: You can enjoy local South Indian food at nearby restaurants. Popular dishes include dosa, idli, and fish curry.

Local Authentic Food to Have

In the nearby towns of Nagercoil and Kanyakumari, try the local delicacies such as:
- Appam with Stew
- Fish Curry
- Kottu Parotta

Police Station & Nearest Hospital

Police Station: The nearest police station is located in Thuckalay, about 5 km from the fort.
Nearest Hospital: Thuckalay Government Hospital is the nearest medical facility for any emergencies.

Recommendations

Best for: History enthusiasts, nature lovers, and families looking for a peaceful getaway with a touch of adventure.
Guidelines: Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing. If you’re visiting during peak tourist season, plan your trip early in the day to avoid crowds.

Best Guidelines for Visitors

Safety: Stick to marked paths while exploring the fort, as some parts are old and may be unstable.
Timings: It’s best to visit during early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the midday heat.

Genuine Experience Against This Place

Most visitors describe Udayagiri Fort as a perfect blend of history and nature. They appreciate the quiet and serene environment, which allows them to reflect on the fort’s historical significance while also enjoying the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. However, some tourists feel that the fort could benefit from better maintenance and signage, but overall, it remains a worthwhile visit for anyone in Tamil Nadu.