Tellicherry Fort

About Tellicherry Fort

Tellicherry Fort, a construction of East India Company is a magnificent citadel located at a distance of 22 kms from Kannur, thalaserry. The monument is affluent with historical significance and many attractive features that make the visitors tour to Kerala an inevitable and worthwhile one. Tellicherry Fort in Kannur, KeralaThe substantial walls with an impressive structure and a huge gateway brilliantly bound the fort. It has also one lighthouse. The Fort was once the military hub of the British troops. Perhaps a large number of tourists make their trip to Kerala to unexplore this the historically and culturally loaded forts. So make yourself ready to be enthralled and mesmerized by the beauty and magic of the great Tellicherry fort of Kannur.

The fort is adorned with cemetery and church with a collector’s mansion nearby. The close hinterland lends a very magical touch to the fort and thus a calm exploration to the fort will certainly comes with relaxation and peace of mind. The secret tunnel through which the inhabitants used to escape at the time of assault was opened out to the sea. The East India Company which had established its settlement on the Malabar Coast in 1683 built the monument as a testimonial of their colonial imperialism in 1703. The fort was once the nucleus of Thalassery’s development.The imposing square fort has massive walls, huge, intricately carved doors and secret tunnels to the sea all in all, the perfect setting for you to get an authentic taste of some local history and heritage!The fort is built upon a rocky cliff at Thalassery beach.

History

In 1781 Hyder Ali, ruler of the Kingdom of Mysore, was unsuccessful in capturing the Fort in his campaign to control Malabar. His successor, Tipu Sultan, was forced to cede Malabar District to the British in 1792, at the conclusion of the Third Anglo-Maratha War.

Interesting things to Visit

Tellicherry Fort:

This fort is 22 kms from Kannur, the fort constructed in 1708,was the military centre of the British and is now a historical monument. The S.A.I. Gymnastic Centre, an old Muslim Mosque.

Kizhunna Ezhara Beach:

Kizhunna Ezhara Beach is Located 11 kms from kannur, this beautiful stretch of sand is one of the most secluded beaches in kerala. Famous is this beautiful golden color sand beach in kerala. It is truly a loner’s delight. The quietness of the surrounding is an experience in itself. Its one of those rare occassions when silence attracts more attention than noise.

Ezhimala:

At an altitude of 286 m Ezhimala has fascinating scultured stone pillars scattered all over the beach. There is also an ancient mosque on a hill nearby.

Payyambalam Beach Resort:

The Payyambalam beach is one of the beautiful beaches in this State and is an ideal place to spend evenings, irrespepcti ve of seasons. It is very near Kannur town. ,The mortal remains or’ Swadeshabhimani Ramakrishna Pilla, A.K. Gopalan, K.P. Gopalan, Pamban Madhavan and K.G. Marar are laid to rest near this resort.

Moppila Bay:

Moppila Bay is a natural fishing harbour, lying near Fort St. Angelos. A sea wall projecting from the fort separates the rough sea and inland water. The bay was famous during the Kolathiris’ regime as a commercial harbour that linked Kolathunadu with Lakshadweep and foreign countriea, in imports. Today , Mopilla bay has turned into a modernised fishing harbour.

Sri Krishna Temple:

This temple is located at Kadalayi about 6 km from Kannur. It is dedicated to Lord Krishna. An eight day annual festival is celebrated here. Traditional art performances like the Kathakali, the Ottamthullal, etc., are performed during the festival.

Parassinikadavu:

It is situated about 16 km from Kannur. The charm of this place is added by the serene `Valapattanam River`. The famous Sri Muthappan temple is situated on the beautiful banks, which makes the place a popular pilgrim centre. Boating facility and accommodations are available. An entertaining snake park is situated nearby, with 3 snake pits, 15 glass cases and 2 glass houses exclusively for King Cobras.

Muzhapilangad Beach:

This beach is situated about 15 km from Kannur. It has a stretch of about 4 km along the shallow waters, which is probably the only drive-in beach in Kerala. The clean waters here are the characteristic of this beautiful beach, which is well suited for swimming.

Valapattanam:

The small town on the Valapattanam river is situated about 7 kms from Kannur. This town is well known for its wood-based industries and timber trade. The port of Azhikkal and Azhikkal beach are located nearby.

Arakkal Kettu:

Arakkal Kettu, is located about 3 km from Kannur. It was the residence of the former Arakkal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim royal family of Kerala.

Meenkunnu Beach:

Meenkunnu Beach, is a beach in Kannur district of Kerala, India. It is endowed with vast stretch of golden sand and coconut trees.

Nearest Visiting places

The Residence of the Gundert:

The Gundert Bungalow is situate at Illikkunnu, 2 kms away from Thalassery near the National Highway. It was here that Gundert, the German missionary and the plyglot resided for 20 years from 1839. He made invaluable contributions to the Malayalam language.

Dharmadam Isle:

This small Island which is situated in the sea like a green spot just 100 m away from shore, becomes a blissful experience to tourists. This isle is full of coconut trees. There is only a well here as the symbol of human presence. One can reach this place by boat from southern part of Moithu bridge in the national highway. During ebb time one can reach here by foot. From this isle one can see the rocks around and the beauty of Muzhuppilangad beach and the distant beauty of Thalassery town. When Dharmadam isle was an important trading center, this isle was in the possession of Chirakkal king.

Alaram Wildlife Sanctuary:

Alaram Wildlife Sanctuary is a situated on the slopes of the Western Ghats. Found in this tranquil sanctuary is elephants, sloth bears, sambar and mouse deer as well as fauna and reptiles. The highest peak of Katti Betta, covered with tropical and semi- evergreen forests rises to a majestic height of 1145 m above sea level.

Arakkal Palace:

3 kms from Kannur, is a beautiful palace of the former Arakkal Ali Rajas, the only Muslim royal family of Kerala that controlled parts of the coast and Lakshadweep.

Thodeekulam Siva Temple:

Thodeekulam Siva Temple is located about 2 km from Kannavam on the Thalasseri-Mananthavady road in the Kannur district. This temple is famous for its mural paintings. This temple was constructed 2,000 years ago.

Sree Ramaswami Temple, Thiruvangad:

Sree Rama Swami Temple is located in Thiruvangad, about 23 kms. from Kannur. This temple is dedicated to Sri Rama and one of the most important temples in Malabar. The exquisite carvings in the temple were done about 400 years ago.

Ezhimala:

The Ezhimala is a small beautiful beach, about 53 kms from Kannur. This beach has a hillock nearby (286 m high). Carved stone pillars and an ancient burial chamber can be seen at the foot of the hills. The hills are mainly known for the rare medicinal herbs. A Naval Academy is also being developed here.

Pythal Mala:

Pythal Mala is located about 65 kms. from Kannur. This enchanting hill station is situated about 4500 feet above sea level near Kerala - Karnataka border. This place is rich in flora and fauna.

Pazhassi Dam:

This dam is situated about 37 km on the East of Kannur. It has picturesque region around it with the beautiful `Pazhassi Dam`, which draws lots of tourists. This calm reservoir has the facility of boating for the visitors.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Paris Presidency
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala

Hotel Malabar Fort
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala

Hotel The Mark
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala

C-rocks beach resort
ezhara beach, kizhunna,
kannur, Kerala 670101
Tel: 09940426430.

Hotel Malabar Fort
Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala.

Hotel Paris Presidency
Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala.

Hotel The Mark
Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala.

Airtravel Enterprises India Ltd
Fort Rd, Padanapalam
Kannur, Kerala 670001
Tel: 0497 2767737.

Hotel Arafa International
Padanapalam, Kannur
Kerala.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Police Station
NH 17, Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala.

Old Police Station
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala.

Edacheri Police Station
SH 54, Kozhikode
Kerala.

Nearest Hospital:

Co operative Hospital
NH 17, Koduvally
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala.

Josegiri Hospital
Thalassery, Kannur, Kerala

Mission Hospital
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala.

General Hospital
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala.

Santhosh Hospital
Thalassery, Kannur
Kerala.

Shreyas Hospital
Kayalode Kadirur Road
Kadirur, Kannur
Kerala.

Unity Hospital
SH 30, Thalassery
Kannur, Kerala.

Link:

http://primej.blogspot.com/2009/06/thalassery-fort.html
http://keralatourismblogs.blogspot.com/2009/06/thalassery-fort.html
http://kabhi2005.blogspot.com/2006/06/at-thalassery-fort-18th-june-2006.html
http://rahulsravi.blogspot.com/2007/09/thalassery-fort.html
http://kannur-tourism.blogspot.com/2008/01/kannur-tourism-thalassery.html
http://amars-thalassery.blogspot.com/2007/02/thalassery-its-nostalgic.html
http://tourismplaces.blogspot.com/2007/02/thalassery.html
http://jrmaroli.blogspot.com/2008/09/thalassery.html

Location info

• Address: Kannur town ,kannur District Kerala, India

• District: Kannur District.

• Nearest City: Tellicherry , Thaliparamba, Payyannur, Mattannur, Koothuparamba, Chakarakkal.

• Best time to visit: November to May.

Climate & weather

Climate is Humid and Tropical. And the Temparature in Summer32.6 °C and in Winter21.4°C.

Things to do at Tellicherry Fort

Watch Thalassery Beach and Light house, Its design consists of square shaped architecture, massive walls, huge doors, flanking bastions and secret tunnels into the sea, resulting in an overall palatial and dominant structure.The fort is a magnificent structure with massive walls and a deep moat, you can also get a great view of the Dharmadam Island that is located at a distance of 100 meters from the shore.

Nearest petrol pump

Parippayi Petrol Pump
Kannur, Kerala.

Koothuparamba, Kannur
Kerala.

KTC Petrol Pump
Mahe.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Kerala’s forts (Bekal, Palakkad, St. Angelo) have limited food on-site. Kochi’s Fort Kochi area has excellent dining — waterfront cafes, heritage restaurants, and spice-market eateries. Carry water when visiting remote forts.

Accessibility

Historic forts typically have uneven stone pathways, steep staircases, and no ramps. Forts are built on elevated ground — reaching them requires a climb on foot or by vehicle to the base followed by stairs. Visitors with mobility issues may find the outer grounds and lower levels more accessible than the upper ramparts. Wear sturdy footwear and allow extra time.

Rules & restrictions

Do not climb on unstable walls or beyond marked boundaries. Some bastion platforms are partially collapsed. Graffiti and defacement are illegal. Alcohol and smoking are not permitted inside most historic sites. Drones may require permission. Large bags may be checked at the entrance. Photography is permitted but tripods may need special permission. Respect heritage rules — these monuments are protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.

Best photography spots

The ramparts offer the best panoramic views — arrive early morning or late afternoon for golden light across the landscape. The bastions and arched windows make excellent natural frames. Wide-angle lenses capture the scale of the fortifications; telephoto lenses isolate details of the stonework and distant views. Sunset silhouettes of the fort walls against the sky are iconic.