Udayagiri Fort

About Udayagiri Fort

Udaygiri Fort is located at Puliyoorkurichi, near the Padmanabhapuram Fort on the Thiruvananthapuram-Nagercoil National highway.The Udayagiri fort should not be confused with the fort of the same name located at Udayagiri Village in Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.The fort was in a neglected state for many years till district administration took notice. A bio-diversity park is now established inside the fort. Tourists can now enjoy the sight of deer, ducks, fountains, birds along with more than 100 kinds of landscaped trees.Recently the Archeology department has discovered a secret tunnel within the fort. The fort is worth a visit especially for history and nature aficionados.

The fort is situated on the Thiruvananthapuram-Nagercoil National highway at Puliyoorkurichi. This was the most important military barracks of the Travancore rulers, when Padmanabhapuram was their capital. The fort is built of massive granite blocks around an isolated hillock.

The tombs of the Dutch Admiral Eustachius De Lannoy, (in whose honour the fort was once called Dillanai Kottai— De Lennoy’s Fort), and of his wife and son could be seen inside a partly ruined chapel in the fort.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

For accommodation near Udayagiri Fort, nearby towns offer budget lodges, guesthouses, and mid-range hotels. Book ahead during peak season (December-March).

Help Line/Phone Number

Nearest Hospital:

CSI Hospital: 222222

Vijayakumar Hospital: 275045

Abdul Kadher Hospital: 240804

Catherine Booth Hospital: 275516

Dr. Kumarsamy Health Center: 270636

Kumaran Nursing Home: 231418

Irudhayams Hospital: 241561

Bedesta Hospital: 232233

Jeyasekhran Hospital: 271620

Krishnakumar Hospital: 230021

J. Mathias Hospital: 223137

Manju Nursing Home: 273849

Holy Cross Hospital: 230897

Moses Mathias Hospital: 232601

Moris Mathias Hospital: 276009

Location info

• **Address:**Udaygiri Fort ,Nagercoil,

• District: Kanyakumari

• Nearest City: Nagercoil

• Best time to visit: Throughout the Year

Climate & weather

Nagercoil has a pleasant, though humid, climate for a major part of the year. The maximum temperature during the summer hovers around 86°F or 30°C with extremely high humidity at times. Nagercoil receives both the north-east monsoon and the south-west monsoon. It rains more often in Kanyakumari district than in any other part of Tamil Nadu, with the exception of the Nilgiris. Due to geographical conditions, the southern tip of Kanyakumari is generally 2°C to 3°C warmer than Nagercoil during the daytime, though Kanyakumari is only 20 km away

History of Udayagiri Fort

The Udayagiri Fort built over an area of 90 acres is made using massive granite blocks. The fort really came to prominence during the reign of Marthanda Varma, the famous Venad King in the period 1741-44. When in the famous battle of Colachel Captain De Lennoy was captured with 24 other European prisoners he was pardoned by the king and entrusted with the charge of modernizing the Travancore Army. The captured officer remained loyal to the King and served him faithfully for 37 years. With DLannoys extensive knowledge of modern warfare, King Marthanda Varma extended his kingdom further north to Kuriyapalli. So much was the contribution of General De Lannoy that the fort came to be known as `Dillannai Kottai or fort of De Lannoy. At Udayagiri, De Lannoy stayed with his family till he died. Inside the fort premises lies buried the body of De Lannoy, his wife and son. There is also a chapel built around the grave. At his tomb a stone cross stands with inscription in both Tamil and Latin that reads: Stand, Traveller, and behold! For here lies Captain Delannoy, who served Maharaja Marthanda Varma and Travancore faithfully for three decades The sorry state of affairs has led to the decay of the tombs and the area around it. It is now out of bound for the visitors.

Things to visit & highlights

Padmanabhapuram Palace
Colachel: An ideal beach

How to reach Udayagiri Fort

• **Nearest Railway Station:**Nagercoil Railway Junction

• Nearest Airport: Trivandrum

• Road Transport: Nagercoil is very well connected to all the major cities in the Southern India.there are good number of buses to every cities

Nearest visiting places

VattaKotai Fort & Beach:Vattakottai Fort (or ‘Circular Fort’) is a seaside fort near Kanyakumari, the southern tip of India. It was built in the 18th century as a coastal defence-fortification and barracks in the erstwhile Travancore kingdom.It was constructed under the supervision of Captain Eustachius De Lannoy, an ex-Dutch naval officer of the VOC, who became commander of the Travancore army in the 18th century, by earning the trust of the Travancore King Marthanda Varma. De Lannoy constructed Vattakottai, as part of the defence-fortifications he undertook throughout Travancore.
Padbanabhapuram Palace:Padmanabhapuram Palace : This is located in at Padmanabhapuram Fort, close to the town of Thuckalay in Kanyakumari District, Tamilnadu. It is about 20 km from Nagercoil. The palace is inside an old granite fortress around four kilometers long. The palace is located at the foot of the Veli Hills, which form a part of the Western Ghats.

Nearest petrol pump

Nagercoil Kanyakumari District Tamil Nadu.

Best time to visit Udayagiri Fort

November to February when the weather is cool and pleasant. Early morning (8–10 AM) or late afternoon (3–5 PM) are the best times to explore, avoiding the midday heat. Forts are particularly photogenic during golden hour (4–5:30 PM).

Timings & opening hours

Open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days. Some forts remain closed on national holidays (Republic Day, Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti). Last entry is usually 30–45 minutes before closing.

Entry fee & tickets

Entry fee for Indian nationals: INR 10–25. Foreign nationals: INR 100–250. Camera fee: INR 20–50 (still), INR 100 (video). Children under 15 years generally enter free. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India at most locations.

Duration needed

2–3 hours to explore the fort thoroughly. Allow extra time if you plan to climb the ramparts or visit any museum within the fort complex. Photography enthusiasts may need more time.

Safety tips

Wear sturdy walking shoes — fort floors can be uneven with loose stones and steps. Carry water as the climb can be strenuous, especially in summer. Some unguarded edges may be dangerous — stay within visitor areas. Watch for monkeys near eating areas.

Things to carry

1. Comfortable Walking Shoes: Uneven terrain.
2. Water Bottle: Limited facilities inside forts.
3. Hat and Sunglasses: Sun protection.
4. Camera: Capture architecture and views.
5. First-Aid Kit: For minor injuries.

Nearest airport, railway & bus

Nearest airport: varies by fort location. Chennai International Airport (MAA) for northern forts, Madurai Airport (IXM) for southern forts.

Nearest railway station: the nearest station in the closest town.

By road: accessible via state highways and local roads.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Tamil Nadu. 4G is reliable in Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and along major highways. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain rural interior areas. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels and cafes in urban areas.

Food & restaurants nearby

Forts in Tamil Nadu typically have limited food options on-site. The nearest town offers traditional Tamil meals, idli-dosa shops, and vegetarian restaurants. Carry water and snacks.

Things to do at Udayagiri Fort

Explore the fort’s massive ramparts, bastions, and gateways that showcase military architecture from a bygone era. Climb to the highest point for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Visit the small museum inside (if present) to see artefacts and historical exhibits.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit Udayagiri Fort? Early morning (8–10 AM) or late afternoon (3–5 PM) between November and February for comfortable weather.

How much time is needed to explore Udayagiri Fort? 2–3 hours is adequate for a full exploration. History enthusiasts and photographers may need an additional hour.

Is there a guided tour available at Udayagiri Fort? Local guides are available at the entrance. Audio guides may be available at major forts. Information boards in English and Tamil are present.

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.

Quick facts

• Type: Tourist Attraction
• State: Tamilnadu
• Category: Forts

Visitor information

Please check locally for current visitor information.