Introduction

Udaigiri Fort is about 34 kilometers (21.25 miles) from Kanyakumari on the Nagerkoil-Trivandrum highway at Pullioorkurichi. Its popularity as a historical landmark is somewhat overshadowed by the presence of the Padmanabhapuram Palace only a few miles from here. And at any point if you can’t find your way and consult a villager, in all likelihood he will redirect you to the famed Padmanabhapuram Palace. But the Udaigiri Fort in Kanyakumari district is not to be confused with the fort by the same name in the Udaigiri village in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.

An erstwhile military base of the rulers of Travancore, Udaigiri Fort stayed in neglect for many years until district administration took up the task of restoring it. Today the fort houses a bio-diversity park home to an array of spotted deer, ducks, birds and over 100 species of flora. Recently a secret tunnel has been discovered by the archaeological department from inside the fort. In its heyday, there was a factory in its precincts to manufacture guns, cannon balls and mortars under the guidance of popular Flemish Captain Eustace de Lennoy. It was at this military bastion that the captives in the war against Tipu Sultan were imprisoned. The fort was also used as barracks till mid 19th century by the troops of the East India Company.

Udaigiri is a massive granite construction spanning across 90 acres surrounded by isolated hills of about 260 feet (78 meters). Built in 1600 AD, the structure had to be reconstructed in 1729-1758 by King Marthanda Varma following a gruesome attack by Chola king, Raja Raja Chola. The fort gained prominence during Marthanda Varma’s reign when the Battle of Colachel was fought between his army and the European forces of Dutch East India Company under Flemish Captain De Lennoy. The Dutch forces were annihilated by the Indian troupes, following which they retreated to Indonesia. Interestingly, after their capture the captain was pardoned by the king and was made in-charge to train his forces in artillery and musketry. His extensive knowledge of modern warfare was applied by Marthanda Varma to extend his kingdom further to Kuriyapalli. De Lennoy served the king loyally for 37 years. So immense was the General’s contribution that the fort began to be called ‘fort of De Lennoy’. He stayed here with his family till he breathed his last.

You will see his tomb – a stone cross with an inscription in both Tamil and Latin languages - along with that of his wife and son. Around the grave is a chapel. Today most of the fort and its ramparts are in ruins, and the sorry state of the tombs makes your heart go out to it. Though, recently the archaeological department has taken up restoration work of the entire Udaigiri premise in full swing.

Special Attributes

The historical Battle of Colachel was fought here in 1741.

Nuisance

The site is peaceful, and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Private taxi from Kanyakumari

Enjoyed by

Backpackers, nature lovers, Sun and Sand Lovers, History Lovers

Exposure

You will be under the open sky of Kanyakumari. The weather remains pleasant though a tad sultry in the day.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

You can also visit the Padmanabhapuram Palace and the Udaigiri Fort from here.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Makes for a good day trip from Kanyakumari.

Type of site

Beach getaway/sun and sand