Introduction

About 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) to the northeast of Kanyakumari is the granite Vattakottai Fort, an 18th century coastal defense fortification and barrack of the Travancore kingdom. The structure is circular and spreads across three and half acres of lush lawns. Its ramparts are about 26 feet high (7.8 meters) including the parapet which is some 29-foot thick (8.7 meters) from the front. Ex-Dutch Captain De Lennoy – who after the Battle of Colachel became the General of Travancore army – commissioned the construction of this ‘circular fort’ as a part of the defense fortifications he undertook across Travancore. However, in 1810 under the command of St. Leger, the British forces stormed into Nanjilnad through the Aramboly pass and ravaged the defense lines.

Vattakottai is composed of granite blocks, and today a part of it runs into the sea. A secret tunnel about 4-foot-wide connecting the Padmanabhapuram Palace is believed to have been discovered. Recently, the archaeological department has taken up the task of renovating the fort after which fresh mortar has been applied to the enclosing wall. Probably the Pandya kings had control over the fort for sometime as evident from the fish symbol – the emblem of the Panydas – in various places. You will come across a water tank at the centre of the fort with a few house barns around it. Adjacent to the fort ramparts you will see traces of a lighthouse. Around here the sea is calm and ideal for a refreshing dip.

Otherwise, the battlements of Vattakottai are a vantage point to take in the lovely greenery, the rivulet flowing by, a flat blue sea on one side and the misty Western Ghats on the other. Don’t miss out the sunset from here – the massive red orb sinking into the sea instantly captures your imagination. A curious feature is the black sand beach near the site. You can spend sometime in solitude, reflect on your travels and suck in the gorgeous scenery. Photographic opportunities galore on this trip.

The place does not see too many visitors which is probably why it looks primly maintained. But it is gradually picking up as a quaint picnic destination away from the bustle of Kanyakumari.

Special Attributes

Enjoy a spectacular sunset from the fort ramparts.

Nuisance

The site is peaceful, and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Private taxi or auto-rickshaw from Kanyakumari

Enjoyed by

Backpackers, History lovers

Exposure

You will mostly be under the open sky. In the morning and evening, the weather remains pleasant. But noon gets quite warm and the sun rays are rather strong. You are advised to wear a lot of sunscreen lotion, carry along sunshades and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

It is a great picnic spot. You can enjoy a refreshing swim at the black sand beach.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Stay back till sundown. The view from the ramparts facing the sea is breathtaking.

Type of site

Fort ruins/military bastion