Introduction

About 13-kilometer (8.12 miles) from Mahabalipuram towards Kalpakkam, there is an idyllic beach resort, Sadras, known for the ruins of a Dutch Fort. Take a stroll in the Dutch cemetery and look up the finely carved headstones and the inscriptions on them. Actually, Sadras is an anglicized version of the ancient town of Chadhuranga Pattinam.

Sadras was set up in the 17th century as a Dutch colony, and an important centre for weaving fine muslin cloth for export. This little village was a flourishing weaver settlement until the Dutch conquered the domains from the Carnatic rulers in 1612. Soon the Dutch East India Company set up a factory to produce and trade the famous muslin. In its heyday the Dutch Fort was a vast compound with a huge granary, stable, and structures used to mount elephants. Unfortunately, only one such structure survives today. The British raided its ramparts in 1818, razed the Dutch settlement to the ground, and brought it under the control of the British East India Company. The site is of immense historical significance because the first battle between British East India Company and the Dutch started here, called the Battle of Sadras. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has taken up the task of restoring the fortress, and contain further dilapidation.

The fort is 100-meter wide and 100-meter long, and has a few small rooms, gallows, and a couple of old cannons at the gate. You can ideally take your picnic basket and enjoy some time on the pristine stretch of sand adjoining the fort. It has an air of seclusion, and opens up wonderful photo opportunities. If you have more time at hand, stroll the expanse of the beach, read up, and soak up the dramatic scenery of Sadras. You can also climb up to the terrace of the granary, spread out your picnic basket and watch the small white waves of Bay of Bengal crash against the shore.

The village of Sadras is sandwiched between the Madras Atomic Power Station and the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, both located close to Kalpakkam. Take a guide with you, who can tell you in detail about the Dutch history of the region, show you around the ruins, and the beautiful tombstones in the cemetery. Sadras receives very few visitors; so if you find the main gate locked, simply call out to the caretaker and he’ll open it for you.

Do wear your walking shoes for this trip!

Sadras is a lovely drive on the East Coast Road, past Mahabalipuram, and past the Kalpakkam power plant from where you take a left turn towards the Kalpakkam township. Continue on this road for a few kilometers and it will lead you straight to the fort gate.

Special Attributes

Ruins of a Dutch settlement

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Take a private taxi from Mahabalipuram.

Enjoyed by

History Lovers, Nature Lovers, Backpackers, Families

Exposure

You will be under the open sky. It can get sultry in the afternoon, so carry along your sunshades, sunscreen lotion, and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Wear your walking shoes. Start your trip early in the day before the sun is high up in the sky.

Type of site

Ancient Fort Ruins