Introduction

About 65 kilometers (40.6 miles) from Thanjavur in the tiny Sethubaba Chattiram hamlet lies the Manora Fort, an eight-tiered hexagonal tower standing 230-meter tall (766 foot) over the Bay of Bengal. Manora – a derivative of the word ‘minaret’ – is the work of Maratha king Serfoji II in 1814-15 to immortalize British Victory over Napoleon Bonaparte in the Battle of Waterloo. Owing to the fragile condition of the structure, it is no longer possible to scale up the tower for an uninterrupted panoramic view of the palm-fringed Bay of Bengal.

The site receives a happy gathering of picnickers on weekends who usually take to boating in the sea, a service offered by the Tamil Nadu Tourism Department. Visit on a weekday to discover the quiet atmosphere of the place, to hear the waves lap the shore, the rustle of wind through palm groves, and photograph the Manora Fort soaring into the sky.

The structure suffered damages during the Asian Tsunami on December 2004. Soon after, its restoration and maintenance work was taken up by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Special Attributes

A historical structure with glorious coastal scenery.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

You can take the state bus or private taxi.

Enjoyed by

History and Architecture Lovers

Exposure

You will mostly be under the sun, so carry along your sunglasses, sunscreen lotion and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

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

Facilities

Boating in the sea for a nominal sum

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Early evening is a nice time to take in the beauty of this place.

Type of site

Fort/Tower of victory