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St Angelo fort, one of the most prominent attractions of Kannur in the state of Kerala is a gigantic structure with a blend of aesthetic charm and gripping history. One of the most visited places in Kannur, this fort is situated on the mesmerizing shore of the majestic Arabian sea. The fort offers an alluring and unobstructed view of the Mappila bay, the natural fishing bay and the secluded Dharmadam Island which has become a famous spot for tourists owing to its beauty and pristine atmosphere.
When the great Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama reached Calicut in India by sea in 1498, the local Kolathiri king granted a piece of land to the Portuguese leader Dom Francisco de Almeida to build a stronghold in the region. The Portuguese started the constructed and built the St Angelo Fort.This mighty historic structure was built by the first Portuguese Viceroy of India, Dom Francisco de Almeida in the year 1505. This stone fort tells numerous tales of bygone eras as it has witnessed several battles over the centuries. The fort has seen many wars between different powers to conquer it, and is hence regarded as an epitome of power and elegance. The fort situated atop a cliff is constructed in a triangular shape with red laterite stones. Surrounded by a beautiful garden, St Angelo fort offers a tranquil environment amidst magnificent architecture. There is a prison inside the fort where prisoners were kept away from the sunlight and were given food through a small hole. Huge chapels, stables and an ammunition storehouse is also present inside the structure.
St Angelo Fort is mainly known for its intriguing history as it was a thing of interest for various dynasties for many centuries. National, as well as international dynasties, fought numerous battles to conquer it. One of the major incidents that added to the dramatic history of the fort was the Battle of Diu. The battle was fought between the Portuguese and the combined power of the kingdoms of Gujarat, Calicut, Egyptians, Venetians and the Ottoman Turks. But to everyone’s surprise, the Portuguese won the battle. After this victory, the Portugal officers wanted Afonso de Albuquerque, the general who led the Portuguese army in the battle to take the post of viceroy but this didn’t go well with Dom Francisco de Almeida. So, Almeida imprisoned Afonso de Albuquerque in the St. Angelo Fort itself resulting in a political disaster. This war seriously damaged the fort and this incident has been carved in the history of Portugal and Kannur forever.The fort was attacked by an Indian ruler In 1507, two years after its construction. The Dutch then captured the fort in the 17th century and made significant changes to the structure. They renovated the entire fort and bastions were built in and around the fort. The dutch then sold it to the king of Arakkal in 1772. The palace of the Arakkal royal family situated right next to the fort has now been turned into a museum. After almost 18 long years, the fort was seized by the Britishers and was used as their chief military station until they finally left India in 1947. The first-ever lighthouse of Kannur near St Angelo Fort was also built was the Britishers.
The fort built in a triangular shape is a beauty to behold. It was constructed using red laterite stone entirely. The massive bastions built by the Dutch kingdom border the fort. Huge restored chapels and stables are also feature inside the fort. The major attraction of the fort is the prison which has numerous tales associated with it. As you walk around this architectural marvel, you can reminisce the battles that it has seen in all these centuries. Another major attraction of the fort are the tombstones that were built to honor the martyrs who sacrificed their lives during the wars. You can climb the staircase to the top to view the cannons at the edges of the roof. You can also witness panoramic views of the roaring Arabian Sea, the mappila bay and the nearby beaches including Payyambalam beach and the secluded Dharmadam Island. St Angelo fort is an Indian heritage monument preserved under the Archaeological Survey of India. It might not be in its best condition after facing numerous wars in the past decades, but it is one of the most renowned monuments of India and a popular tourist attraction, known for its history and structure. St Angelo Fort showcases the glory of the country during the colonial reign. Tourists can visit the fort any day of the week between 8 AM to 6 PM.
The lighthouse overlooking the Arabian Sea stands at a towering height of 75 feet was built in the year 1903 and has been operational since then. Kerala’s first-ever and Kannur’s only lighthouse is a must-visit place while you are in Kannur. The lighthouse offers an alluring view of the entire city, the majestic Arabian sea and the nearby beaches from the top. Also, the lighthouse museum located beside the lighthouse has become an important attraction for tourists. Situated at a distance of around 2.9 kilometers from the St. Angelo fort, this place is a delight for every history buff and nature lover.
The golden sun rays and glittering waters make this beach a classic beauty. The beach, situated at a distance of about 3.5 kilometers from the St. Angelo Fort, is one of the popular tourist attractions of the region. Swaying palm trees adds to the beauty of this beach. Tourists can enjoy swimming, boating and other sports activities here. Payyambalam beach is a perfect place to relax, rejuvenate and indulge yourself in thrilling activities.
The only drive-in beach in India as well as Asia, Muzhappilangad beach attracts tourists from around the world. This drive-in beach stretch for about 5 kilometers and allows visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty of the beach while riding their bikes or cars. The beach becomes the center of attraction in Kannur during the beach festival which is organized in the month of April every year.
One of the most renowned reptile preservation centers of India, Parassinikkadavu Snake Park was established to support and preserve rare species of snakes. Around 150 species of different reptiles and amphibians are preserved here. Not only a preservation site, this park also works towards eradicating superstitious beliefs associated with these reptiles. Located at a distance of about 19 kilometers from the St. Angelo Fort, this snake park is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Located at a distance 4.2 kilometers from the St. Angelo Fort, the Sundareswara temple is an important religious spot in the region. This place was founded in 1916 by a celebrated spiritual leader and social reformer, Sree Narayana Guru. An annual festival is celebrated during the months of April and May in the temple which has been a crowd-puller for many years.
St Angelo fort is located in the heart of Kannur and can be reached easily. Being one of the most important cities in Kerala, Kannur can be conveniently accessed by different modes of transport. St Angelo fort is located just 2 kilometers from the city and can be visited either by hiring a taxi or boarding buses from any part of the city.
By Train: Kannur is a major railway head in the state of Kerala and all the major trains connecting different cities pass through it. Railways are the best way for tourists to reach Kannur. Once you reach here, you can hire an auto or a cab to the St. Angelo Fort which is located at a distance of around 2 kilometers from the railway station.
By Air: If you plan to board a flight to reach Kannur, Calicut International Airport in Kozhikode at a distance of 85 kilometers from the town is the closest airport. Numerous domestic flights and a few international flights fly to this airport making it a viable option for tourists from different parts of the country to reach here.
By Road: Kannur is well-connected with all the nearby cities through excellent roadway networks. You can reach here by government-owned buses operating regularly between the cities or you can hire a private taxi. Kozhikode and Kasaragod are the two important cities located nearby which makes Kannur even more accessible.
Kannur is a coastal city with a tropical temperature. The city experiences hot summers, pristine monsoons, and pleasant winters. The best time to visit the St. Angelo Fort and other attractions of the city is during the months of October-February. The winter period is ideal to explore the city because of the pleasant and comfortable weather ranging from 20 to 25-degree Celsius. One can also visit during monsoon but always make sure to check the weather forecast and carry all the essentials including umbrellas, raincoats, shoes, and mosquito repellent before you leave. On the contrary, the scorching sun and the high temperatures during the summer makes it difficult for tourists to enjoy their visit. However, with the right determination, enthusiasm, and plenty of sunblock, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying Kannur in the summer months!
St Angelo Fort is a heritage monument surrounded with natural beauty and intriguing stories from the past. One of the most important forts in the history of the country, St Angelo is a must-visit site for all the tourists who are planning a trip to Kannur in Kerala.
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April 15, 2024 
