Information on Chandragiri Fort (Kasaragod, Kerala) - History & Architecture

Chandragiri Fort is located near Melparamba, Kalnad, Kasaragod District, Kerala State in India. This majestic fort was built by the local clans of Kolathunadu kings in the 17the century AD. This is a Hilltop fort having a scenic back drop of Payaswini River. This is also an adventure spot in Kasargod having touristic values all around the fort. To reach here one has to come to Kasargod, which is the northern most district of Kerala State, adjoining with Karnataka State. Its nearest junction cities are, Mangalore is 33 Miles, Shimoga 149 Miles, Ooty 191 Miles, Tumkur 209 Miles, Coimbatore 222 Miles, Bangalore 231 Miles and Trivandrum 352 Miles. The nearest airport is the Mangalore International Airport in Karnataka State. It is well connected by Konkan Railways towards Mumbai that links Ahmadabad and Jailsalmer route. By road the NH No.17 passes through this district enabling southern most states to reach here.

Chandragiri Fort Architecture

Chandragiri Fort is built on a hilltop occupying nearly 7 acres of land area. It is 50 meter above the sea level. It is a large fortification build in a square structure. There are large space for storage and vacant grounds left for assembling purposes. Inside the fort area there is a deep well which cater the water supply in the fort and a large pond site is also built here. This is a fort with two cave entrance, which is differentiating it from other fort. The normal entrance is made of big arch door. The majestic structure is built by rock stones, granites and lime stone paste. Its wall is really thick and had many holes surrounded it for placing the Canons and other weapons. It was well designed for security purpose. This hill top was carefully chosen by the river side to enable water transportation of goods to the fort.

Chandragiri Fort History

Chandragiri Fort is built in the early 17th century by the Kolathunadu kings. This fort had many war histories within their local clans and the Great Vijaya Nagar Empire tried to conquer this fort and captured after a long battle with the local kings of Kasargod province. This fort area and the Payaswini River were the local borders of the Kolathunadu and Thulunadu local clans. This fort was the land mark of Kasargod district. This fort was ruined in the attacks from Vijaya Nagara Kingdom; it was renovated in later times by the local clans here. It is also mentioned in the history that Vijaya Nagara Kings wished to set their capital here after seeing this magnificent fort well placed near to the sea and a river to facilitate better transit facility and very excellent place for agricultural activities for a better kingdom.

Chandragiri Fort Tourism Importance

Chandragiri Fort is afamous tourist place in Kasargod. This fort has one of the unique Natural beauties. From this fort beneath, the Payaswini River is flowing flawlessly. This is followed by the Arabian Sea at a 4 Km Distance from the fort. It is a very natural scenic view from the fort as well as from the river and the sea beach. This fort is a best place for fort lovers and history lovers. The monsoon seasons from June to November are very pleasant time to view this fort in the dark clouds and rains, which are best suit for photography's. There are good hotels surrounded here and fine transport facilities are available to reach this fort.