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Tami Nadu Tourism – Majestic Forts

By Manoj

The state of Tamil Nadu is popularly known for the various temples that are dedicated to a number of Hindu gods. It is famous for the lip-smacking cuisine that includes the famous masala dosas and iddli-sambhar.

The hill stations, dense forests and throbbing wildlife of Tamil Nadu lures travellers from far and wide. One of the most attractive aspects of the place is its many grand forts that are spread around the entire state.

These magnificent forts are sure to leave you mesmerised by their beauty and grandeur. These forts are located in some of the most scenic places and attract nature lovers, adventurers and tourists.

Alamparai Fort

Alamparai Fort

The Alamparai Fort which was constructed in the 17th century was a major trading ground of zari cloth, salt and ghee. It was built by Nawab Doste Ali Khan who made this region his capital. It was later taken over by the French in 1735 who again used it as a trading ground. Today this fort lies in ruins and travellers coming here can see the many battlements that still stand here.

Photo Courtesy: Djoemanoj

Dansborg Fort

Dansborg Fort

Dansborg Fort which is locally called as Danish Fort is located on the shores of the Bay of Bengal in the district of Thatangabadi. It was built by the king of Thanjavur, Ragunath Nayak, as a gift to the Danish settlers in the region. It is the second largest fort in Tamil Nadu and is now used as a museum where the major artifacts of the fort and the Danish empire are displayed. Travellers coming here can learn more about the Danish settlers who once occupied this fort.

Photo Courtesy: Esben Agersnap

Dindigul Fort

Dindigul Fort

The Dindigul Fort is the most significant historical landmark of Dindigul region and is located on top of the Dindigulhill at a height of 280 ft. It was constructed in the 17th century by Muthu Krishna Naicker of the Madurai kingdom. The fort was later on taken over by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century when he ruled over this region. The fort is a must visit for all those who are interested in history and architecture of the country.

Photo Courtesy: Premnath Thirumalaisamy

Geldria Fort

Geldria Fort

Geldaria Fort, located in Pulicat, was the seat of the Dutch settlement in India. The fort was built by the Dutch East India Company in 1613 and was a a major trading region. It was a under the rule of the Dutch, the Portuguese and the British. History has it that the area previously had a small Portuguese fort which was demolished by the Dutch who made it their stronghold only to be later driven away by the British. Today much of this fort lies in ruins and travellers coming here can see the many tombs of the generals who once commanded this fort.

Photo Courtesy: Destination8infinity

Gingee Fort

Gingee Fort

Gingee Fortis one of the oldest surviving forts inTamil Nadu and lies inthe Villupuram district. This fort was so fortified, that Shivaji, the Maratha king, ranked it as the 'most impregnable fortin India' and it was called the 'Troyof the East' by theBritish. Originally the site of a small fort built by theChola dynasty, Gingee Fort was built during the 16th century by theNayaks, the lietunants of the Vijayanagara Empire. The fort passed to theMarathasunder the leadership of Shivajiin 1677 AD. The fort is closely associated with Raja Tej Singh, who unsuccessfully revolted against theNawab of Arcotand eventually lost his life in a battle.

Photo Courtesy: Johnson81385

Manora Fort

Manora Fort

Manora Fort is located about 65 km away fromThanjavur and was built by Serfoji II, the Maratha King during the years 1814-1815. Consisting of eight stories, it is a hexagonal tower that stands at 23 mt in height. An unsubstantiated legend exists along the lines that the Fort used to overlook a part of Sri Lanka and trade used to flourish at the fort. It is also rumored that the King might have hidden treasure within the mazes and a lot of damage has been sustained as a result of the locals searching for it. In the December 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, the fort was damaged but the structure has been renovated since then, and several other facilities such as a tourist's shed and an upgraded children's park have been added.

Photo Courtesy: Sdsenthilkumar

Ranjankudi Fort

Ranjankudi Fort

Ranjankudi Fort is a 17th century fort which was constructed by the Nawab of Carnatic. It was the focus point during the Battle of Valikondah during 1751, when the British troops supported by Mohammed Ali won over the French supported by Chanda Sahib. The fort is oblong in shape with semicircular bastions, a moat encircling it and three fortifications at different levels, built with cut stone blocks. The fort has a palace, residence buildings, underground chamber and an underground passage. It is one of the prominent tourist destinations in Perambalur.

Photo Courtesy: Skdharshini

Sankagiri Fort

Sankagiri Fort

The Sankagiri Fort is located at a distance of about 30 km away from Salem and is famous for its historical significance. Located on the Sankagiri hill, this fort is about 40 ft tall and houses several temples and mosques. The temple has several historically significant items such as weapons, pistols and jewels of Tipu Sultan and Theeran Chinnamalai who occupied this fort. The fort is a must visit for people interested in the history and architecture of the region.

Photo Courtesy: JayakanthanG

St. George Fort

St. George Fort

St. GeorgeFort is the firstEnglish fort in India which was built in 1644 in the coastal city of Madras. The construction of the fort provided for further settlements and trading activity, in what was originally an uninhabited land.Thus, it is a feasible contention to say that the city evolved around the fortress. The fort currently houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and other official buildings. It is one of the 163 megalithic sites in the state of Tamil Nadu.

Photo Courtesy: Destination8infinity

Vellore Fort

Vellore Fort

Vellore Fort is situated in the centre of Vellore and houses a temple called the Sri Jalagandeeswarar Temple, a mosque, a church, the Muthu Mandapam, the renowned Vellore Christian Hospital and the State Government Museum. The outer walls are constructed with huge granite blocks which are encompassed by a broad moat. The Suryagunta reservoir supplies water into the moat and it is fortified by double walls. The fort was also home to the Tipu Mahal where Tipu Sultan is said to have lived with his family at the time of the British War. During the British Rule, the Vellore Fort housed many royal prisoners such as the last king of Kandy, Vikrama Rajasinha and family members of Tipu Sultan. The fort is a noted tourist attraction and has been a historic building of national significance.

Photo Courtesy: C/N N/G

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