Bekal fort which is the largest and
the best preserved fort in Kerala is
on the National Highway. It is more
than 300 years old. Believed to be built
by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty,
it was transferred to Hyder Ali of Mysore
and later to the British. The sea bastions,
underground tunnels and the observation
tower are impressive. An old mosque
is situated very near the fort which
is believed to be built by Tipu Sultan.
Once huge Cannon emplacements perched
on hill top.
Pallippuram Fort
This fort in Ernakulam built by the Portuguese in 1503 is one of the oldest existing European monuments in India. The Catholic Church at Pallipuram is an important pilgrim centre.
Palakkad Fort
Hyder Ali of Mysore constructed Palakkad Fort in 1766 and later it was taken over and modified by the British. Situated in the very heart of the town, its sober silence reminds us of old tales of valor and courage. This is now protected and preserved by the archaeological survey of India.
Dutch Palace
This Palace in Mattanchery was built by the Portuguese, and presented to the Raja of Cochin in 1555. It is popularly known as the ‘Dutch Palace’, as the Dutch renovated it during their brief reign here.
The glory of the palace lies in the murals, which are in the best traditions of Hindu temple art. In the central courtyard of the palace is the temple dedicated to Pazhayannur Bhagavathi. In the coronation hall there is a display of dresses and palanquins used by the rulers of Kochi.
St. Angelo’s Fort
This fort situated near the sea coast about 2 km. away from Kannur town was built in 1505 AD by Sir Francisco De Almeiyda, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India. This fort was once controlled by the British.It is now under the archeological department.
