
Thangassery Fort
Explore the evocative ruins of Thangassery Fort, a 16th-century Portuguese stronghold on the Arabian Sea coast in Kollam.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds

Thangassery Fort
Best Time
Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the evocative ruins of Thangassery Fort, a 16th-century Portuguese stronghold on the Arabian Sea coast in Kollam.
"A historical gem with sea views, though mostly ruins, it offers a glimpse into colonial battles."

Manage Expectations
It's mostly ruins; focus on history, not intact structures. ASI manages it .
Embrace the Sea Breeze
Visit during cooler parts of the day for a more comfortable exploration.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ruins of St. Thomas Fort
Tangassery Beach
Explore the remnants of this 16th-century Portuguese fort, a testament to colonial battles and history.

Sea Breeze and Coastal Views
Fort vicinity
Enjoy the refreshing sea breeze and picturesque views of the Arabian Sea from the fort's location.

Historical Significance
Fort site
Learn about the fort's past, occupied by Portuguese, Dutch, and British forces, offering a glimpse into Kerala's colonial era.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Manage Expectations: It's All About the Ruins
Best Time to Visit for a Pleasant Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Manage Expectations
It's mostly ruins; focus on history, not intact structures. ASI manages it.
Embrace the Sea Breeze
Visit during cooler parts of the day for a more comfortable exploration.
Respect the Site
Though under ASI, some reviews mention litter. Help keep it clean.
Combine with Lighthouse Visit
Often visited alongside the nearby Thangassery Lighthouse for a fuller experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Manage Expectations
It's mostly ruins; focus on history, not intact structures. ASI manages it.
Embrace the Sea Breeze
Visit during cooler parts of the day for a more comfortable exploration.
Respect the Site
Though under ASI, some reviews mention litter. Help keep it clean.
Combine with Lighthouse Visit
Often visited alongside the nearby Thangassery Lighthouse for a fuller experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Thangassery Fort is appreciated for its historical significance and coastal location, offering a glimpse into Kerala's colonial past. However, visitors note that it is primarily ruins and could benefit from better maintenance and waste management by the ASI.
"A good place to be in. But,
Only ruins of the fort exists. It's now under the archeological survey of India, and they have erected a board saying it's an archaeologically important fort and so on. The funny fact is that there's no proper care , it's filled with wastes, no waste bins etc. There's a lawn, which is also without any care is almost gone.
While talking with the locals there, the important scripted stones and cemetery was taken away by many people, and also there was a canal built by the westerners. Now only the remains of fort is there, and hopefully the ASI will renovate it.
If done properly, it's a great place to spend some time, has sea view and breeze."
Mukundakrishnan S (Krish)
"nice place but
Only the remains of the fort remain. It is now under the Archaeological Survey of India and they have put up a board saying that it is an archaeologically important fort and so on. No proper maintenance, no waste bins. Only the remains of the fort are there and the ASI is expected to renovate it.
Done right, it's a great place to spend some time, with sea views and breezes."
syam
"Fort Thomas or St. Thomas Fort or Fortaleza da São Tomé, also known as Tangasseri Fort, is a ruined fort located in the beach town of Tangasseri on the shores of the Arabian Sea in the city of Kollam, Kerala, India. It is located around 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from the city center of Kollam and 71 kilometres (44 mi) from the state capital ThiruvananthapuramFort St. Thomas was originally around 20 feet (6.1 m) tall. Today, the remains of the fort, popularly known as "Tangasseri fort" remain facing the beach. The government of India has taken over the fort and it is being considered an historical landmark. Restoration of the fort is ongoing. At present, the fort is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India"
Vishnu R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thangassery Fort is located about 5-6 kilometers from Kollam city center. You can easily reach it by auto-rickshaw or taxi. Some visitors also enjoy a scenic bike ride to the fort.
While direct public buses to the fort might be limited, you can take a bus towards Tangasseri and then walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride to the fort site. It's a well-known landmark in Kollam.
Thangassery Fort is approximately 71 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram. You can take a bus or hire a taxi for a direct journey. The drive offers coastal views.
Parking availability can be limited, especially during peak hours. It's advisable to park a short distance away and walk, or if arriving by bike, you might find space nearby.
Yes, cycling is a popular way to explore Kollam, and many visitors enjoy cycling to Thangassery Fort, especially as part of a larger coastal tour.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Information on entry fees is not consistently available, but as it's managed by the ASI and primarily consists of ruins, it's often accessible without a fee. However, it's always good to check on-site.
The fort ruins are generally accessible during daylight hours. Since it's an open-air historical site, specific timings are usually not enforced, but it's best to visit when it's safe and visible.
While the fort is under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the ruins are generally accessible to visitors. Some specific areas might have restricted access during restoration.
No advance booking is typically required for Thangassery Fort as it's an open historical site. You can usually visit spontaneously.
Reviews suggest that while the ASI manages the site, maintenance could be improved, with some areas showing signs of neglect and litter.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the ruins of the 16th-century Portuguese fort, including remnants of walls and structures. It's a place to imagine its past glory and colonial history.
Yes, the ruins against the backdrop of the sea offer great photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Some reviews indicate a lack of proper facilities, including waste bins, so it's advisable to be prepared and help maintain the cleanliness of the site.
The accessible parts of the fort are what remain of its original structure. Some areas might be cordoned off for preservation or restoration work.
It was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later occupied by the Dutch and British, making it a key site in Kerala's colonial past.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and a more atmospheric feel. The golden hour is particularly beautiful.
You can capture wide shots of the ruins against the sea, close-ups of the weathered stones, and panoramic views of the coastline. The contrast between history and nature is a great theme.
Drone usage is generally restricted at historical sites managed by the ASI. It's best to check local regulations or avoid using drones to prevent any issues.
A standard DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is ideal. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the expanse of the ruins and the sea.
The area near the beach offers excellent vantage points. Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the ruins and the surrounding seascape.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶 History Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Colonial History
However, the fort's history is a tale of shifting powers. In 1658, the Dutch conquered the fort, and although the Portuguese briefly regained control, the Dutch recaptured it in 1661. The fort eventually passed into British hands in 1795 when it was ceded by the Dutch. Today, only the ruins remain, managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), offering visitors a chance to walk through history and imagine the battles and trade that once took place here.
Exploring the Ruins and Surroundings
Many visitors combine their trip to the fort ruins with a visit to the nearby Thangassery Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the coastline and the fort area. This combination provides a more comprehensive historical and scenic experience of Tangasseri. While the fort's ruins are the main attraction, the surrounding beach area is also a pleasant spot to relax and enjoy the coastal environment.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit