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Thangassery Fort

4
·62 reviews·Kollam, India

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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photos of the ruined fort

Thangassery Fort

Best Time

Early mornings

Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4
(62 reviews)

"A historical gem with sea views, though mostly ruins, it offers a glimpse into colonial battles."

Vertical photo
TIP

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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ruins of St. Thomas Fort

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

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Manage Expectations: It's All About the Ruins

Thangassery Fort is primarily a historical site with ruins, not a fully preserved structure. While it offers a glimpse into colonial history, don't expect intact walls. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) manages the site, and restoration efforts are ongoing.Instagram

Best Time to Visit for a Pleasant Experience

To enjoy the sea breeze and avoid the midday sun, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. The ruins can get warm, so visiting during cooler parts of the day enhances the experience of exploring this historical landmark.Instagram

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Cooler temperatures, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour, pleasant breeze
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

കൊല്ലത്തെ തങ്കശ്ശേരി കോട്ട തോറ്റതും വിജയിച്ചതുമായ യുദ്ധങ്ങളുടെ കഥ പറയുന്ന അവശിഷ്ടങ്ങൾ... 🔥 Follow @hello_thangasseri page for more🎥 #kollam #thangassery #keralatourism Thangasseri St.Thomas Fort
hello_thangasseri
1.4K likes • 21.1K views

Manage Expectations

It's mostly ruins; focus on history, not intact structures. ASI manages it.Instagram

Embrace the Sea Breeze

Visit during cooler parts of the day for a more comfortable exploration.

The ruins that tell a tale of battles lost and won. The Thangassery Fort in Kollam was occupied by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British at different points of time. Today, its broken down remains are a reminder of Kerala’s colonial past. #ThangasseryFort #Forts #Kollam #Destinations #KeralaReels2023 #KeralaTourism
keralatourism
3K likes • 44.7K views
D Fort# Thangassery kollam.....
vinodx_3
103 likes • 1.2K views

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.

Walking down the history of Kollam through the ancient Portuguese fort built 505 years ago in 1519 . Now what remains is only the ruins of this historical fort and is this ruins is now under ASI and not open to public . 📍Thangaserry fort ruins of St Thomas fort Ruins Detailed history DESTINATIONS When you are in Kollam, do not miss these spectacular tourist destinations Stories of valour st...
wanderlust__doctor
758 likes • 28.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Manage Expectations

It's mostly ruins; focus on history, not intact structures. ASI manages it.Instagram

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

4
(62 reviews)

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

Historical ruins
Sea breeze and views
Colonial history

What People Dislike

Lack of maintenance
Limited facilities

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.Instagram

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.Instagram

🎫 🎫 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.Reddit

🎫 🧭 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.Instagram

Yes, the ruins against the backdrop of the sea offer great photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.Instagram

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.Reddit

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.Instagram

📸 📸 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.Instagram

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

Thangassery Fort's ruins can spark imagination in children about knights and historical battles. While there aren't specific play areas, the open space allows kids to explore safely under supervision. It's a good opportunity to introduce them to history in a tangible way. Consider bringing snacks and water, as facilities are limited.Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The juxtaposition of ancient ruins against the vibrant backdrop of the Arabian Sea makes Thangassery Fort a photographer's delight. The soft light during early mornings and late afternoons is ideal for capturing atmospheric shots of the weathered stones and coastal vistas.Instagram Don't miss the opportunity to frame the ruins with the sea or the nearby lighthouse.

🚶 History Buffs

For those fascinated by colonial history, Thangassery Fort is a must-visit. The site offers a tangible connection to the Portuguese, Dutch, and British eras in Kerala. While the ruins are extensive, they provide ample scope for reflection on the region's past and the strategic importance of this coastal fort.Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into Colonial History

Thangassery Fort, also known as St. Thomas Fort or Fortaleza da São Tomé, stands as a poignant reminder of Kollam's colonial past. Constructed in 1518 by the Portuguese, it was a strategic stronghold. The fort was designed with impressive fortifications, reportedly standing around 20 feet tall with eight bastions and extensive corridors.Instagram Its completion in 1519 marked a significant period of Portuguese influence in the region.

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.Instagram 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.Instagram

Exploring the Ruins and Surroundings

Visitors to Thangassery Fort will find a landscape dotted with the remnants of its former glory. While the fort itself is largely in ruins, the site offers a unique atmosphere, especially with its proximity to the Arabian Sea. The sea breeze and the sound of the waves add to the contemplative experience of exploring this historical site.Reddit

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.Instagram 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.Instagram

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