The Vattakottai Fort, also known as Circular Fort, is a seaside fort located in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu, India. Built in the 18th century during the reign of the Travancore kingdom, the fort is situated near the town of Kanyakumari and offers panoramic views of the Arabian Sea. The fort is made of granite blocks and is a popular tourist attraction in the region.
The Vattakottai Fort is open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM on all days of the week.
There is no entry fee to visit the Vattakottai Fort.
Visitors typically spend around 1-2 hours exploring the fort and its surroundings. It is advisable to not carry any food items or plastic bottles inside the fort to maintain cleanliness.
The Vattakottai Fort is a circular structure made of granite blocks and features a moat that surrounds the fort. The architecture of the fort showcases a blend of traditional Kerala and European styles. The fort also has a small temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu within its premises.
The best time to visit the Vattakottai Fort is during the winter months of October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.
The Vattakottai Fort is located about 7 km from Kanyakumari town and is easily accessible by road. Visitors can hire a taxi or take a local bus to reach the fort. The nearest railway station is Kanyakumari Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in South India.
The Vattakottai Fort was constructed in the 18th century by the Travancore kingdom as a defensive structure against invasions from neighboring kingdoms. The fort served as a strategic outpost for monitoring naval activities in the region and played a significant role in the history of the area.
Inside the Vattakottai Fort, visitors can explore the well-preserved walls, bastions, and watchtowers that offer stunning views of the Arabian Sea. The fort also has a small pond and a well that served as a water source for the soldiers stationed at the fort.
It is recommended to carry water bottles and wear comfortable footwear while visiting the Vattakottai Fort. Visitors can also carry a camera to capture the picturesque views from the fort. It is advised to follow the instructions of the local guides and maintain the cleanliness of the fort premises.
Some of the hotels near Vattakottai Fort include:
Some of the nearby tourist spots that can be visited along with the Vattakottai Fort include Vivekananda Rock Memorial, Thiruvalluvar Statue, Kanyakumari Beach, and Suchindram Temple.