St. Angelo Fort – the Crown of Kannur

Presenting a travelogue by the first guest author of Via the Road, Ananya Sarkar. It is about her visit to Fort St. Angelo in Kannur, Kerala, last year. Ananya is a solo traveler and has been traveling various parts of the country, solo, in the past few years.

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When we think of Kerala, images of the serene backwaters, coffee plantations, and exotic beaches come to mind. Not many are aware of the amazing fort situated in Kannur, a coastal city, and once an ancient trading port.

Fort St. Angelo

Commutable by local auto-rickshaws, St. Angelo Fort, also known as Kannur Fort, is located approximately 3 km away from the city proper and faces the Arabian Sea. Thanks to the newly built international airport in Kannur, this fort is now easily approachable from other cities as well. It is close to the army barracks of Cannannore Cantonment. One of the most historic sites, the fort was built by the first Portuguese Viceroy in India, Don Francesco de Almeida in 1505. The huge laterite architecture with bastions, tunnels, and fixed cannons make a true spectacle.

Cannon Shell in Fort St. Angelo

Though the fort is not as high as certain other famous Indian forts (such as Golconda Fort), it offers an expansive view of the Arabian Sea on the one hand and Mopilla Bay, a natural harbor on the other. The colorful boats that are moored as well as sailing in the bay make a pretty sight while the azure blue waters of the sea make one wistful. The fort has stables, a prison, an ammunition storehouse, and a chapel. At present, it is well-maintained with neat, beautiful gardens in and around the locale.

View of the Arabian Sea from Above

Mopilla Bay

This monument is known for its intriguing history. Dom Francisco de Almeida had imprisoned his successor, Alfonso de Albuquerque as he did not want to forfeit his power. This, in turn, led to conspiracies and bitter events that have left their mark in Kannur. The fort was also attacked by an Indian ruler and turned out to be the seat of the infamous Siege of Cannanore. About a century after its establishment, the fort was seized by the Dutch who eventually sold it to the King of Arakkal, Ali Raja in 1772. Nearly two decades later, the British took over the monument, re-equipping it to use as their chief military stronghold in Malabar during the colonial rule.

Today, the fort is a common tourist hub. Travelers as well as locals come here for sightseeing, enjoyable strolls, and a breath-taking view of the Arabian Sea. It is also a picnic spot.

Tunnels

Interiors of Fort St. Angelo

Due to the army barracks close by, one can hear the frequent cannon firings from the fort, which contribute to recreating the historic environment. The best time to visit is in the early morning or evening, close to sunset. Currently, under the governance of the Archaeological Survey of India, St. Angelo Fort is the crown of Kannur and a sight to treasure.

The Prison in the Fort

Inside Fort St. Angelo

And in case you’re wondering about the safety and feasibility, it’s a totally place to be, especially due to the presence of the army barracks close by. Unlike other forts, it is not located at the top of a hill (but by the sea), which will not make it difficult for those with mountain sickness or those who experience nausea while climbing on an indent.

The Old Chapel at Fort St. Angelo

On the Steps Leading to Fort St. Angelo

Kannur was part of my solo trip and it was not at all difficult to visit St. Angelo Fort, as most autos ply to this tourist spot. If you don’t hire an autorickshaw for the trip in advance, you may have to walk some distance from the fort on the way back to reach the main road. Once there, you can avail auto-rickshaws to take you back to the hotel or wherever you are staying. St. Angelo is something you DO NOT want to miss!

First published in Induswomanwriting

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ANANYA SARKAR

Ananya is a creative writer, metaphysics enthusiast, and dreamer. She loves to go on solo trips, stargaze and imagine the seemingly impossible.

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