Kanyakumari is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. At the southern tip of the Indian peninsula, where the Bay of Bengal meets the Arabian Sea. Throughout the year tourists throng this temple town and visit the nearby attractions, most notably the Vivekanand rock. However, this post is not about Kanyakumari. 8 KM from this town, is a picturesque but lesser-known fort, Vattakottai. It was commissioned by the Travancore King, Marthanda Varma during his reign in the 18th-century.
The view from the fort is very serene. Waves are lashing the walls of the fort. You can easily be lost while gazing at the sea and the diving seagulls. On the other side, your eyes will feast on the hills of the Western Ghat mountain with dark green hue. On the bastion and inside the fort there are lush green lawns, with very few people around, its a good place to enjoy with your company or your solitude. The beach beside the fort is a black sand beach. Access to the beach is from outside the fort. There is a pond inside the fort, in its heyday, it would have been the water source for the soldiers staying in the fort.
Why Vattakottai?
With all the rush that Kanyakumari gets, this place is very calm, quiet and free from crowed and definitely worth a visit. It is a good place to sit on the rampart and contemplate, as life goes on. As an attaraction not only the fort but also the beach stands out. You can walk on the beach with the fort at the background.
Where is Vattakottai?
It is only 7 – 8 KM north of Kanyakumari.
How to Reach?
You can hire any vehicle from Kanyakumari or take a bus.
Where to Stay?
You can find a lot of hotels in the nearest town of Kanyakumari.
Best Time to Visit
Any time of the year. But you should avoid the mid-day Sun, to comfortably roam around. Finding shade is a luxury, so go prepared with a hat or umbrella.
Tickets and Opening Time
Earlier there was no ticket. But recently in 2019, ASI has started charging a nominal fee of Rs 25.
Know Before You Go
- There is a village tax, which is collected on the way to the fort by the village council.
- If there are too many vehicles visiting at the same time, parking can be a challenge.