Built by the East India Company in 1683 CE as part of a factory, for trade purposes and then later used as a military base and administrative centre for British rule in India, the Thalassery Fort has been witness to centuries of history. 

A formidable historical monument, the Thalassery Fort stands proud in the quaint town of Thalassery which is located 22kms from Kannur district in Kerala. Thalassery was once one of the most relevant and important European trading centres of God’s Own Country. Constructed in a strategically advantageous location the fort was built to withstand all forms of attacks or invasions. It is believed that it is a blend of jaggery, egg white and quick lime that was used to erect the fort that is flanked by bastions. Underground chambers that were once used to store goods like pepper and cardamom can still be seen. It is also believed that the East India Company also used to mint their coins here. 

The massive walls, exquisitely carved doors and mysterious tunnels that lead to the sea all make this fort a delight to visit and explore. Once at the centre of Thalassery’s development, the square shaped fort stands 90 feet above sea level and its entrance is set on a 10 meter tall wall. There is also a short lighthouse nearby that adds to its charm and more importantly, announces it as a harbour town.

An excellent example of the skill and craftsmanship of the architects of yesteryears, some of the underground chambers of the Thalassery Fort were once used as prisons while some others were used as administrative offices.  After independence the Fort housed government offices. It is in the year 1999 CE that the Archaeology Department of India took over the fort and started preserving and protecting it ever since. The nearby Holy Rosary Church can be seen from the premises of the fort. The Sardar palli (mosque) and the Jagannatha temple are two other notable places of worship that are located close to the fort. 

The Thalassery Fort has borne witness to history being written. It has seen rulers come and go. It has seen the growth of Thalassery from a small centre of trade to a full fledged town and then a location of great military significance. It has played a big role in the way in which this town has become rich in cultural and social tradition over the centuries that have passed. 

As you walk through its corridors and see its ancient walls, tread with caution and respect for history sleeps here. For those travellers who seek a glimpse into the storied past of Kerala, a visit to the Thalassery Fort is not to be missed for it offers one a captivating journey into the past through time. The sprawling grounds of the fort, its colossal walls and structures, the panoramic views of the Arabian Sea, and the exquisite architecture that has withstood the test of time, all set the perfect backdrop for an adventure like no other.