Introduction
Tamil Nadu, known worldwide for its towering temple gopurams and sacred traditions, is also home to some of India’s oldest and most strategically important forts. These forts tell stories of Cholas, Pandyas, Nayaks, Marathas, the Nawabs of Arcot, the British, and the French, who all fought to control this southern gateway.
The forts of Tamil Nadu are a fascinating mix of Dravidian, Vijayanagara, and European military architecture. While some were hill forts built by the ancient Tamil kingdoms for defense, others were coastal strongholds constructed by colonial powers to control trade. Many of these forts still stand tall, preserving granite ramparts, bastions, watchtowers, moats, and secret passages—offering visitors both history and breathtaking views of Tamil Nadu’s landscapes.
List of Major Forts of Tamil Nadu
Chennai & Northern Tamil Nadu
- Fort St. George (Chennai) – Built in 1644 by the British East India Company; the first English fortress in India, now housing the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and a museum.
- Chepauk Fortifications (Chennai) – Connected with the Nawabs of Arcot and their palaces.
- Vellore Fort (Vellore) – A grand 16th-century fort built by the Vijayanagara rulers, known for its perfect granite walls and the 1806 Sepoy Mutiny. Houses a temple, mosque, and church inside.
- Gingee Fort (Villupuram District) – Known as the “Troy of the East,” a massive hill fort with citadels, granaries, and temples; UNESCO-listed for its grandeur.
- Krishnagiri Fort (Krishnagiri) – Built by the Vijayanagara kings and later strengthened by the British.
- Rayakottai Fort (Krishnagiri District) – A hill fort used by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, later taken over by the British.
Central Tamil Nadu
- Tiruchirappalli Rock Fort (Trichy) – A historic fort complex built on a massive rock, with temples (Uchi Pillayar, Thayumanaswamy) and Nayak period fortifications.
- Dindigul Fort (Dindigul District) – Built by the Madurai Nayaks in the 17th century, later controlled by Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, and the British.
- Namakkal Fort (Namakkal District) – Built on a monolithic rock by the Madurai Nayaks, houses Narasimha and Ranganatha temples.
- Sankagiri Fort (Salem District) – Multi-tiered hill fort built by the Vijayanagara rulers, later used by Tipu Sultan and the British.
- Sendamangalam Fort (Namakkal District) – Another historic fort linked to Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.
Southern Tamil Nadu
- Manora Fort (Thanjavur District) – A hexagonal coastal fort tower built by Maratha ruler Serfoji II in 1814 to commemorate the British victory over Napoleon at Waterloo.
- Kayathar Fort (Thoothukudi District) – Linked with Veerapandiya Kattabomman, the freedom fighter.
- Panagudi Fort (Tirunelveli District) – A smaller fortification with strategic importance.
- Ettayapuram Fort (Thoothukudi District) – Associated with the Ettayapuram rulers who supported Tamil arts and literature.
Coastal Tamil Nadu
- Fort Dansborg (Tharangambadi, Nagapattinam District) – A Danish fort built in 1620; overlooks the Bay of Bengal, now a heritage museum.
- Sadras Fort (Kanchipuram District) – Built by the Dutch, later captured by the British.
- Pulicat Fort (Thiruvallur District) – Originally built by the Portuguese, later strengthened by the Dutch, and then controlled by the British.
- Devipatnam Fort (Ramanathapuram District) – A coastal fort associated with the Sethupathis of Ramnad.
Western Tamil Nadu
- Kollimalai Fort (Namakkal District) – An ancient fort in the Kolli Hills region, guarding trade routes.
- Palakkarai Fort (Coimbatore Region, remnants) – Small fortifications used during the Vijayanagara and Mysore wars.
Closing Note
The forts of Tamil Nadu are diverse—ranging from ancient hill forts of the Vijayanagara era to European coastal bastions of the British, Danish, and Dutch. Each fort reveals a unique chapter of Tamil Nadu’s past, blending tales of dynastic rule, colonial struggles, and resistance movements. For travelers, they provide not only historical depth but also panoramic views, cultural immersion, and a deeper understanding of Tamil Nadu’s role in shaping India’s destiny