Thalasseri Fort

Thalasseri Fort

The imposing historical monument, Thalasseri fort, situated 22 km from Kannur, stands on a rocky cliff, right on the Thalasseri beach. Thalassery was the first settlement of the British East India Company on the western coast. The British arrived in Thalassery in 1683, and they shifted their commercial capital from Kozhikode to Thalassery, following obstruction from the Dutch. In 1700, they established a fort on a small hill called Tiruvellapadkunnu and it was reconstructed in 20th August 1708, by strengthening the gigantic walls and incorporating huge intricately carved doors. The fort was the military center of the British. It is believed to have a secret channel to the sea, which was used as an escape route when under attack.

Thalasseri Fort, now under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India has a magnificent gate way and a light house. Around the fort stands the Brennen cemetery, St.Rosario church, St.John's Anglican church and the sub-collector's bungalow. Brennen cemetery, named after Sir Edward Brennen, houses tomb's of many European officials of the East India Company. Other attractions in the vicinity of the fort are the Sports Authority Of India Gymnastic Centre, established as a circus training centre; an old Muslim mosque known as Odathil Palli, the Jagannatha Temple dedicated to Siva and Thiruvangadi Sree Rama Swami temple other wise known as the Brass Pagoda.