Pallippuram Fort

Pallippuram Fort is one of the oldest remaining and well maintained forts in Kerala. Situated in Kochi (Cochin) district, the fort is popularly known as Ayikkotta. It is a heritage site protected by the Kerala State Department of Archaeology. It has a hexagonal structure, which is an exotic design for a Fort. The hexagonal structure of the fort was advantageous for its inhabitants, as it was easier for them to keep an eye on attackers from the six walls of the monument. Pallippuram Fort is famous among tourists who visit this part of Kerala because of its magnificent architectural style, which is mainly European in style. It also has hints of Indian culture, as it changed hands from a number of Indian as well as foreign rulers and invaders. Tourists come from all parts of the world to have a look at the magnificent architecture of this fort.

History
The vibrant history of Pallippuram Fort attracts the tourists and scholars alike. A number of scholars visit this place every year. The fort was built by the Portuguese in the year 1503. Since then, it stands majestically on the land of Cochin. It was one of the major forts in this area, so it changed hands very often. It was captured by the Dutch invaders, in the year 1661, who came to India looking for the Indian spices which were really popular in the Western countries at that time. Later, the fort was purchased from the Dutch, with the help of the tactical diplomacy of the Raja Kesava Dasan who was the ruler of the State of Travancore in the year 1789.

In the end of the reign of the Travancore rulers, the fort came under the maintenance of Kerala State Department of Archaeology. The fort has seen a number of rulers and hence, holds a special place in the history of Kerala. It has seen the glory and fall of a number of rulers and clans. This piece of architecture has become an integral part of the story of grandeur and tussles between a number of Indian and foreign rulers.

Attractions
The main attraction of Pallippuram Fort is its architectural beauty. The height of the lower floor is raised to five feet from ground. It also has a cellar, which was dedicated for storing gunpowder for the times when it faced invasions. Interestingly, there is a wall which used to be a source of fresh water. To its due north there is an opening which leads to the cellar where the captured enemies were kept. Its walls are six feet thick, and the face of the fort measures a gigantic 32 feet in length and 34 feet in height.

How to Reach

By Road
Pallippuram Fort is well connected by an extended network of roadways. One can take both the public and private transport to visit this destination. The best way to travel in Kerala is by road.

By Air
Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport, situated 40 km away from the fort. From here, one can board flights to a number of important domestic and international destinations

By Rail
Ernakulam Railway Station is the nearest railway line, situated 20kms from this fort. From this railway station you can take a train to most of the nearby important cities.