Udayagiri Fort

Located at a distance of 14 km from the town of Nagercoil at Puliyoorkurichi on the Thiruvananthapuram – Nagercoil National Highway, Udayagiri Fort stands as a remnant of the historic Travancore power.

Udayagiri Fort is an ancient fort which was constructed in 1600 AD. It was later re-built by the Travancore King Marthanda Varma between 1741 – 1744. Udayagiri Fort was an important garrison town for the Travancore kings. Later it came under the control of the East India Company in the 19th century.

During the reign of Marthanda Varma, Udayagiri Fort was known by the name De Lannoy's Fort or Dillannai Kottai. De Lannoy was a Dutch general who was defeated by Marthanda Varma in the battle at Vattakottai Fort. He became the trusted General of Marthanda Varma and remained loyal to him for 37 years.

Udayagiri Fort encloses the tomb of De Lannoy, inside a chapel. The tombs of De Lannoy's wife and son can also be seen here. A foundry for casting guns can also be seen in the fort. The fort also encloses a Biodiversity Park where visitors can see deer, ducks, birds and more than 100 varieties of trees.  

Timing: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm