St Angelo Fort
Kannur Fort also known as Kannur Kotta is a portuguese fort facing out towards the Arabian Sea. The fort is situated 3 km from Kannur.
History
Fort St Angelo( daily 8am -6pm) – Don Francisco De Almeida of Portugal constructed this fort in 1505 AD. The Dutch captured the fort from Portuguese in 1663 who then sold the fort for One lakh rupees hundred years later to the king Ali Raja of Arakkal kingdom, Kerala's only ruling Muslim dynasty.
In 1790 the British seized the control over this fort forcing the Arakkal's female ruler Ali Raja Beebi to sign a treaty of dependencyand became one of the important military centres of the British in Malabar.
Many people believe that there is a secret tunnel in this fort. This tunnel was built underneath the sea to the Thalassery Fort which is 21 km from Kannur fort. This under passage is said to be used by soldiers to escape.
The fort, is now under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India.
The Mappila Bay Moppila Bay Harbor and Arakkal Mosque( not open to visitors) are near the fort. The small Arakkal museum ( Tue-Sun 10am -6pm) on the seafront opposite the entrance to the Moppila bay fishing anchorage displays documents, weapons, various pieces of 400 year old rose wood furniture and other heirlooms relating to the family's history. The building with its high beamed ceilings and original floor boards in no less engaging than the exhibits.
A gentle stroll around teh northwest of St.Agnelo's Fort brings you to teh quiet baby beach in teh army cantonment area. ( daily 9am to 5pm) where a leaft promenade leads to a light house ( open daily 3-5pm) with fine views of the rocky coastline and distant beaches.
