Chandragiri Fort

Chandragiri Fort (celebrated across Kerala as the historic 17th century coastal hilltop fortress of the Keladi Nayakas and the supreme sunset vantage point overlooking the Chandragiri River estuary), sitting high on a coastal hillock in Melparamba just 6 km south of Kasaragod town in Kerala, is one of the state's most dramatic, strategic, and scenic maritime military monuments.

Constructed in the 17th century (circa 1640s) by Sivappa Nayaka (the illustrious king of the Keladi Nayaka dynasty of Bednore who constructed a chain of coastal fortifications including Bekal Fort and Hosdurg Fort to defend the trade rich Tulunadu ports against the Kolathiri Rajas of Malabar), Chandragiri served for centuries as the ancient border marker dividing the traditional realms of Kolathunadu to the south and Tulunadu to the north along the majestic Payaswini River.

It's the home of massive laterite ramparts enclosing an expansive 7.76 acre clifftop plateau, semi circular artillery observation bastions overlooking the wide Chandragiri River (Payaswini) emptying into the turquoise Arabian Sea, an ancient deep freshwater stepwell that supplied drinking water to medieval garrisons during naval sieges, the scenic Chandragiri boat club offering river cruises and island exploration, the famous railway bridge and road bridge spanning the river basin below, and uninterrupted panoramic views of distant coconut palm groves, backwater channels, and fiery coastal sunsets.

It represents a rich military, maritime, and topographical sanctuary where 17th century Nayaka coastal fort architecture, historic Tulunadu border demarcations, scenic river estuary boat rides, and peaceful clifftop breezes unite in Chemmanad grama panchayat.

Located in Melparamba along the coastal railway and highway route, it sits just 3 km from Kalanad Railway Station, 6 km from Kasaragod Railway Station (KGQ), 10 km from Bekal Fort, and 65 km from Mangalore International Airport (IXE), easily accessible by regular town buses, auto rickshaws, and private cabs.

The 17th Century Sivappa Nayaka Clifftop Bastion

Rising 150 feet above sea level, the fort's strategic laterite walls provided cannons with a commanding 360 degree firing range across land and river approaches.

The fort passed through the hands of the Nayakas of Keladi, Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, and the British East India Company before being declared a protected monument.

Truth is, standing along the high clifftop ramparts as the cool river breeze rustles through ancient trees while watching the sun dip into the ocean is truly magical.

The Chandragiri River (Payaswini) Estuary

The Ancient Border: The Chandragiri River served for centuries as the strict cultural and linguistic border between Tulunadu and the Malabar region.

Chandragiri Boat Club: Visitors can board speedboats and traditional country canoes from the jetty beneath the bridge for mangrove river cruises.

Kizhur Sastha Temple & Nearby Attractions

Kizhur Sri Sastha Temple: Located near the fort base, this ancient temple hosts the celebrated annual Kizhur Sastha festival drawing thousands.

Proximity to Bekal Fort: Just 10 km south lies Bekal Fort, allowing travelers to experience two impressive 17th century Nayaka coastal forts in a single day.

After exploring Chandragiri Fort, take a boat cruise along the Chandragiri River, visit the 7th century Malik Deenar Great Juma Masjid, or tour the 17th century Bekal Fort in Kasaragod.