Forts & Heritage
St. Angelo Fort
A laterite sea fort built by the Portuguese in 1505, looking over Mappila Bay.
- 31.7 km from Nesma Palace
- 34 min drive
- Best: October to March
- Ideal for history-minded travellers and families
- Distance from Nesma Palace
- 31.7 km
- Drive time
- 34 min
- Best time
- October to March
- Time to allow
- 1 to 2 hours
- Category
- Forts & Heritage
- Ideal for
- History-minded travellers and families
About St. Angelo Fort
St. Angelo Fort sits on a headland by the sea in Kannur, built in 1505 by the first Portuguese viceroy in India. Its thick laterite walls later passed to the Dutch and then the British, each of whom left a mark.
From the ramparts you look out over Mappila Bay and the fishing harbour on one side and the Arabian Sea on the other. The Archaeological Survey of India maintains it, and entry is free.
Things to see and do
The ramparts and sea view
Walk the walls for views over Mappila Bay, the harbour and the open sea.
Layered history
Portuguese, Dutch and British builders each altered the fort. You can still read those phases in the stonework.
Mappila Bay harbour
The fishing harbour below the fort is worth a look, especially when the boats come in.
Best time and tips
October to March, morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday sun.
- Entry is free, so allow about an hour.
- There is little shade on the ramparts, carry water and a hat.
- Sunset light on the laterite is good for photos.
- Pair it with the Arakkal Museum nearby.
Local tip
Walk out to the far bastion for the view across the bay to the harbour, most visitors stop at the entrance courtyard and miss it.
Getting there
The drive from Nesma Palace
Road route and geography © OpenStreetMap contributors
By road from the hotel
31.7 km · about 34 min
- Time to allow there
- 1 to 2 hours
- Starting point
- Nesma Palace, Mattannur
- Flying in
- Kannur International Airport is 7.8 km from the hotel, about 10 minutes by road
Plan your stay
Stay 34 min away at Nesma Palace
The fort is about 34 minutes from Nesma Palace and sits close to the Arakkal Museum and Payyambalam Beach for an easy heritage day.
Nesma Palace is a 4-star hotel in Mattannur, 7.8 km from Kannur International Airport, and an easy base for exploring Kannur.
Nearby places to explore
Make a day of it · Full day
Forts & the Coast
Kannur town’s three headline sights in a morning, then south along the coast for the drive-in beach and sunset over Dharmadam.
Nesma Palace, Mattannur
29.8 km · 32 min drive
Arakkal Museum1.8 km · 4 min drive
St. Angelo Fort (you are here)
2.6 km · 6 min drive
Kannur Lighthouse3.6 km · 6 min drive
Payyambalam Beach12.6 km · 17 min drive
Thottada Beach9.4 km · 12 min drive
Muzhappilangad Drive-in Beach
Frequently asked questions
Who built St. Angelo Fort?
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The Portuguese built it in 1505. It later came under Dutch and then British control, and each left changes to the structure.
Is there an entry fee for St. Angelo Fort?
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No. The fort is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India and entry is free. Plan about an hour for a visit.
Where to stay near St. Angelo Fort?
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Nesma Palace in Mattannur is about 34 minutes away and is well placed for Kannur's forts and town beaches.