The Vattakottai fort lies about 18 km east of Nagarkoil in Agastheeswaram taluk of Kanyakumari district. The word Vattakottai is derived from the Tamil word “Vattam” (circle). This fort was reconstructed in the 18th century by the Venad kings of Travancore. Originally, a brick fort, it was strengthened by the Dutch Army General De’Lanoy with granite stone veneer. The British troops in 1809 demolished the major part of the Travancore lines, leaving the present Vattakottai fort intact. All the four sides of the inner fortification are provided with simple pillared mandapa with flat roof. It is presumed that this fort was a military base to protect the Kumari port, which was a pearl harbor. The inner bastion is accessible by a ramp built of granite slabs. It is flanked by flight of steps to facilitate the transport of cannons. The entire outer veneer of the fort has well-dressed granite blocks. The main entrance has arched decorations and on top depicted is the emblem of Travancore Raja. At the centre of the fort, there is small tank which supplied perennial water for defines personals. The fort has a watch room, a rest room and a weapon room. The walls are about 25 feet high. The depiction of fish design on the ceiling of the mandapa inside the fort led some scholars to trace the origin of the fort to Pandya kings (12th century CE). It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tamilnadu.
