Madhya Pradesh


Alamparai Fort

Alamparai Fort

About:

This is an ancient town (now Kadapakkatrum village) with a history dating back to centuries. This tiny place on the east coast was used as a port to export zari, pepper, salt and ghee in ancient times. Also we gather that this famous ECR was once a beaten road to Rameswaram for pilgrims. Must have been a buzzing place in those days. Even ancient poems refers this place as Idaikazhainadu Alamparai fort is one of the lesser known places of tourist interest on the east coast road (ECR) that connects Chennai and Puducheri (Pondy). Not much has been done by tourism department to promote this place and in a sense that is good. Too much of commercialization spoils beauty of the place. View from top of Alamparai fort near PondyAlamparai fort is a severely ruined fort with only few fragments of the wall intact. Along with a beautiful backwater and adjoining sea, this scenic and serene place is ideal for spending few refreshing hours.

Location info:
Address:It’s off ECR (East Coast Road), some 40 kms from Mahabalipuram while driving towards Pondichery. No major signboards available on the roadside. After driving for about 40 kms, drive slowly. You’ll spot a village/town- called Kadapakkatrum, wherein you’ll see a small signboard- white letters on a blue/green background, which indicates that you’ve to take left turn to go to Alambarai fort.
District: Kancheepuram
Nearest City: Pondicherry 50kms
Best time to visit: Throughout the year

Climate/Weather:
The Climate throughout the year is moderate. The variation between maximum and minimum temperature is not much

History:
Constructed in the late 17th century during the Mughal era, the Alamparai Fort once had a 100-metre long dockyard stretching into the sea, from which zari cloth, salt, and ghee were exported. During 1735 AD it was ruled by Nawab Doste Ali Khan. In 1750, for the services rendered by the famous french commander Duplex to Subedar Muzarfarzang, the fort was gifted to the French. When French were defeated by the British, the fort was captured and destroyed in 1760 AD. More recently the structure was damaged in the 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake.

Interesting things to do:

Backwaters is very scenic- Good and safe for a swim. Local fisherman offer to take you for a ride on the boat-charges will be in the range of Rs. 200-500 for 30 mins-depends on number of people, how good you can bargain and other factors. It’s illegal, No life jackets offered and not much help around if something goes wrong. So use your discretion before opting for the boat ride.Boy on a boat- Alamparai backwaters

Other than boat ride and swim, fort area is nice for exploration, photography or for just relaxation. Not much of shady areas available to protect one from sun in the noon, but evenings will be nice. Very isolated area, so move out before its dark.Except one small makeshift shop that sells few items not much refreshments were available. Carry your own food, but please do not litter the place.

How to reach?
Nearest Railway Station:Pondicherry 50kms
Nearest Airport:Chennai
Road Transport::Buses are available from Pondicherry, Kanchipuram and Mahabalipuram daily.

Nearest Visiting places:

Lord Varadaraja's temple:
Lord Varadaraja Temple is located at Arasarkoil and lies near Sri Vyagrapadeswarar Temple in Kanchipuram District. The temple is said to be older than the Kanchipuram Varadaraja Temple.

Devarajaswami Temple:
The Devarajaswami Temple in the eastern end of Kancheepuram is located at a distance of about 76 kilometers from Chennai. This temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu was built by the Vijaynagar Empire. The 10 meters high idol of Lord Vishnu which is taken out once every forty years for the darshan of the devotees was last taken out in the year 1979. This was a memorable event of the temple.
Vaikuntha Perumal
This temple is situated at Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu. It was built by Pallava emperor, Nandivarman Pallavamalla in the 8th century A. D. This temple is famous for its unique architectural grandeur and religious importance.

Vaikuntha Perumal temple is one of the hundred and eight `Divya Desams`. The Vaishnavas regards it as a very sacred place. This temple was once praised by the Tamil Vaishnavite saint, Tirumangai Alvar, who was a contemporary of Nandivarman. This temple was originally known as `Parameshwara Vishnugriham` after the name of this king, Nandivarman whose original name was Parameshwara.
 

Nearest Petrol Pump:
Mahabalipuram ,Tamil Nadu

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Grt Temple Bay
Temple Bay, Kovalam Road, Mahabalipuram, 603104

Ideal Beach Resort
Beach Rd, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 603 104- 044 27442240

Quality Inn Mgm Beach Resort
1 74 New Mahabalipuram Rd, Mamallapuram, 603112- 044 27472435

Mamalla Beach Resort
Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu- 044 27442375

Tips & Suggestions:
 

Help Line/Phone Number:
Police Station:Kalpakkam Township, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu- 044 27481143

Nearest Hospital:

Saradeep Hospital No. 15, Thirukulan Street, Mahabalipuram, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 603104- 044 27242335

Sri Ramachandra Medical College & Hospital 1, Ramachandra Nagar, Porur, Chennai, Tamil nadu 600116- 044 24768027

Life Line Hospital No. 5/639, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Perungudi, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600096- 044 42454545