The majestic Manora Fort stands 65 kilometers from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu. This 23 meter towering fort faces the Bay of Bengal. The name “Manora” is derived from the word “Minaret”.

The fort served as home to the royal family. It also acted as light house. Tourists can find a stone inscription at the fort. It reads: “a friend and ally of the British to commemorate triumphs of British Arms and downfall of Bonaparte”.

The Indian Ocean Tsunami in December 2004 had damaged this fort considerably. The Tamil Nadu State Tourism Development Corporation allocated funds to renovate the fort. The renovation project added extra features like children’s park, display boards, extra lightings, plants, new road from Sethu Road towards the fort, and umbrella roof structures at the beach. Today, the fort is one of the hottest tourist spots in Thanjavur.

Legends

According to legend, Lankan traders visited Manora to trade goods with Indian merchants. Legend also says that the fort consists of a secret maze wherein lies treasure.

Tourists are permitted to climb only up to 2 storeys of the fort. This is because of the damage. There is a fear of tower being collapsed.

Legend also goes that Manora has a secret passage that leads to the chief temple of Thanjavur.

Locals claim that, in ancient times, this 8-storey tower overlooked Sri Lanka. However, this claim is yet to be proved. 

History

Maratha King Serfoji II constructed the Manora Fort in 1814–1815. It took just two years to build this fort. About 2300 laborers worked on this fort.
The fort was built to honor the success of the British over Napolean Bonaparte.

Architecture

Manora Fort is a hexagonal structure with eight storeys. The height of the tower, tapering to its top, is 23 meters (75 feet). There is a wall and moat surrounding the tower. The whole monument resembles a pagoda featuring a circular staircase, arched windows, and eaves that separate one storey from the other.

Manora Fort is built in beautiful stone. It is an incredible ancient monument that transports visitors to the era of kings, secret passages, hidden treasures, and intriguing history.

Nearby Attractions

Tourists visiting Manora Fort can also visit Sangeetha Mahal, which is situated close by. The Mahal, today, serves as an exhibition hall that displays local crafts.

There is also the Bhadreshwara Temple, which signifies the advancement of Chola dynasty and the Schwartz Church, which was built by a Hindu king. The Church is made from special white marble.

Best Time to Visit

Months from October to March are ideal for visiting Manora Fort.

Fort Timings

Manora Fort is open for tourists from morning to evening.

How to Reach

Manora Fort stands in plain area. So it is easy to access the fort.

The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli. The nearest railway station is Thanjavur. Cities like Chennai, Madurai and Tiruchirapalli are well connected by railways to this place.

Tourists can also avail themselves of taxis and cabs, as the Fort is just 65 kilometers from main Thanjavur city.