Udayagiri Fort

Udayagiri Fort is an 18th-century fortification at Puliyoorkurichi near Thuckalay in Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu. Originally built in the 17th century and later rebuilt by Travancore ruler Marthanda Varma under Dutch General Eustachius De Lannoy after the 1741 Battle of Colachel, it served as a military barracks and foundry. Notable for its massive granite walls, ruined foundry, chapel and De Lannoy's tomb, it now houses a biodiversity park managed by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department.

Visitors can expect a ruined granite fort enclosure set amid forested grounds now developed as a biodiversity park. Inside are remnants of the fort walls, bastions, an old foundry where cannons were cast, a small chapel and the tomb of General Eustachius De Lannoy. The site includes landscaped gardens, tree-lined pathways, deer enclosure, bird habitats and viewpoints. Exploration involves walking on uneven ground and steps to view historic structures and natural surroundings.

Originally constructed in the 17th century, Udayagiri Fort was rebuilt and strengthened in the 1740s by Maharaja Marthanda Varma of Travancore with the assistance of Dutch naval commander Eustachius De Lannoy, who was captured after the Battle of Colachel in 1741 and later became chief of the Travancore army. The fort served as a military barracks, arsenal and foundry for casting cannons and mortars. De Lannoy lived and worked here and was buried within the fort after his death in 1777.

The fort represents Travancore military architecture with European influence introduced by De Lannoy. It is noted for its association with the development of the modern Travancore army and retains a chapel and tomb reflecting the European presence. Now maintained as a heritage site and biodiversity park, it illustrates the region's military history and conservation efforts.