This famous fort is situated in Kanhangad, Kasaragod. Apart from its beautiful beaches, rivers and backwaters, Kasaragod can boast of forts which have stood proudly for centuries. Each fort has hundreds of tales of resistance and surrender from bygone eras as they were the strongholds of many kingdoms. Hosdurg Fort, though in ruins, captures our attention with its round bastions from a distance. It was built by Somasekhara Nayaka of the Keladi Nayaka dynasty over a low hillock. Literally meaning “new fort”, it is also known as Kanhangad Fort.
Forts were built as symbols of strength. They functioned as centres of administration or defence. Some forts include palaces and mansions. This brick-made Dravidian-style fort occupied 26 acres of land adjacent to the sea and rivers. This key position enabled Hosdurg to play an important part as the trade and commercial hub with Arabs, the Dutch and the Portuguese in the past.
The fort has a Shiva temple in its southwest area. A modern cemetery is also seen at the fort. The watch tower allows visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of its lush green surroundings. Hosdurg Fort is also famous for the 43 holy caves of Nithyananda Ashram situated on its slopes.
