Mannar Fort
மன்னார் கோட்டை
A square bastioned fort built by the Portuguese in 1560 and remodelled by the Dutch. It stands at the island end of Mannar Bridge, and you can walk the full circuit of its walls.
Mannar Fort stands at the eastern tip of Mannar Island, where the bridge enters the island. The Portuguese built it in 1560. After the Dutch seized it in 1658, they remodelled it into a square fortress with corner bastions, and it was later used by the British. The walls and bastions are largely intact. Inside are the ruins of a Dutch-era church and remnants of a bell tower, and the fort was restored in recent years. The moat and lagoon views outside the walls are lovely, and the light is especially good in the late afternoon. Entry is free, though there are no facilities inside. The fort sits right beside the road, and everyone passing through Mannar goes by it. It can be seen together with the nearby bridge and lagoon.
Opening hours
Daytime
Nearby sights
- St. Sebastian's Cathedral, Mannar
- Mannar Baobab Tree
- Vankalai Sanctuary
- Thiruketheeswaram Temple
- Giant's Tank
- Doric Bungalow, Arippu
- Talaimannar Pier & Lighthouse
- Shrine of Our Lady of Madhu