The fort acted as a residence for the royal family and also as a light house. A stone inscription reads "a friend and ally of the British to commemorate triumphs of British Arms and downfall of Bonaparte". Manora was earlier an important port and a center for ship-building. Manora Fort was a summer palace for the Maratha kings and the moat, which had sea-water that provided drainage facilities to the fort. Manora Fort has been declared a monument and was handed over to the Tamil Nadu Archaeological department. History of Manora Fort It is said by the locals that the fort was earlier 8 storied and was built overlooking Sri Lanka across the Bay of Bengal. It is believed that trading activities took place in this fort. They came here for trading goods with their Indian counterparts. It is said that there are chances that there are hidden treasures inside the fort by Serfoji. Presently it is now in completely ruined state. Tourists are not allowed to go up beyond the 2nd floor. The locals say that there is an underground passage in the fort that leads to a temple in Thanjavur. Architecture of Manora Fort The tower is surrounded by a wall and a moat and it resembles a fort. The monument looks like a pagoda with arched windows, circular staircase and eaves separating one storey from the other. The architectural look of this fort shows the mixed constructional styles of European, Islamic, and Dravidian architecture. Built in beautiful stone, Manora, this fort was constructed within the shortest period and took only 2 years in completion. To construct this fort, 2300 labourers were utilized and the construction work done overnight till one and half year. Renovation in Modern Times During the December 2004 Tsunami in the Indian Ocean, 5 monuments along with this fort was damaged severely. Later in the year 2007 it was repaired and renovated by the State Tourism Department. They took the initiative of upgrading the infrastructure by constructing and adding other facilities like improving the children’s park, provide additional lighting, install display boards, plant saplings along the road, lay new road from Sethu Road to the fort and modify thatched umbrella roof structures on the beach. The fort is one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the district. Nearby Attractions There are few attractions that are located near the Manora Fort which are also visited by the tourists: How to Reach Manora Fort Manora is located in plain area and hence all the means of transportation can be used to access this fort. Tiruchirapalli International Airport is the nearest airport to reach this fort. Thanjavur is the nearest railway station. Other major cities like Madurai, Chennai and Tiruchirapalli are well connected with this station. Taxies and tourist cabs are also available at affordable charges. |