The Manora fort is an ancient monument located 65 kms away in Thanjavur in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The fort is 8 storied and is hexagonal in shape. The fort is picturesquely located in lush greenery surrounded by swaying coconut palms, overlooking the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal. It was built by Maratha ruler Serfoji II in 1814-1815 to celebrate his advance of the British against the Napoleon Bonaparte in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The fort is 23 meters in height located beside the Bay of Bengal. The fort derives its name Manora, from the word "Minaret".

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:


•Sangeetha Mahal: Sangeetha Mahal is located in the close vicinity of Thanjavur palace. This Mahal was constructed during the 17th century by King Sevappa Nayak. Presently this building is being used as exhibition hall for the locally made crafts items.
•Bhadreshwara Temple: This temple is an example of success and progress of Chola dynasty. They made this temple quickly in Tamil style of architecture. Main deity of this temple is Lord Shiva. This temple is listed in world"s heritage building.
•Schwartz Church: This church was built by King Serfoji in 1779. It was a tribute to Reverend Frederick Christian Schwartz. This construction shows the communal harmony of those days. A king of Hindu religion constructed a Church; it was an example of social and communal harmony of ancient India. This monument is made by special white marble like Victoria Memorial of Kolkata.

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.