Explore Thirumayam Fort in Pudukkottai Tamil Nadu
Thirumayam Fort of Pudukkottai was visible from a distance as we drove onward towards Chettinad, Tamil Nadu from Bangalore. Very majestically located on a hillock, Thirumayam Fort Karaikudi can easily lure a traveler/tourist to wander within its walls.
Yet, Thirumayam Fort is one of the lesser known forts of Tamil Nadu. The state tourism department hasn’t done enough to popularise it.
From the feedback that I gathered on this fort I knew it was doable in two hours. So, on a sunny after noon we scheduled our trip to the fort. It was definitely worth the time and effort.
View of Pudukkottai town around
Thirumayam Fort Pudukkottai History
The local king of Ramanathapuram, Sethupati Vijaya Raghunatha Tevan built Thirumayam fort Karaikudi on and around the rock at Thirumayam in the year 1687. Later the fort was handed over to his brother in law Raghunatha Raya Tondaiman.
Originally it was constructed as “ring fort” with 7 concentric walls. Sadly only 4 of them stands strong today.
Cannon believed to have been used centuries back in wars..
Explore Thirumayam Fort Pudukkottai
There are several temples in the fort complex dedicated to different Gods and Goddesses. It was customary that prayers had to be offered for victory in wars.
Two of the them are the famous Shiva Temple the Satyagirisvara Temple and a Vishnu temple, the Satyamurti Perumal Temple.
The other shrines are dedicated to Hanuman, Sakthi, Ganapathi, Karuppar (guardian deities of the fort) on the southern side and shrine to Bhairava on the northern side.
On top of the hillock is a bastion with cannon of British origin. There are 6 more cannons mounted on north, south and east gates.
Local tourists get themselves photographed there in titanic pose.
Tourists posing in Titanic pose on the Cannon.
Legend associated with Thirumayam Fort
After the defeat in Poligar War in 1799, Veerapandiya Kattabomman (mind blowing names) and his brother Oomadurai were imprisoned by the British.
It is said Oomadurai after his escape from Palayamkottai prison hid himself at Thirumayam Fort Karaikudi. He fought the British from here.
The fort is also called Oomaiyan Fort.
Oomaiyan Fort Inner ring
How to reach Thirumayam Fort
By train: Nearest Railway station is Chettinad Railway station.
By road: The fort is located on Pudukkottai – Karaikudi highway. It is NH210 connecting Tiruchrapalli and Rameshwaram.
From Bangalore via NH44 with tolls, it is 407kms, doable in 7 hours approx.
Via NH48 and NH38 it is 538kms doable in 9hours approx.
Explore Thirumayam Fort Pudukkottai
Open Timings and Tickets
Open on all days of the week 8am to 5pm.
There was a very nominal price for the tickets.
Pin this for later…
(This post was first published on Dec 11, 2014.)
Majestic indeed! Amazed that the wall is still in very good condition! Aren't those red lines (in between the stones) the ancient cement?
A really beautiful fort. Loved the various pictures that you have taken of the forts walls.
Impressive ! reminds me of chritradurga
Beautiful shots. I like the crenelations on the wall, some of which look like little faces.
Good to know about this post & history associated with it. Lovely pictures!
Awesome pictures!!
As usual beautiful post supported by awesome pics.
Thanks for sharing less traveled place.
Wonderful sequence of photos. Love learning history of a place like this!
Wonderful captures 🙂 Thanks for sharing 🙂
Nice to see the pics and read your blog. So many unsung heroes in our country and relatively unknown places!
Nice find, lovely photos!
Great knowing about this fort and read of facts! Really beautiful captures and amazing perspective
Majestic fort and I especially like the canon
Thanks for the sharing about this fort. This now add in my wishlist.
Such a nice find!
Interesting post and great shots of the fort.
What a beautiful fort and lovely shots.
Amazing fort, with the surrounds, so well built.
Brilliant photos Indrani and I always enjoy the history.
Lovely fort! Nice to know about it.
What a beautiful fort, I like the design on the top of the walls.. Great series, thanks for sharing. Have a happy weekend!
amazing structure. love the rounded stones on top of the walls.
I love the history (and the names!!). Really interesting, and great photos.
That's quite amazing.
The fort looks like a great tourist spot. It looks beautiful against the blue, peaceful sky.
Awesome!! Wonderful captures and history as always, Indrani!! And thank you, as always, for sharing!! All of that and beautiful skies as well!!! Perfect!
Wow.. there are just so many amazing structures of which most are unaware. Beautiful.
truly impressive! the walls are amazing!
Beautiful old fort well preserved and great view from the top !
Lovely photos.
Seven walls?! How sad only four remain. The wall with what looks like faces on top is intriguing.