Panchalankurichi is yet another attractive historic spot in South India. This village is at a distance of approximately 18 kilometers from Tuticorin and around 70 km from Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. This place is well known for Kattabomman Memorial Fort.

History

The Fort was constructed by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 1974. The fort was built in honor of Kattabomman, one of the greatest warriors of those times who were from Panchalankurichi village. He is popularly called 'Veerapandiya Kattabomman'. He had opposed the policies of the British rulers in the 17th Century.

In fact, he fought a war with the British. This was 60 years before the commencement of Indian War of Independence in 1857 in North India. The British captured Kattabomman after a bloody war and hanged him to death in 1799. The British army confiscated his wealth and destroyed his fort.

Presently, the Archaeological Survey of India maintains the Kattabomman Memorial Fort.

Architecture

Walls of the Memorial Hall of the fort are decorated with artistic paintings, which connote the gallant acts of the great warrior. Tourists can also find the snap shot of Veerapandya Katthabomman’s fifth generation heir. His name is Jegaveera Pandya Subbramania Kattabomma Durai, also called ‘Veemaraja’.

The British had sentenced Kattabomman and others to be hanged to death on charges of sedition.

There is Sri Devi Jakkammal Temple near the fort. The deity is regarded as the traditional Goddess of Kattabomman. A burial ground build for British military personnel is also an interesting tourist attraction.

Kattabomman was hanged at Kayatar, located near Tirunelveli. Another memorial for this great warrior is constructed here.

Fort Timings

Kattabomman Memorial Fort is open from 8:00am to 1:00pm and from 2:00pm to 6:00pm daily.

How to Reach

The nearest airport to reach Tuticorin is located at Madurai. Tuticorin, which is the chief port city of India, has a railway station. The place is well connected to important towns and cities of South India by road. Tourists can get buses from Tuticorin that go straight to Panchalankurichi.