Enchanting Kerala

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

Thangassery – Ode to a Bygone Era

Head off to Thangassery in Kollam district to see the old port and lighthouse where history lies etched even in its most contemplative corners. Stand with the vast sky above and the raw earth beneath and soak yourself in the impeccable view to leave with the peace of the gentle breeze in your heart. 

With its rustic charm and iconic structure, the lighthouse of Thangassery allures tourists from far and wide. This cylindrical lighthouse tower coloured in white and red oblique bands with a height of 41 metres (135 ft) is the 2nd tallest lighthouse on the Kerala Coast.

Thangassery has a history that traces back to the colonial era making it one of the most historically significant places in Kerala. British called it by the name ‘Dutch Quilon’ while the locals refer to it as ‘gold village’ indicating the distant past when spice trade was conducted here using gold coins. The place is home to the remnants of an ancient coastal defense hub built by the Portuguese, the St. Thomas Fort, a Portuguese Cemetery, a canal, the ancient Port of Kollam and the Infant Jesus Cathedral. 

The place holds a unique and unusual cultural heritage compared to the other seashore towns of the State. The Portuguese and Dutch made Thangassery popular with their trade and many of them married locals and settled here. One can still see their cultural influences that enhanced the life here. This influence is reflected even in the cuisine of Thangassery. 

The remains of Forte de São Tomé (Fort St. Thomas) built by the Portuguese in 1518 to protect their enclave is currently under the aegis of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Thangassery is a perfect hangout spot to spend an evening with your friends and family watching the final rays of sunshine and the breathtaking view of the sea. Apart from the lighthouse a major attraction of the place is its 3 km long breakwater. 

Getting there: 
Nearest railway station: Kollam, about 4 kms 
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 69 kms