Ruins of Alamparai Fort, Kadappakkam

A friend recommended Alamparai Fort when we were planning our trip to Chennai and Mahabalipuram. Our late night hubbub at Besant Beach made us to sleep for a little longer in the day. It was a strenuous task to get out of Chennai in the peak hour. We heard driving through East Coast Road is one time experience. We could hardly spot beach and Bay of Bengal on our left side because of the upcoming hotels, luxury resorts, all and sundry. Actually we should be blamed for having high expectations. We wanted it to be just as spectacular as highway passing through Arabian Sea and Souparnika river of Maravanthe, a quaint coastal village in Udupi District, Karnataka. More on that later.

Info: The ruins of Alamparai Fort is huddled near Kadappakkam, a village 50 km from Mahabaliburam. Original fort was built in the Mughal era in 17th century, though it is unclear whether it came under the direct rule of Mughals considering the distance. Nawab Doste Ali Khan ruled in 1935 AD. He could have been a vassal to Delhi sultanate. From this seaport items like zari, salt, ghee, and cloth were exported. It is said Nawab of Arcot controlled the fort for a brief period of time. In 1750 Subedar Muzarfarzang gifted the fort to French commander Duplex appreciating his services. French lost the Carnatic war to British in 1970 AD. When it came under the direct control of British, they demolished the fort. However, the massive destruction occurred when Tsunami hit the Indian Ocean in 2004.

Apart from dilapidated walls the fort is entirely in ruins. We heard the snoozy sea lap gently across the shore. Few fishermen playing cards just gave us a curious look and went back to their business in a second. Small boats were docked adjacent to the fort. This must be the original harbour of the past. Backwaters and sea parts way on a chunk of small white sand. A handful of palm trees were stretched around. Wandering around for a bit we headed over to backwater boating.