The 15-acre fort built in the 18th century, served as a port in ancient Tamil Nadu. The fort had a 100-metre long dockyard, stretching into the sea from the fort, from which zari cloth, salt and ghee were exported. The fort was later transferred to the French commander Dupleix. In 1760, the British destroyed Alamparai. Portions of weathered red brick along with the original brick and limestone are still visible. But today one sees only the magnificent ruins overrun by weeds and vegetation.