Anchuthengu Fort
Anchuthengu Fort, also popularly known as Anjengo Fort, is a historic coastal fortress built by the British East India Company in 1695. The name 'Anchuthengu' literally translates to 'Five Coconut Trees', signifying the small plot of land the British originally leased from the Queen of Attingal. Th is fort served as the first permanent British settlement on the Malabar Coast and played a strategic role during the Anglo-Mysore wars. The fort is built in a square shape with four bastions, each once housing heavy cannons to protect the trade of pepper and calico. Within its walls lies a cemetery containing the graves of British officers and their families, providing a somber glimpse into the colonial era's hardships. The structure has withstood numerous sieges and the test of time, now standing as a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Adjacent to the fort is the towering Anjengo Lighthouse, which offers a bird's eye view of the coastline. The surrounding village of Anchuthengu is a traditional fishing hamlet, and the walk from the fort to the beach provides a vibrant look at the local life. It is a place where history meets the sea, making it a favorite for history buffs and photographers.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Heritage & HistoryEntry Fees:
Fort Entry: Entry to the fort is Free for all visitors.
Lighthouse Fee: Approximately Rs.20 for adults and Rs.10 for kids to climb the tower. ...Fort Entry: Entry to the fort is Free for all visitors.
Lighthouse Fee: Approximately Rs.20 for adults and Rs.10 for kids to climb the tower.Timing:
Regular Timings: The fort is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
Ideal Visit Time: 4:00 PM is perfect as the lighthouse stays open until 5:30 PM for sunset views. ...Regular Timings: The fort is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
Ideal Visit Time: 4:00 PM is perfect as the lighthouse stays open until 5:30 PM for sunset views.Best Photo Spots:
Bastion Corners: Capturing the symmetry of the fort's walls from the corner towers.
Lighthouse Top: The ultimate spot for a wide-angle shot of the fort and the winding coastline. ...Bastion Corners: Capturing the symmetry of the fort's walls from the corner towers.
Lighthouse Top: The ultimate spot for a wide-angle shot of the fort and the winding coastline.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Historical Tour: Exploring the ramparts and the four bastions of the fort.
Lighthouse Climbing: Reaching the top of the Anjengo Lighthouse for panoramic sea views.
Beach Walk: Spending time on the clean and relatively quiet Anchuthengu Beach.
Photography: Capturing the weathered laterite walls against the backdrop of the blue sky.
Graveyard Visit: Reading the old inscriptions in the British cemetery to understand the past.
Visiting the Church: The nearby 18th-century church is a beautiful example of local Christian architecture.
Local Interaction: Watching fishermen bring in their catch at the nearby shore. ...
Information
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Why Famous:
First British Post: It is historically significant as the very first trade settlement established by the British in Kerala.
Attingal Revolt: It was the site of the 1721 revolt, the first organized uprising against British rule in India. ...First British Post: It is historically significant as the very first trade settlement established by the British in Kerala.
Attingal Revolt: It was the site of the 1721 revolt, the first organized uprising against British rule in India. -
Architecture:
Square Fortification: The fort is a perfect square with four corner bastions, built using laterite blocks and lime mortar.
Dimensions: Each wall is approximately 150 feet long and 20 feet high, with the bastions designed to provide a 360-de...Square Fortification: The fort is a perfect square with four corner bastions, built using laterite blocks and lime mortar.
Dimensions: Each wall is approximately 150 feet long and 20 feet high, with the bastions designed to provide a 360-degree firing range. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Trivandrum International Airport is about 35 KMS away.
By Train: Kadakkavur Railway Station is the nearest (2 km away); major trains stop at Varkala (12 km).
By Road: Drive via Chirayinkeezhu or th... -
Near Tourist Places:
Varkala Beach (12 km), Kappil Lake (18 km), Sivagiri Mutt (14 km), Janardhanaswamy Temple (12 km), Ponnumthuruthu Island (10 km), Kilimanoor Palace (25 km), Sarkara Devi Temple (8 km), Bio-Valley (5 km), Veli Tourist Village (28 km), Muthalapuzhi (3 km).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: The stairs in the lighthouse are steep and narrow; not recommended for those with vertigo.
Packing: Carry an umbrella and plenty of water as there are few shops inside.
Accommodation: Bett...
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