Anjengo Fort

The word 'Anchuthengu' means 'five coconut palms', popularly known as Anchuthengu Fort, the Anjengo fort was constructed in the year 1965 by the British East India Company while they selected Anjengo to build their first trade settlement in Kerala. It was also East India Company's first permanent post on the Malabar Coast. It is apparently one of the prime attractions of Varkala.

The timings to enter the Anjengo Fort is between 9:30 AM to 6 PM. Moreover, the visitors are not charged with any entry fee.

Anjengo Fort has marked the history of India since it’s the first commercial set-up of East India Company. In 1684, the queen of Attingal gave permission to the British to erect a firm in Anchuthengu. They were also allowed to build a fort in 1690. Soon after, in 1695, Anjengo fort was completed. The Anchuthengu Company was therefore set up to promote trade with several countries. A warehouse was set up to conserve the military equipment. A rebellion against the British took place in 1697. The factory was attacked, but this did not affect the political agreement between the two countries. On the other hand, the rebellion Attingal of 1721 wreaked havocs because of the unpleasant approaches of British. Britishers wanted to introduce a new law in Indian society. The leaders of that period asked British to redeem themselves by offering a beautiful gift to the queen of Attingal. But the present did not convince the natives who killed and attacked some British merchants. For this, the Anjengo fort was besieged and the revolt ceased only when the British forces reached Anchuthengu. The rebellion thus constituted the first collective movement of the Indians against the British forces. In addition, the fort played an important role during the war waged by King Mysore and Hyder Ali in the 18th century, against British. In 1802, the first largest ship of India was built in Anjengo. Visit fort Anjengo The literal translation of Anchuthengu is « five coconut trees ». As the name indicates, coconut trees occupy a major part of the city. Some historians are of opinion that the name is aderivative of Anjingal, the original name in Tamil. British have misunderstood it and adopted it as “Anjengo”.

Compared to other forts in Kerala, Anjengo fort is different in architect compared to existing fort across the country. The fort is more like a closed fortress with high-pitched walls and possesses some security check-points, as well as entries from east and west. The Anjengo fort is situated at about 36 km to the north of Thiruvananthapuram, near Varkala beach, on the coast. Registered as a national heritage, interestingly, the fort once served as a landmark for British ships. It is also conjectured that there is a cemetery inside the fort, the oldest of which dates from 1704. The fort is distinct and unique in its form and is distinguished by its square shape, comprising four bastions, each equipped with eight cannons. The walls between the bastions were endowed with seven or eight canons. In addition, there is a battery of 20 canons facing the sea. It is said that the fort could once contain a garrison of 400 Europeans, with 70 to 80 topasses

Tourists can visit between December and March as the climate remains pleasant and one will enjoy exploring the surroundings during this time.

To reach Anjengo Fort, you must first reach Varkala Station about 12 km, nearest station to the city of Anchuthengu, situated about 37 km from Thiruvananthapuram. You can then take a taxi from Varkala to the fort.

• Varkala beach – Set amid a beautiful setting about 10 km away from the calm and quiet hamlet of Varkala in Kerala, Varkala Beach, also known as Papanasam Beach, is a beautiful stretch of sand renowned for its solitude unlike other commercial beaches of Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The backdrop Arabian Sea against the cliffs of Kerala is a unique one since these sedimentary formation peaks are not found anywhere in the otherwise flat coastline of Kerala.
• Edava beach – Untouched and unspoilt by tourist activities, the Edava beaches are the virgin stretches circling a blue lagoon where sea and backwaters run parallel dividedby a more-than-one km of straight road.
• Sivagiri Mutt – Sivagiri is the only quaint holy places in Varkala, popular amongst the tourists. It is Spread over 200 acres of hilly terrain, the Sivagiri Mutt is placed on a high platform. The Sivagiri Hills, where the Sivagiri Mutt is located, was selected by Sree Narayana Guru to create the commune after he fell in love with the vast landscape and ambience of Varkala.
• Varkala Cliff – Varkala cliff is a famous beachfront which is a massive cluster of old times rock formations.Varkala is uprearing the popularity ladder with immense speed and has become a thriving place in the last couple of years. The laid-back town is situated around 40 kilometres from Thiruvananthapuram which is the capital city of the state of Kerala.
• Vishnu temple, Varkala – Vishnu Temple is an ancient temple dating back to around 2000 years. It is located very close to the Varkala Beach in Thiruvananthapuram. The temple dedicated to Janardan Swami who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.The traditional Kerala Temple architecture with a dome made of copper sheets, beautifully carved Navagrahas on the wood and the copper plated roof is a treat to the eyes. The temple is often associated with a legend of Lord Brahma who had cursed his Prajapathis, and Narada, who had helped them absolve their sins.
• Varkala light house – Built in 1684 by the British to assist the navigation of ships coming from Britain, Varkala Lighthouse stands 130 feet tall on the Varkala Beach and attracts tourists for a mesmeric bird's eye view it provides of the Arabian sea and the backwaters.

• Leisure Valley Beach Resort – Located in Varkala, Leisure Valley Beach Resort is the perfect place for you to spend your time at. As the name suggests, the resort is truly a leisure spot for its guests. It is your answer to a comfortable and tranquil beach accommodation.
• Maadathil Cottages – One of the leading beach cottages in Kerala, Maadathil Cottages offers a true holiday experience to its guests. With a fusion of modern and traditional amenities, the place takes you back to the good old days and connects you with yourtraditional roots.
• White House Residency – Located in Varkala, the White House Residency is equipped with all the necessary amenities that are required for your comfortable stay. It provides accommodations with a garden, free private parking, a shared lounge and a terrace. Featuring room service, this property also provides guests with a restaurant. The property has a 24-hour front desk, airport transportation, a shared kitchen and free WiFi throughout the property. Moreover, guests can enjoy pure vegetarian breakfast too.
• MINT INSIDE beach hotel – If you are a sea lover, then this beach hotel is the perfect accommodation for your stay,

• Oottupura Vegetarian Restaurant – Have an experience of a fine dining at Oottupura restaurant. The place has some really delicious food to offer.
• Hungry Eye Kitchen – The Hungry Eye Kitchen restaurant is one of the most trustworthy restaurants in Varkala. The restaurant specializes in Indian and Chinese cuisines.
• Trattorias – A small and quaint restaurant in the region of Varkala that offers great food in the said area.
• Café del Mar – Perched at a convenient location Café Del Mar lets you discover new tastes of Indian and Italian cuisines in the comfort of this restaurant.
• Soul Food Café – Soul Food Cafe is famous for serving Fusion cuisine. The café has a very quiet and peaceful atmosphere.