Anchuthengu (Anjengo) Fort
A 17th-century British fort and lighthouse offering historical insights and scenic ocean views. Free entry!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the minimal crowds
Anchuthengu (Anjengo) Fort
Best Time
Beat the minimal crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 17th-century British fort and lighthouse offering historical insights and scenic ocean views. Free entry!
"A peaceful historical gem with stunning coastal views, perfect for a quick, budget-friendly exploration."
Free Entry & Peace
:ticket: Entry is free! Enjoy a peaceful visit with very few crowds, even on weekends.
Lighthouse Views
:camerawithflash: Climb the lighthouse (3-5 PM, ₹10) for stunning coastal and fort panoramas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Laterite Walls
Fort Perimeter
Walk along the sturdy, 17th-century laterite walls that once defended this crucial British settlement.
Ocean Views
Fort Overlook
Gaze out at the Arabian Sea from the fort's strategic vantage point, a reminder of its maritime importance.
Anjuthengu Lighthouse
Adjacent to the Fort
Climb the 250 steps for panoramic views of the coastline, fort, and surrounding landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Entry, Minimal Crowds
Parking & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry & Peace
:ticket: Entry is free! Enjoy a peaceful visit with very few crowds, even on weekends.
Lighthouse Views
:camerawithflash: Climb the lighthouse (3-5 PM, ₹10) for stunning coastal and fort panoramas.
Parking Challenges
:car: Street parking is available but can be tight. Be prepared for a short walk.
Quick Visit
:stopwatch: Explore the fort in about 10-15 minutes; it's more about the history than extensive exploration.
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry & Peace
:ticket: Entry is free! Enjoy a peaceful visit with very few crowds, even on weekends.
Lighthouse Views
:camerawithflash: Climb the lighthouse (3-5 PM, ₹10) for stunning coastal and fort panoramas.
Parking Challenges
:car: Street parking is available but can be tight. Be prepared for a short walk.
Quick Visit
:stopwatch: Explore the fort in about 10-15 minutes; it's more about the history than extensive exploration.
Historical Significance
:scroll: This was the first British settlement and trade post in Kerala. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Anchuthengu Fort is a well-preserved historical site offering free entry and a peaceful atmosphere, making it a great quick stop. Visitors appreciate the colonial architecture and the adjacent lighthouse with its scenic views. However, the lack of dedicated parking and challenging road access are noted drawbacks.
"Small Fort. No entry fee. There is no much inside, just a grassland to walk around, hardly 10 mins to complete it. Because of the illegal construction behind the fort, the great view of the ocean from the fort is lost.
No parking and have to use street parking and streets are very narrow.
Light house near the fort has a great view.
When I visited it was Zero crowd."
Ravi Keerthi
"It's a place of historic importance where the first revolt against the British began from Kerala. It also houses a few tombstones. The name "Anjuthengu", a Malayalam British word, literally means "five coconut trees". Entry is free. It is maintained by the Kerala government. There's no parking in front of the entry gate."
Sudipto Bhattacharya
"If you're traveling from Trivandrum to Varkala, make sure to stop by this charming fort! It's such a peaceful spot with beautiful architecture from the British era. Plus, the best part? Entry is free, and it's usually not crowded at all. It's the perfect place to relax and soak in some history!"
Abhishek Kinagi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Anchuthengu Fort is located about 32 km from Trivandrum city. You can hire a taxi or take a local bus towards Varkala and get off at Anchuthengu. The fort is a short walk from the main road.
Yes, local buses frequently run from Trivandrum towards Varkala, passing through Anchuthengu. Ask the conductor to drop you near the fort.
Anchuthengu Fort is a short drive from Varkala, approximately 10-15 km. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are readily available from Varkala.
Unfortunately, there is no dedicated parking. You'll need to find street parking on the narrow roads nearby, which can be challenging.
Yes, bikes can navigate the narrow streets more easily for parking compared to cars.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry to Anchuthengu Fort is completely free. It's maintained by the Kerala government.
The fort grounds are generally accessible throughout the day. However, the adjacent lighthouse has specific timings, usually from 3 PM to 5 PM.
No advance booking is required for the lighthouse. You can purchase tickets on-site.
The fort consists of grassland, which might be difficult for wheelchairs or strollers. The narrow approach roads also pose a challenge.
The lighthouse has 250 steps to climb, so it may not be suitable for individuals with severe mobility issues.
📸 📸 Photography
The laterite walls, the ocean views from the ramparts, and the lighthouse itself offer great photo opportunities. The nearby hanging bridge also provides unique shots.
While some drone footage exists, always check local regulations regarding drone usage in historical and coastal areas before flying.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and potentially fewer people, enhancing the photographic experience. The lighthouse view is particularly good in the late afternoon.
Generally, photography is allowed within the fort premises. However, always be respectful of the historical site.
From the lighthouse, you can capture breathtaking panoramic views of the fort, the Arabian Sea, and the Parvathi Puthanar river.
🎫 🏛️ History & Significance
Anchuthengu Fort was built in 1695 by the British East India Company and served as their first trade settlement in Kerala. It's also noted as the site of the first revolt against the British in Kerala. +1
The fort was built by the British East India Company in 1695.
The name 'Anjuthengu' is a Malayalam-British word that literally translates to 'five coconut trees'.
While the fort itself is the main historical artifact, there are a few tombstones within the premises.
The lighthouse served as the first signalling station for ships arriving from England, marking a significant chapter in the history of European colonial powers in the region.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure kids are comfortable with a short walk from parking and be mindful of the uneven terrain within the fort.💰 Budget Travelers
The challenge might be transportation costs if you're not using local buses. However, the lack of crowds and the historical significance make it a high-value, low-cost destination. Combine it with other free or low-cost attractions in the Varkala/Trivandrum region for a full day of exploration.📸 Photographers & History Buffs
History enthusiasts will appreciate the fort's significance as the first British settlement and the site of early resistance. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into Colonial History
+2Beyond its military significance, Anchuthengu is also recognized as the site of the first revolt against the British in Kerala. This historical context adds another layer of depth to the fort's narrative, making it a site of both colonial establishment and early resistance. Visitors can find a few tombstones within the fort premises, silent markers of those who lived and perhaps died here during that era.
The name 'Anjuthengu' itself, meaning 'five coconut trees' in Malayalam, hints at the natural beauty that once characterized this coastal area. While modern developments have altered the landscape, the fort remains a key landmark, offering a tangible connection to a pivotal period in Indian history. It's a destination that appeals to history buffs and those interested in understanding the roots of colonial presence in South India.
The Anjuthengu Lighthouse Experience
+1The lighthouse is typically open from 3 PM to 5 PM, with a nominal entry fee of ₹10. From its summit, visitors can marvel at the expansive Arabian Sea, the ancient fort, and the serene Parvathi Puthanar river. This vantage point provides a unique perspective on the fort's strategic placement and the beauty of the Varkala coastline.
Many visitors highlight the lighthouse as a must-do when visiting Anchuthengu. It complements the historical exploration of the fort by offering a different, more expansive view of the area's geography and its significance to maritime activities. The combination of the fort's history and the lighthouse's views makes for a comprehensive visit.
Navigating Anchuthengu: Practicalities for Visitors
The fort's interior is primarily grassland, offering a sense of open space but potentially posing difficulties for those with mobility issues. The experience is often described as a quick visit, taking around 10-15 minutes to walk around the main areas.
Despite these minor inconveniences, the historical significance, free entry, and peaceful atmosphere make Anchuthengu Fort a worthwhile stop, especially if you're traveling between Trivandrum and Varkala. The adjacent lighthouse offers an added attraction with its stunning views, making the overall visit more engaging.
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