Anjengo Fort

Anjengo Fort (historically known as Anchuthengu Fort), dramatically situated on a narrow coastal strip between the Arabian Sea and the Anjengo backwaters in Anchuthengu just 12 km south of Varkala in Kerala, is one of South India's oldest, most historically key, and architecturally captivating 17th century colonial citadels.

Constructed in 1695 AD by the British East India Company with royal permission from the Queen of Attingal (Umayamma Rani), this protected national monument served as the very first permanent British trade settlement, naval fortress, and pepper depot in the princely kingdom of Travancore.

It's the home of massive laterite stone bastions and oceanfront ramparts where antique cannons stood guard, an ancient English cemetery with ornate tombstones dating back to 1704 AD, the site of the historic 1721 Attingal Rebellion against British trade monopoly, the soaring 130 foot Anjengo Lighthouse offering striking 360 degree panoramas, and the proud birthplace of celebrated Malayalam renaissance poet Mahakavi Kumaran Asan.

It represents a rich historical landmark where 17th century European maritime warfare, early Indian anti colonial resistance, literary renaissance heritage, and scenic coastal backwater nature unite in Thiruvananthapuram district.

Located in Anchuthengu along the Varkala Perunguzhi coastal route, it sits 12 km south of Varkala Cliff, 7 km from Kadakkavoor Railway Station (KVU), 14 km from Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (VAK), and 36 km from Trivandrum International Airport (TRV), easily reached by rented scooter, auto rickshaw, or private taxi.

The 1695 British Fortress & The 1721 Attingal Revolt

The name Anchuthengu translates to "Five Coconut Palms" in Malayalam, reflecting the rustic coastal landscape chosen by British merchants to monopolize the lucrative Malabar black pepper and calico fabric trade.

In April 1721, mounting local resentment against British trade manipulation erupted into the historic Attingal Rebellion, where local warriors surrounded and defeated a 140 man British expedition led by Chief William Gyfford, marking one of the earliest armed anti colonial uprisings in Indian history.

Truth is, the sturdy square laterite fort weathered multiple sieges during the Anglo Mysore Wars and served as an essential signaling station for ships sailing around the tip of the Indian subcontinent.

Laterite Bastions & The Historic British Cemetery

The Square Fort Architecture: Built entirely from dark reddish laterite stone blocks bound with lime mortar, the fort features four corner bastions, elevated rampart parapets, and arched subterranean storage vaults for ammunition and weapons.

Colonial Tombstones: Inside the peaceful grassy courtyard lies an ancient cemetery containing beautifully engraved granite and laterite epitaphs of British commanders, merchants, and their families dating from 1704 to 1830.

The 130 Foot Anjengo Lighthouse & Kumaran Asan Memorial

The Coastal Lighthouse: Standing adjacent to the fort is the towering 130 foot Anjengo Lighthouse; visitors who climb the spiral stairs to the observation balcony are rewarded with sweeping views of the Arabian Sea surf and the sparkling Anjengo backwater lake.

Kumaran Asan Memorial: Anchuthengu is proud to be the birthplace of Mahakavi Kumaran Asan (1873 1924), whose romantic and social reformist poetry transformed modern Malayalam literature under the guidance of Sree Narayana Guru.

After exploring Anjengo Fort and climbing the lighthouse, take a country boat ride to the secluded Ponnumthuruthu Golden Island, visit the 2,000 year-old Janardhana Swamy Temple, or enjoy sunset views at Varkala Cliff.