Anjengo Fort - A Historical British Outpost in Varkala

Anjengo Fort, also known as Anchuthengu Fort, stands as a reminder of the colonial past on the coast near Varkala. Built with laterite stone, the fort has a simple, square layout with four bastions, each equipped with cannon mounts. The walls are not very high, but they offer good views of the choppy Arabian Sea on one side and the calm backwaters on the other. Inside the fort's grounds, you'll find a well-maintained lawn and an old cemetery. The tombstones, some dating back to the early 18th century, belong to the British officers and their families who lived and died here. The atmosphere is quiet and reflective, a stark contrast to the busy beaches of Varkala. Visitors can walk along the ramparts, explore the bastions, and read the inscriptions on the ancient graves. The fort itself is relatively small, allowing for a quick yet interesting exploration of a key piece of Kerala's colonial history. The sound of the sea and the coastal breeze are constant companions as you walk through the site.