Anjengo Fort - A Historical British Outpost in Varkala

Varkala, KeralaFORT

Explore the 17th-century Anjengo Fort near Varkala, a historic British outpost with a cemetery, offering views of the Arabian Sea and backwaters.

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Info

FORT

Info

1 hour

Accessibility

Not Wheelchair Friendly

Parking

Parking Available

Photography

Photography Allowed

About the Destination

Overview

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.

Why This Place is Special

• Well-preserved 17th-century British colonial fortification
• Historic English cemetery with tombstones from the 1700s
• Its strategic location between the Arabian Sea and Parvathy Puthanar river
• Views of the coastline from the fort's ramparts
• Proximity to the iconic Anjengo Lighthouse
• Use of local laterite stone in construction
• Being one of the earliest British trading posts on the Malabar Coast

Ideal For

History enthusiastsPhotographersSolo travelersCouplesGroups

Facilities & Amenities

• Parking
• Seating areas

Visitor Tips

• Visit in the late afternoon around 4 PM to enjoy the golden hour light and a pleasant sea breeze.
• Combine your visit with the nearby Anjengo Lighthouse for panoramic views of the area
• check the lighthouse timings as they are often limited.
• Wear comfortable footwear as you'll be walking on uneven stone surfaces and grassy areas.
• Carry a water bottle and sunscreen, as there is limited shade and no shops inside the fort complex.
• Weekday visits are much quieter compared to weekends, offering a more peaceful experience.
• The best spot for photos is from the corner bastions, capturing both the fort walls and the sea.
• Be careful when walking on the ramparts as there are no high railings in most sections.
• Take a moment to read the inscriptions on the tombstones in the cemetery to get a sense of the fort's past.

Rules & Restrictions

• Do not climb on fragile parts of the walls or structures.
• No littering
• use bins provided outside.
• Writing or carving on the fort walls is strictly prohibited.
• No food or drinks are allowed inside the main fort area.

Safety Information

• The fort walls have steep drops and minimal fencing. Be cautious, especially with children.
• The ground can be uneven with loose stones
• watch your step to avoid twists or falls.
• Stay hydrated, especially during warmer months, as there are no shops inside.
• It's better to visit during daylight hours as the area can be quite isolated after sunset.
• Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.
• Some parts of the fort might be slippery after rains, so tread carefully during the monsoon season.

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Location & Address

Anchuthengu, Varkala, Anchuthengu, Varkala, Kerala, India

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Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Anjengo Fort is from October to March. During these months, the weather in Varkala is pleasant with lower humidity and comfortable temperatures, ideal for exploring outdoor sites. The monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rainfall which can make the grounds slippery and exploration difficult. The summer months of April and May can be very hot and humid, making a daytime visit uncomfortable. Visiting during the winter season ensures a clear sky and a cool sea breeze.
Peak Crowd: December-January, weekends, and national holidays, when tourist footfall in Varkala is at its highest.
Moderate Crowd: October-November and February-March on weekdays.
Low Crowd: April-September, during the peak summer and monsoon seasons.

How to Reach

Air

Trivandrum International Airport (TRV) is the nearest airport, located about 45 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi to reach the fort, which takes around 1.5 hours.

Train

Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station (VAK) is the closest major railway station, approximately 12 km from the fort. It is well-connected to major cities in Kerala and India. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are available at the station.

Road

The fort is located in Anchuthengu, which is well-connected by road to Varkala and other nearby towns. It's a short drive from the main Varkala tourist area. You can drive or hire a cab to get here.

Local Transport

From Varkala town or cliff area, auto-rickshaws are the most common mode of transport to reach the fort. Renting a scooter or motorbike is also a popular option for tourists to explore the area at their own pace. Local KSRTC buses also ply to Anchuthengu.