Anjengo or Anjuthengu(Anchuthengu) fort is a historic landmark in Kerala and offers a picturesque worth millions of stories. Being one of the highlights in the Anchuthengu village, The fort was the East India Company's first permanent post on the Malabar Coast. The site for construction was given to EIC by the Queen of Attingal to handle fair trades(since this place had wind advantage). The EIC commenced construction in January 1696 and took them around 3 years to finish the construction. Later on this fort proved vital for them as they actively used Anjengo for shelter and storage.
As Anchuthengu is Five coconut trees in Malayalam, I imagined a place having nothing but a barren land surrounded by five coconut tree to seclude the whole place. Curiosity subsided once I reached the place after a 30 minute ride from Trivandrum. It was refreshing to see the place and hard to believe that a wonderful place such as Anjengo is hidden from a traveller's eye. Well, you can't expect the EIC to construct this fort in the middle of the city for handling trades.
There is no entry fee or whatsoever and once you are inside the fort you are in for a view of your life. With a well maintained garden at the entrance you can climb to the top to enjoy the view. Nothing much to see yet an elegant place to visit given, you are not spending a lot of money to get in there. I covered the entire place within 20 minutes and once I was out, I climbed on top of the lighthouse nearby which was truly a magnificent addition to this trip. If you are tired of refreshing the Facebook news feed, then this is a place to visit. Seriously though, you might as well consider visiting the place for the second time as the beautiful landscape compels you to come back and do regular visits. Perfect place for reunions and family get-together. Make sure to climb on top of the lighthouse to take a sight of your lifetime.
Anjengo gave a little historic touch to this trip where the lighthouse served as a fun place to wrap up the trip. I bet you would enjoy your time on the Anjengo as the place itself is more private and doesn't charge you a lot for the visit.
Quick Facts
1. How to reach – Buses are available to Varkala. You could hire an auto from Varkala.
2. Nearest town – Varkala
3. Nearest railway station – Varkala, 12 kms
4. Nearest Airport – Trivandrum, 35 kms
5. Places to stay – Accomodation is available at Varkala. This place is ideal for one day trip.
6. Best time to visit – There is no specific time to visit, you could visit anytime.
7. Things to do – Take a look around the historic place and enjoy a magnificent view from Lighthouse.
8. Is it Child Friendly - Yes.
Contribution from - Sooraj Ram
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