Anchuthengu Fort

Anchuthengu Fort or Anjengo Fort is a historical site located in the coastal town of Anchuthengu, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. It was the first permanent post of the British East India Company on the Malabar Coast, and construction began in January 1696 after obtaining a grant of a site for the fort and the monopoly of the pepper trade of Attingal from Rani Ashure.

The fort has a cemetery that dates back to the 17th century and is considered one of the earliest signs of British settlement in India. The fort played a key role during the Attingal Rebellion against the British in 1721 and was also used as ammunition storage during the Anglo-Mysore wars. Other attractions near the fort include Portuguese-style churches, a lighthouse, a 100-year-old convent and school, and tombs of Dutch and British sailors and soldiers.

Anchuthengu Fort is square in shape with four bastions and walls made of laterite blocks cemented with lime mortar. The rampart walls are over 15 ft high and there is a flight of stairs at each corner of the fort. The main doorway stands in the center of the eastern wall, and right above the gateway is a pavilion.

The fort has witnessed many attacks and has been under the jurisdiction of various chiefs until 1810 when it was ceded to the Political Resident at Trivandrum. It became part of Malabar and later in 1927 it was transferred to Tirunelveli district and in 1950 it got transferred back to the Travancore-Cochin state.

Today, Anchuthengu Fort is a protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India and is well-maintained with gardens and lawns within the compound wall. Visitors can walk along the fort walls and enjoy breathtaking views of the seaside village.

The fort is open from 9 AM to 5 PM all days of the week and there is no entry fee. The best time to visit the fort and nearby attractions is from October to February when the weather is pleasant. The lighthouse near the fort is also worth a visit, the entry for visitors is from 3 PM to 6 PM every day.

Anchuthengu Fort is situated about 12 km from Varkala and 32 km from Thiruvananthapuram. One can visit this place while going to Varkala from Thiruvananthapuram. The fort is easily accessible by road and parking space is also available nearby. The closest railway station is at Varkala and the nearest airport is Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

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