Anjengo Fort

Posted Date: 06 Jun 2010 Author: Latha Jayaprakash Member Level: Gold (Rs 50)

Anjengo is situated near the Varkala Beach at about 36 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala. The Fort is at present under the protection of National Heritage Monuments.

Anjengo, is said to be derived from the name Anju Thengu meaning "a land with 5 coconut trees" was given on lease to the English by the then Queen of Attingal for trade purposes.

About Anjengo Fort

Anjengo Fort was established in the year 1684 by the British East India Company as a strategic garrison for protecting the Fort and its powerful position in Kerala state. This Anjengo Fort played an important part during the 17th and 18th centuries in their military strategies as well as a trading station for carrying out trade and commerce.
Anjengo Fort has been a splendid and a prefect example of the English style of Architecture but only a few remnants of the fort are to be seen as well as a cemetry. In that cemetry lies the graves of some englishmen and their families who had occupied the fort in those days. The Fort had been targetted many times by the other European powers like the Portuguese and the Dutch, for getting a firm foot into Kerala.

Backwaters near anjengo Fort

There is a backwater stretch near Anjengo with swaying coconut palms crisscrossing the area. That is a beautiful and enchanting sight to see. You can also visit the fishermen's village nearby to learn more about their traditions and their day to day life. You can spendtime with them to see their routine activities in a day.

Location of Anjengo Fort

Anjengo Fort is placed just opposite to the Varkala Beach. The beach serves as an ideal picnic spot. Those who like to visit Varkala beach on their trips to Kerala must visit the Anjengo Fort for the scenic perfection they give and also learn more about Indian History.

How to Reach Anjengo Fort

You have to reach one of the airports of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi or Calicut. If you reach Calicut or Kochi you can get connection trains to Thiruvananthapuram.
Varkala is a railway station after Kollam on the route and is about 18 kilometers from the Fort.
Thiruvananthapuram International airport is located at about 46 kilometers from Anjengo Fort.