Anjengo Fort and Lighthouse are in Anchuthengu, a coastal town in Kerala between the sea and backwaters. The fort combines East India Company history with high laterite walls and views of the Arabian Sea, while the nearby lighthouse has its own visiting hours. The fort is about 11.6 km from the three-star resort.
- Location: Anchuthengu, Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala
- Fort hours: 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Monday–Saturday; 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sunday
- Lighthouse hours: 3:00–5:00 p.m.; closed Monday
A short history of Anjengo
Anjengo Fort reflects the East India Company’s early trade and military presence on Kerala’s coast. The company established its first trade settlement at Anchuthengu in 1684, according to Kerala Tourism.
Construction dates range from 1695 to 1699: the Archaeological Survey of India records the fort’s erection in 1695 on land donated by the Queen of Attingal, while Kerala Tourism says it was completed by 1699. It served as a signaling station for English ships and a depot for military stores.
The fort and its coastal setting
Anjengo Fort stands between a beach and backwaters, with views of the Arabian Sea. Its high laterite walls and bastions are a defining feature of the site.
Look for the lookout points and the entrances on the east and west sides. Kerala Tourism recommends the cooler, dry months from October through February for exploring the fort and nearby attractions. You can pair the outing with this day trip to Ponnumthuruthu Golden Island when planning other excursions from Varkala.
What should you know about Anjengo Lighthouse?
Anjengo Lighthouse was commissioned on 30 April 1988. Its visiting hours are 3:00–5:00 p.m., with Monday as the weekly holiday.
The lighthouse grounds include a garden and a children’s play area. If you plan to visit both sites, keep the lighthouse’s afternoon hours in mind when arranging your time at the fort.
How do you get to Anjengo Fort from Varkala?
Anjengo Fort is in Anchuthengu, and Kadakkavur is the nearest railway station and bus station named in the ASI monument record. PWD road access and bus service are available to Anjengo Lighthouse.
The lighthouse is about 6 km by road from Kadakkavur railway station and about 8 km from Attingal on NH-47. Thiruvananthapuram is the nearest airport named for the fort by the ASI.
Access and opening details to check
Anjengo Fort is open 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Monday–Saturday and 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Sunday. The lighthouse is open 3:00–5:00 p.m. and closed on Mondays.
Before setting out, check the official site before you go: use the Government of India’s Incredible India page for the fort and the lighthouse ticket portal for lighthouse access and hours. For a fuller route through the area, this one-day Varkala itinerary connects the coast and town.
FAQs
Where is Anjengo Fort?
It is in Anchuthengu, a coastal town between the sea and backwaters in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.
When was Anjengo Fort built?
Construction dates range from 1695, when the fort was erected, to its completion by 1699.
Is Anjengo Lighthouse open on Mondays?
No. Monday is its weekly holiday; visiting hours on other days are 3:00–5:00 p.m.
What is the best time of year to visit Anjengo Fort?
Kerala Tourism recommends the cooler, dry months from October through February for exploring the fort and surrounding attractions.