Introduction

About 36 kilometers (22.5 miles) from Trivandrum city and 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Varkala, Anchuthengu is a place of historical relevance amid gorgeous coastal scenery. Crowning the bluff is the 17th century Anchuthengu Fort standing testimony to the architectural elegance of the British. This fort on the outskirts of Kovalam is believed to be one of the oldest trading posts set up during the colonial era in India. It was built in 1800s as an impregnable bastion of the British East India Company and till today retains a palpable English aura. After its completion in 1695, the structure was first used as a lighthouse to guide ships coming in from Britain. Adjacent to the fort ruins is an old-world Dutch cemetery you can amble down to. Here you can get some beautiful pictures of ivy and ferns growing sumptuously over ramshackle headstones. The damp and musty air of the cemetery mingles with its profound silence to give you goosebumps.

Thick with palm groves fringing a pristine stretch of sand, the place was a Portuguese settlement before the British East India Company set foot on its shores. Typical of a coastal Kerala countryside, Anchuthengu has its share of historical edifices, an atmospheric lighthouse, a couple of architectural churches, a lake, secluded beaches, and not to mention a 100-year-old convent school.

After a stroll around the fort ramparts and the cemetery, proceed to the beach for a refreshing dip in the azure waters of the Arabian Sea. If you take to water sports, you will find an array of them here outside of the usual beach volleyball. Or simply spend time lounging on the silvery sand and enjoy the tropical sun.

There are not many decent accommodation options in Anchuthengu. It is best to head back to Kovalam or Trivandrum after a day trip.

Special Attributes

A heady English aura combined with a lovely coastal scenery make Anchuthengu special.

Nuisance

The site is peaceful, and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

There is a regular bus service from Trivandrum to the Anchuthengu Fort. You can take a private taxi from Kovalam to the fort.

Enjoyed by

Families, Backpackers, Senior Citizens, especially History and Nature Lovers

Exposure

You will mostly be under the open sky. Though the weather remains pleasant, it can get quite hot at noon, so you are advised to carry sunshades, cap, sunscreen lotion and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

June, July, August

Facilities

Water sports and beach volleyball at Anchuthengu beach.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction

Tip

Begin early in the day when the weather is pleasant.

Type of site

Fort ruins