Monuments In India

Anchunthengu Fort

Location	Kovalam, Kerala, India
Built in	1695
Built by	British
Main Attraction	Churches, cemetery
Current Status	Maintained by ASI
Architecture	British architecture
Nearest Metro Station	Not available
Open	All days
Entry Fee	No entry fee
Days Closed	None

Anchuthengu is an historical place a beautiful scenery coast, which is about 12 km away from the Vakala and 36 km far from the city Trivandrum. In the 17th century era, this fort represents the architectural style of the British rule. As the witness of colonial era of India, this fort is located on the outer region of the Kovalam. This fort was built as an invincible stronghold of the British East India Company in the year 1800. In 1695 after it got completed, it was used as a source of lighthouse for guiding the ships arriving from the Britain. There is about an old Dutch cemetery just at the side of the ruins of the fort. There are groups of ferns and ivy on the headstones in this fort. The air in this cemetery is like humid with a silence to give a goosebumps.

Before this place comes under the British East India, this place was under a Portuguese decision at the thick groves of palm with a perfect sand shore. Anchuthengu has witnessed historical places like beaches, lighthouse, architectural churches, and an ancient 100-years old convent school.

One can found the refresh air moving towards the Arabian sea after the cemetery and amble around the walls of the fort. There are various collections of water sports at the beaches just like volleyball or one can enjoy the steamy sun by spending the time on the silver sand at the beaches.

Other than that, there are not many options in the Anchuthengu. So after a day trip top this place, it is best option to return back to Trivandrum or Kovalam.

History

Anjengo was set by the company of English East India for the establishment of the trade in the state Kerela in the 17th century. This place was granted for trading for the Britishers by the Queen of Attingal. By getting the permission by the queen, Britishers built the fort and factory here.

There are various famous places to visit in Anchunthengu like old lighthouse, tombs of Dutch, 100 year old convent school, Anjengo fort etc. There was a style of Portuguese architecture in the churches of this place. During the wars of Anglo-Mysore in the 18th century, a very important role was played by this fort.

Architecture

For the tourist of Kovalam, this Anchuthengu Fort placed as an important landmark. This fort of Anchuthengu was built in the style of architectural by the British in the 17th century. At the time of colonial rule, this fort performed a main role as a trading platform in the Kovalam.

How to Reach

There is about 36 km of distance to the visit this fort from the Thiruvananthapuram. There are road options also to visit this fort via the bus services from the Thiruvananthapuram.

Nearby Places to Visit

Beach

The beaches in the Anchuthengu are very clean and beautiful. There are lots of beautiful views like drying of net in the tropical sun and boats for fishing that parked on the sand. A famous village named Kaikara is situated nearby this place, which is a birthplace of a famous Malayalam poet named Kumaran Asan.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The best time of visiting the Kovalam is the months of September to March instead of time of dry climate.

• Summers (March to May). In summers, temperature ranges between the 20°C to a maximum of 36°C. It is very hot in summers.
• Winters (November to February). The season of winter is very cool and pleasant. The temperature varies from 16°C to 34°C.
• Monsoons (June to August). There are lots of thunderstorms and plentiful rainfall in this area.

During the season of monsoon, Kovalam is full of tourists that came for the Ayurvedic treatment and also this season is best for the basking in the sunlight. For tourists those are interested in basking in sun and interested in sightseeing, the months of October to February is the best time to visit.

There are lots of celebrations in the months of August to September. The famous festival Onam is also celebrated during these months. At the time of New Year, the beaches at Kovalam are full of fun and celebrations.

Accomodation

Surya Samudra Private Retreats

Kovalam, Pulinkudi,
Thiruvananthapuram - 695 521
Kerala, India

Karikkathi Beach House

Cliff Beach Garden,
South of Kovalam,
Mulloor Thottam, Pulinkudi
Thiruvananthapuram - 695521
Kerala

Greenshore Apartments

Lighthouse Road
Kovalam, Vizhinjam PO
Trivandrum - 695 521
Kerala, South India

Timings and Tickets

Timings: 10.00 a.m - 8.00 p.m
Open on all days
Entry charges are: free, there is no entry fee.

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