Anchuthengu (“Five Coconut Palms”) is a small coastal panchayath and town in the Thiruvananthapuram that is sandwitched between the sea and backwaters, formerly known as Anjengo or Anjenga. The town is known for its old colonial settlement. It contains old Portuguese-style churches,a garden, a lighthouse, a 100-year-old convent and school, the tombs of Dutch and British sailors and soldiers, and the remains of the Anchuthengu Fort.
The island has high relevance in the history of India, with various colonial powers – The Portuguese, Dutch and the English – tried to occupy the place. The island has high relevance in the history of India, with various colonial powers – The Portuguese, Dutch and the English – tried to occupy the place.
History:
Anjengo was the first trading settlement established by the East India Company in Kerala after the Queen granted the EIC permission to establish a factory there in 1694. Having been constructed in 1694-8, Anjengo Fort was occasionally a port of call for East Indiamen. By the 19th century, the fort was considered unnecessary, despite having played a significant role in the Anglo-Mysore Wars of the 18th century. This, combined with the factory, were abandoned by the EIC in 1813. The town remained famous for its rope (which was made from palms found locally), as well as its home spun cotton cloth, cannabis, and drugs in the 19th century. At the time of the British Raj, Anchuthengu belonged to the Malabar District.
Getting there :
Nearest railway station: Kadakkavur Railway Station, about 2 km
Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport, about 36 km
