Anjengo Lighthouse
Standing close to the old Anchuthengu Fort site. The Anjengo Lighthouse guides shipping along a stretch of coast. Was once one of the earliest British East India Company trading footholds in. India, and its gallery offers views over the fishing village. Backwater inlet below. Anjengo Lighthouse sits at an elevation of 14 m. Is typically explored in about 30-45 minutes. The most favourable months to visit are December, January, February, and March.
Anjengo Lighthouse at a Glance
Essential information about Anjengo Lighthouse.
Weather & Best Time to Visit
Overview
Standing close to the old Anchuthengu Fort site, the Anjengo Lighthouse guides shipping along a stretch of coast that was once one of the earliest British East India Company trading footholds in India, and its gallery offers views over the fishing village and backwater inlet below. Anjengo Lighthouse sits at an elevation of 14 m and is typically explored in about 30-45 minutes. The most favourable months to visit are December, January, February, and March, when conditions are best suited for sightseeing. Nearby points of interest include St. Thomas Church, Vettukad Church, and Anjengo Fort. Other notable highlights include climb 145 steps for panoramic Arabian Sea views, see the 18th-century Dutch-built masonry tower up close, and walk to the adjacent Anchuthengu Fort’s old bastions. It falls within Varkala, Thiruvananthapuram district, and Kerala.
Highlights
- Climb 145 steps for panoramic Arabian Sea views
- See the 18th-century Dutch-built masonry tower up close
- Walk to the adjacent Anchuthengu Fort’s old bastions
- Spot fishing boats returning to the nearby harbour
- Visit the historic cemetery with colonial-era graves
- Watch sunset from the lighthouse’s base platform
Getting There
Things To Do
Walk to the nearby Anjengo fishing village and watch the catch come in
Follow the sandy path from the lighthouse to the small, active fishing harbour where colourful wooden boats land their daily catch of sardines and mackerel. Chat with the friendly fisherwomen who sort the fish on the beach, and try a freshly fried fish from a roadside stall.
1 hour
Walk the ramparts of Anchuthengu Fort
Stroll along the weathered laterite walls and bastions of the 17th-century English East India Company fort, located just a short walk from the lighthouse. You can see the old cemetery, the remains of the original settlement, and the sea channel where ships once anchored.
1 hour
Take a short boat ride on the Anchuthengu backwaters
Hire a local country boat from the jetty near the fort to drift through the calm, palm-fringed canals that empty into the sea. You’ll see traditional fishing nets, mud crabs, and kingfishers, and can learn how the area’s coir and fish trade once thrived.
1.5 hours
Watch the sunset from the rocky promontory near the lighthouse
Sit on the low, black rocks just below the lighthouse compound as the sun dips into the Arabian Sea. This is a popular local spot for families and offers a peaceful, uncommercialised view of the fishing boats returning to shore.
1 hour
Visit the old Dutch-style cemetery and the remains of St. Thomas Church
Explore the small, overgrown graveyard with weathered tombstones dating back to the 1700s, and the ruined walls of the first Anglican church in Kerala. A guide or a local fisherman can point out the grave of the first British resident, and the stories of the old trade settlement come alive here.
30 minutes
Climb the Anjengo Lighthouse for panoramic coastal views
Ascend the spiral staircase of this historic lighthouse, built in the 19th century, to see the Arabian Sea on one side and the backwaters and coconut groves of Anchuthengu on the other. The view from the top is especially rewarding on a clear morning.
45 minutes
Travel Tips
Use the handrails and rest at the halfway platform
The spiral staircase has a mid-level rest spot—use it to catch your breath and let younger members go ahead. Hold the rail firmly, and wear slip-resistant shoes as the metal steps can be smooth.
Visit during late afternoon for cooler weather and softer light
The climb to the top of Anjengo Lighthouse can be tiring, especially in midday heat. Arrive after 3:30 PM to enjoy a gentler ascent and better views for photography, while avoiding the harshest sun.
Carry water and light snacks, but avoid heavy meals before the climb
There are no shops inside the lighthouse complex, so bring your own water bottle and some biscuits. Eat a light meal at least an hour before climbing to prevent dizziness or nausea on the narrow stairs.
Combine the visit with the nearby beach and fort for a relaxed itinerary
The lighthouse is part of a larger historical area with a fort wall and a calm beach nearby. Plan to spend only 30–45 minutes at the lighthouse, then rest on the beach benches or under trees before moving on, keeping the day unhurried.
Coordinate with the lighthouse keeper for group entry and assistance
For groups of seniors, ask your tour leader or the ticket counter to request the keeper’s help—they can sometimes allow a slower entry and offer a chair to rest at the base. Also, check if the top is accessible that day, as it closes during high winds or rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lighthouse is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on all days except Mondays and public holidays. The entry fee is a nominal ₹20 per person, and climbing to the top is allowed, though you should be prepared for a steep spiral staircase of about 140 steps.
Early morning, right after opening, or late afternoon (around 4:00 PM) are ideal, as the light is softer and the heat is less intense. Avoid midday, as the sun can be harsh and the metal stair railings get very hot. On a clear day, you can see the Arabian Sea, the backwaters, and the nearby Varkala cliffs.
The climb is quite steep and narrow, with no lift, so it may be challenging for those with mobility issues or heart conditions. If you are a senior traveller, it is advisable to stay at the base and enjoy the surrounding gardens and sea views, or have a companion assist you slowly if you must go up.
The lighthouse is about 10 km from Varkala town, and you can take an auto-rickshaw (around ₹300 one way) or a local bus that stops at Anjengo junction, followed by a 10-minute walk. There is a small, unpaved parking area near the gate that can fit 4-5 cars, but for a large tour bus, you will need to drop off passengers and park on the main road.
There are basic public restrooms near the entrance, but they may not be very clean, so carry your own tissues and hand sanitiser. Drinking water is available at a small kiosk, but it is safer to carry your own bottle. There are no proper restaurants nearby, so pack light snacks or eat before you come.
Suggested Itineraries
2 Days in Anjengo Lighthouse
Day 1
Begin your day with a relaxed arrival in Anchuthengu, settling into the coastal rhythm. Spend the morning exploring the historic Anchuthengu Fort and its cemetery, followed by a leisurely lunch at a local seaside eatery. In the late afternoon, climb to the Anjengo Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and watch the sunset before a quiet dinner.
- Walk through the crumbling ramparts of Anchuthengu Fort, built by the British East India Company in the 1690s, and see the old Dutch-style cemetery with weathered tombstones.
- Visit the nearby St. Thomas Church (Anchuthengu), one of the oldest churches in the region, and chat with local fishermen repairing their nets along the shore.
- Climb the 400+ steps of Anjengo Lighthouse (open 3 PM to 5 PM) for sweeping views of coconut groves, backwaters, and the vast ocean; linger for the golden hour.
Day 2
On your second day, ease into the morning with a slow village stroll and a boat ride along the backwaters that surround the old settlement. Discover the salt-pan fields and coir-making units that have sustained this community for generations. After a hearty lunch, visit the small local museum or simply relax on the beach before heading onward.
- Take a 2-hour canoe or country boat ride through the mangrove-lined canals, spotting kingfishers, herons, and occasional otters, with a stop at a small island where toddy tappers work.
- Walk through the narrow lanes of Anchuthengu village, observing traditional coir rope-making from coconut husks and the open salt pans where workers harvest sea salt.
- Spend the final hour at the black-sand beach near the lighthouse, collecting shells and watching local children play cricket, before a cup of chai at a beachside shack.
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