Kovalam is a coastal town set in Thiruvananthapuram District of the southern Indian state Kerala. This town is a magnet that attracts beachgoers from all corners of the world, for it boasts of three inviting beaches shaped like the crescent. As a popular tourist destination in Kerala, Kovalam used to be a stopover of the historical Silk Road. And so the area still preserves some of the old yet sumptuous havelis, the private mansions of oriental merchants.
Kovalam boasts an excellent example of an ancient British fort wrapped in the most picturesque coastal backdrops. This is one of Kovalams famous historical attractions, the Anchuthengu Fort, resting about 12 kilometres off Varkala and around 40 kilometres north from Trivandrum.
Anchuthengu Fort was built by the English East India Company, a firm founded in the turn of the 17th century. This company used to trade with countries like China and the Indian subcontinent and so Anchuthengu Fort became their important trading platform.
The fort is said to be one of the oldest trading posts built during the colonial times. Anchuthengu Fort was completed in 1695 and stood as an invincible bastion since then. The lighthouse rising next to the fort was initially used to guide ships arriving from Britain.
For those who are interested in history and architecture, a visit to Anchuthengu Fort will be much more than a mere sightseeing tour. As this British fort is an ideal spot to admire the architectural expertise of the British rulers, some four centuries ago. While you explore this historical site exuding colonial ambiance, you will come across an ancient Dutch cemetery in the vicinity. The odour of mouldy air and the sight of the ivy-wreathed headstones will certainly give you the vibes of a truly mystifying experience.
And while you are visiting Anchuthengu Fort you could also explore Anchuthengu, a beach town in Thiruvananthapuram District in Kerala. Apart from two churches with architectural significance you will also find inviting beaches offering various activities including beach volleyball here.
As Kovalam is a major tourist destination in Kerala you will find many
Kovalam resorts offering an array of creature comforts. Try one of the best
Kovalam hotels such as The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach, Kerala if you are looking for a cosy retreat wrapped in stunning coastal vistas. A few minutes drive from Trivandrum International Airport will get you to this exclusive Kerala beach resort. Guests here can savour their favourite gourmet dishes while watching an enthralling backdrop of the deep blue ocean melting into the azure sky.
