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The international tourist's dream spot,this haven of a place is surrounded by the serenity of the sea. This ancient fort is ridden with mysterious caves, wells, and hideouts. Besides, it has one of the most magnificent beaches in the country. Bekal Fort is situated at a distance of 16 km from Kasargode. Just about a kilometer's distance away is Pallikkara railway station. Safari rides on horses and camels are available nearby. There is also a Bekal Beach Park which is open on all days from 8 am to 7 pm.
Bekal Fort is the biggest fort in Kerala spreading over forty acres. The unique Bekal Fort stands amidst the roaming but the heartening music of the seas along with the eternal note of the unending waves, carrying the thrilling memories of a bygone era. This foremost souvenir of the 'Gods own Country' remains undeterred over the ages as a silent witness to centuries of eventful yesteryears. The Bekal Fort has been a source of attraction for historians, tourists, and nature - lovers for centuries since it embodies memories of a glorious past.
The Fort appears to have been built up from the seas since almost three fourth of its exterior is drenched and the waves do stroke the citadel. The Hanuman temple and the ancient Muslim Mosque nearly hold testimony to the age-old religious harmony that prevailed in the area. The zigzag entrance and the trenches around the fort show the defense strategy connected with the fort.
Bekal Fort happens to be the biggest fort of Kerala spreading over forty acres. The important features of this fort are the tank with its flight of steps, the opening of the tunnel towards the South, the magazine for keeping ammunition and the broad and wide steps leading to the Observation Tower is a rarity. From there one has ample view of all the important places in the vicinity like Kanhangad, Pallikare, Bekal, Kottikulam Uduma etc. This observation center has strategic significance in finding out even the smallest movements of the enemy and ascertaining the safety of the Fort.
Unlike most other Indian Forts, Bekal fort was not a center of administration for no remains of a Palace are found within the Fort. Probably the fort was built for fulfilling the defense requirements. The holes on the outer walls of the fort are so remarkable that they are specially designed to define the fort effectively. The holes at the top are meant for aiming at the farthest points; the holes below are meant for hitting when the enemy is nearer and the holes underneath facilitate attacking when the enemy is very near to the fort. This is a remarkable evidence for the medical technology of defense strategy. Apart from this, the wild and ecstatic beauty of the setting sun is a glorious presence in the fort.
Bekal is the ideal tourist destination that covers all the different aspects of tourism such as adventure tourism, backwater tourism, and beach tourism.No wonder then that this mini-paradise in Kerala is referred to as " God's Own Country in capsule form".
Trekking Spots/hill stations
Ranipuram
Shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands ….. Ranipuram, 58 km from Bekal is a stunning landscape in every shade of green. Situated at a cool 750 m above sea level, it is popular not just as a natural haven, but also as an adventure hotspot. Hidden beneath the evergreen canopy are delightful trekking trails that nature enthusiasts are slowly discovering.
Formerly known as Madathumala, Ranipuram's extensive forests merge with those of the nearby State of Karnataka. While the varied vegetation makes this place a favorite with nature lovers, the wild elephants that wander the mountains offer the experience of a lifetime for wildlife enthusiasts.
Kottancherry (30 km northeast of Kanhangad)
Visitors can have more of adventure at Kottancherry which resembles the famous hill station of Kodaikanal in its scenic beauty. The rainforests near Konnakkad present excellent options for trekking.
Possadigumpe
Ideal for an enchanting one-day tour is Possadigumpe, located on a hillock 323 m above sea level and 18 km east of Mangalpady in Dharmathadka. The delightfully cool environs of this place make it just the right place for a picnic.
Backwaters
Valiyaparamba
The most beautiful backwater stretch of Kerala, Valiyaparamba is 19 km from Bekal. Four rivers give shape to this network of waterways that lazily snake through the land, between palm groves and paddy fields.
A ride in a Kettuvallam - the traditional houseboat of Kerala - gives one an unmatched experience of the backwaters. The rustic charm of Kasaragod makes one engrossed with the beauty; the refreshing glimpses of life around the waterways make this goods carrier turned leisure boat much sought after by tourists. And, while gliding past little-thatched houses, past the clusters of green; past fleets of ducks you'll finally discover that serenity has a name.
A visit to the turtle hatchery center nearby provides the perfect finale.
Chandragiri
Unveil more frames of tranquility at Chandragiri River. Flowing beside the famous fort by the same name, boat trips are available from here to nearby islands and palm groves.
Beaches
Kappil Beach
Five km away is Kappil Beach. Vast, remote and secluded, it is refreshingly different from popular beach destinations in its inspiring settings and ambiance. Nearby is the Kodi Cliff that looks as if it sprang straight out of the sea. Take in one of the most panoramic views of the sea from here.
Kanwatheertha Beach
Located 3 km from Manjeswaram, is a large swimming pool-like formation of the sea on the vast beach which is the main attraction of Kanwatheertha Beach.
Azhithala Beach
Serene, secluded and punctuated with casuarinas trees, Azhithala Beach, located 25 km to the south of Bekal, is the ideal setting for long walks and out-of-this-world moments.
Bekal Beach
An unmatched experience of the sun, sea and the sand is this shallow beach, that offers, apart from the charm of unexplored nature, spectacular views of the Bekal Fort nearby. Adding more charm to the spectacular landscape are the swaying palm trees that border the beach.
Location: About a kilometer from Bekal Fort, about 16 km south of Kasaragod on the national highway, Kasargode district, north Kerala. Kasargode, the northernmost district of Kerala is renowned as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. The imposing circular fort at Bekal is one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Kerala.
The beautiful expanse of the shallow beach near the Bekal fort known as Bekal Fort Beach has been developed as an exotic beach location by the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC).
Beautification: Beautification of the site includes installation of two sculptures of Theyyam created using laterite at the beach and a shed with walls adorning murals created by artisans from Nilambur.
Apart from these a rock garden at the parking area has been developed where laterite boulders of various sizes have been utilized. Under the social forestry scheme, planting of trees has been done in the beach area.
Parking facilities: BRDC has developed about 7000 sq. m land for parking different types of vehicles.
Walkway: A beautiful walkway has been constructed for the visiting tourists to explore the beauty of the fine coastal line and enjoy the panoramic view of the Bekal Fort.
Beach Illumination: The beach remains illuminated during the evening hours so that tourists can more spend time at the beach even after sunset.
Resting facilities: Multi- sheds and Eru madams provide the tourist enough facility to take rest and enjoy the sea breeze. By using locally available materials, seating arrangements have been provided for the tourists at the beach.
Toilets: Toilets have been provided for the use of tourists and eco-friendly bamboo waste bins have also been provided in the entire beach area for keeping the site clean.
Children's park: A park has been developed here for children below 14 years. In order to maintain the developed site, a nominal charge of one rupee from each visitor is being collected as an entry fee. Similarly, a nominal vehicle parking fee is also collected.
BRDC also aims to develop in future another 11 acres of land at the beach for constructing a water park and a theme park.
BRDC was set up by the Government of Kerala to develop Bekal as a planned eco-friendly destination. BRDC has utilized 19 acres of land for the development of the Bekal Fort Beach at a cost of approximately Rs. 25 million, including land acquisition charges.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kasargode, on the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai route.
Nearest airport: Mangalore, about 50 km from Kasargode town; Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 200 km from Kasargode.IN THE LAND OF BEKAL FORT
The international tourist's dream spot,this haven of a place is surrounded by the serenity of the sea. This ancient fort is ridden with mysterious caves, wells and hideouts. Besides, it has one of the most magnificent beaches in the country. Bekal Fort is situated at a distance of 16 km from Kasargode. Just about a kilometer's distance away is Pallikkara railway station. Safari rides on horses and camels are available nearby. There is also a Bekal Beach Park which is open on all days from 8 am to 7 pm.
Bekal Fort is the biggest fort in Kerala spreading over forty acres. The unique Bekal Fort stands amidst the roaming but the heartening music of the seas along with the eternal note of the unending waves, carrying the thrilling memories of a bygone era. This foremost souvenir of the 'Gods own Country' remains undeterred over the ages as a silent witness to centuries of eventful yesteryears. The Bekal Fort has been a source of attraction for historians, tourists and nature - lovers for centuries since it embodies memories of a glorious past.
The Fort appears to have been built up from the seas since almost three fourth of its exterior is drenched and the waves do stroke the citadel. The Hanuman temple and the ancient Muslim Mosque nearly hold testimony to the age-old religious harmony that prevailed in the area. The zigzag entrance and the trenches around the fort show the defense strategy connected with the fort.
Bekal Fort happens to be the biggest fort of Kerala spreading over forty acres. The important features of this fort are the tank with its flight of steps, the opening of the tunnel towards the South, the magazine for keeping ammunition and the broad and wide steps leading to the Observation Tower is a rarity. From there one has ample view of all the important places in the vicinity like Kanhangad, Pallikare, Bekal, Kottikulam Uduma etc. This observation center has strategic significance in finding out even the smallest movements of the enemy and ascertaining the safety of the Fort.
Unlike most other Indian Forts, Bekal fort was not a center of administration for no remains of a Palace are found within the Fort. Probably the fort was built for fulfilling the defense requirements. The holes on the outer walls of the fort are so remarkable that they are specially designed to define the fort effectively. The holes at the top are meant for aiming at the farthest points; the holes below are meant for hitting when the enemy is nearer and the holes underneath facilitate attacking when the enemy is very near to the fort. This is a remarkable evidence for the medical technology of defense strategy. Apart from this, the wild and ecstatic beauty of the setting sun is a glorious presence in the fort.
Bekal is the ideal tourist destination that covers all the different aspects of tourism such as adventure tourism, backwater tourism and beach tourism.No wonder then that this mini-paradise in Kerala is referred to as " God's Own Country in capsule form".
Parambikulam Thattekkad Pathanamthitta Wayanad Thrissur Kumbalangi Thekkady Athirapally Attappady Silent-valley Thodupuzha Vagamon Thiruvananthapuram Nilambur Ernakulam Panieliporu Malampuzha Kozhikode Lakshadweep Kumarakom Cherai Munroe-island Ponmudi Konni Nelliyampathy Alappuzha Kalady Marayoor
