Location : Kerala
Major Attractions : Observation Tower, Underground
Tunnels
Best time to Visit : Throughout the year
About Bekal Fort
Lying 16 km south of Kasaragod, Bekal is a small yet beautiful town on the
northern tip of the south Indian state of Kerala. The imposing Bekal fort is
the largest and most well preserved fort in the state with its circular
structure that stands on a 35 acre platform on the banks of the Arabian Sea.
Though no concrete evidence about the origin of this monument is known,
however, this 300 year old structure is believed to have been built during
the 17th century by Ikkeri ruler Sivappa Naik. The vibrant past of the
region saw the fort pass into the hands of Hyder Ali in 1763 from where it
was captured by the Huzur of Canara and finally annexed by the British.
The fort with its peculiar structure is an architectural marvel. There are
no major structures inside its huge walls and is believed to have been built
mainly as a citadel to protect the residents during times of war. The major
tourist attractions of Bekal Fort include a sea bastion, a maze of
underground tunnels and an observation tower. The impressive observation
tower is over 80 feet in circumference and 30 feet high and is approached by
a set of wide stairs. The top of the structure affords a panoramic view of
the sea and lush greenery on the east.
Outside the gates of the fort is an old mosque built by Tipu
Sultan. The Anjenya temple dedicated to lord Hanuman is another major
tourist attraction visited by numerous devotees throughout the year. Various
parts of the fort has underground passages that lead to different locations
outside, some of these are still in use. The fort has been taken over and
managed now by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The Government of India has recently taken special interest in developing
the region as a major tourism area, replenishing it with special tourist
facilities that have played a major role in attracting tourists, both local
and foreign. Some recent excavations at the site have also revealed a wealth
of old coins and other historical artifacts. The Pallikere beach located
just a kilometer away is another major tourist attraction of the region.
Stay At
Some of the best staying options in and around Bekal include the Palika
Bhavan (Bank Road, Kasaragod), Enay Tourist Home (M.G. Road, Kasaragod),
Welwisher Boarding and Lodging (Anangoor, Vidya Nagar, Kasaragod), Hotel
City Tower (M.G. Road, Kasaragod), Government Guest House (Kasaragod), PWD
Guest House (Kasaragod), PWD Guest House (Bekal), PWD Guest House (Hosdurg)
and Tourist Bungalow (Kanjangad).
Getting There
By Air : Mangalore is the nearest airport, located at a
distance of just 50 km from Bekal. Karipur International Airport at Calicut
is another major airport located nearby.
By Rail : Kasaragod is the nearest railhead located on
the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai route. A number of daily trains on the route
stop at Kasaragod, connecting the place with other major cities in the
country.
By Road : An excellent network of roads link Kasaragod
with other cities in Kerala, Karanataka and Tamil Nadu. State transport
buses ply every 30 minutes between Kanjagad and Bekal.
