Bekal
Coastal Majesty: Bekal is a small coastal town in the northernmost district of Kerala. It is famous for its giant, keyhole-shaped fort that overlooks the Arabian Sea. The town offers a mix of history, stunning beaches, and backwaters. It is one of the best-preserved forts in the entire state of Kera la. The area is known for its peaceful environment and luxury resorts. Bekal has become a popular location for many famous Indian movie shoots. The golden sands of the beach and the green hills are very inviting. It is a perfect destination for those looking for a quiet getaway. The local culture is a blend of Malayalam and Kannada influences. The seafood here is unique and reflects the flavors of northern Malabar. History and Walls: The Bekal Fort has a history spanning over 300 years. It was built by Shivappa Nayaka of the Keladi dynasty in the 1650s. Later, it came under the control of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. Finally, the British took over the fort after the fall of the Mysore kingdom. The fort was not built for administration but for defense purposes. Its strategic location allowed soldiers to spot enemies from the sea easily. The walls have special holes for guns and cannons at different heights. It stands as a silent witness to many battles and changes in power. The architecture is simple yet very effective for military use. Natural Splendor: The Bekal Beach surrounds the fort and offers a scenic beauty. The waves are relatively calm, and the shore is clean and wide. A beautiful walkway has been built for tourists to enjoy the sea breeze. At night, the fort and the beach are lit up with colorful lights. The nearby Kappil Beach is another hidden gem for nature lovers. The backwaters of Valiyaparamba are also close by for a boat ride. The landscape is dotted with coconut trees and small green hillocks. It is a photographer's paradise due to the diverse natural elements. The air here is salty, fresh, and very invigorating for the soul. Luxury Retreat: Bekal is now known for some of the best luxury resorts in India. These resorts offer world-class amenities in a traditional Kerala setting. Many people come here for Ayurvedic wellness and spa treatments. The town provides a perfect balance of rustic charm and modern comfort. It is a favorite destination for honeymooners and high-end travelers. The quietness of the town makes it ideal for a relaxing vacation. You can enjoy the views of the fort while swimming in a resort pool. The hospitality here is warm and reflects the local culture. It is a place where you can truly disconnect from the world.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 DaysPlace Type:
Fort & BeachEntry Fees:
Fort Entry Fees: For Indian citizens, the entry fee is around Rs.25 per person. Foreign tourists have to pay a higher fee of about Rs.300. Children below 15 years can enter the fort for free. There might be a small extra charge for professional cameras.
Read MoreFort Entry Fees: For Indian citizens, the entry fee is around Rs.25 per person. Foreign tourists have to pay a higher fee of about Rs.300. Children below 15 years can enter the fort for free. There might be a small extra charge for professional cameras.
Parking Fees: There is a dedicated parking area near the fort and the beach. The charges are usually Rs.20 for bikes and Rs.50 for cars. The parking is well-managed and safe for all types of vehicles. It is quite convenient for those driving their own cars.Timing:
Regular Timings: The Bekal Fort is open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day. The beach area stays open a bit longer for evening visitors. It is best to visit the fort in the morning to avoid the noon heat. The evening light is perfect for photography and relaxing at the bea...Regular Timings: The Bekal Fort is open from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM every day. The beach area stays open a bit longer for evening visitors. It is best to visit the fort in the morning to avoid the noon heat. The evening light is perfect for photography and relaxing at the beach.
Ideal Visit Time: October to March is the most comfortable time for a visit. The weather is cool and perfect for exploring the large fort area. The monsoon season from June to September makes the place very green. However, walking on the fort walls can be slippery during heavy rains.Special Events:
Theyyam Performance: This is a ritual dance form unique to the North Malabar region. It is a spectacular display of colors, heavy costumes, and music. The performances usually happen in local temples during the winter. It is an intense and spiritual experience for any vis...Theyyam Performance: This is a ritual dance form unique to the North Malabar region. It is a spectacular display of colors, heavy costumes, and music. The performances usually happen in local temples during the winter. It is an intense and spiritual experience for any visitor.
Kasaragod Utsav: A cultural festival that showcases the arts and crafts of the district. It includes music concerts, dance shows, and local food stalls. It is a great time to see the diversity of the region's culture. The festival attracts artists from all over the state of Kerala.Best Photo Spots:
Fort Bastions: The circular bastions offer a grand view of the Arabian Sea. It is a perfect spot for taking wide landscape photos. The contrast of the red stones against the blue water is beautiful. Early morning or late afternoon light is best for these shots.Fort Bastions: The circular bastions offer a grand view of the Arabian Sea. It is a perfect spot for taking wide landscape photos. The contrast of the red stones against the blue water is beautiful. Early morning or late afternoon light is best for these shots.
Beach Walkway: The well-maintained walkway provides many photo opportunities. You can capture the fort in the background of your beach photos. The coconut groves along the shore add a tropical feel to the frames. It is a popular spot for wedding and fashion photography.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
**Bekal Fort** is the most iconic landmark of **Bekal** and stands as the largest and most well-preserved fort in the entire state of **Kerala**. Spanning over **40 acres** on a headland that juts into the Arabian Sea, this historical marvel dates back to around **1650 AD**, built predominantly by **Shivappa Nayaka** of the **Keladi** dynasty, though its history involves earlier rulers like the **Kolathiri Rajas**. The fort's strategic location and unique design suggest it was primarily constructed for defense purposes, lacking the palaces or administrative buildings typical of many other forts. Its sheer size and impressive laterite masonry evoke a sense of a glorious bygone era. Visitors are greeted by a zigzag entrance, a well-preserved water tank with steps, and the prominent Observation Tower, which offers breathtaking, panoramic views of the coastline. The sea-facing bastions and the strategically placed defense holes on the outer walls testify to the architectural and military ingenuity of its builders. The fort's captivating beauty, especially during sunrise and sunset, has made it a favorite spot for tourists, history enthusiasts, and even filmmakers, notably featuring in the famous song 'Uyire' from the movie **Bombay**. The entire area, including the adjacent **Bekal Beach**, has been developed as a special tourism zone to enhance the visitor experience while preserving its historical integrity. The atmosphere is generally serene, offering a perfect blend of history, architecture, and natural beauty.
@@The Lifeline of Mundakkai: The Mundakkai Dam is a significant structure located in the heart of the Wayanad district, though often visited by travelers exploring the wider Malabar region from Bekal. It serves as a vital water resource for the surrounding tea and coffee plantations that define the landscape of the Western Ghats. The dam site offers a breathtaking view of the mist-covered mountains and the deep green valleys that Wayanad is famous for. Travelers often stop here to admire the engineering amidst the raw beauty of nature. Despite being further from Bekal than other spots, it remains a preferred destination for those seeking a day trip into the high altitudes. The area around the dam is rich in biodiversity, making it a hotspot for nature lovers and those interested in the ecological balance of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
Bevinje Valley View Point is a hidden panoramic spot located near Cherkala. It offers a sweeping view of the Payaswini River (also known as the Chandragiri River) as it snakes through the lush green valleys of Kasaragod. The viewpoint is situated on a high cliff, providing a cool breeze even during the afternoons. It is particularly beautiful during the monsoon when the entire valley turns a vibrant emerald green and the river is in full flow. The spot is popular among locals for evening hangouts but remains relatively unknown to distant tourists, making it a "hidden gem." The silence of the valley is only broken by the distant sound of the river and the rustling of trees. It is an ideal stop for those traveling toward the hills of Ranipuram or Sullia.
The **Malik Deenar Mosque** in **Thalangara, Kasaragod**, is one of the most historically and religiously significant mosques in India and a primary center of Islamic pilgrimage in **Kerala**. It is believed to have been established in **642 CE** by **Malik Ibn Dinar**, a Persian scholar, traveler, and one of the earliest known Islamic missionaries to arrive in the **Malabar Coast**. The mosque is an extraordinary example of the seamless blending of traditional **Kerala** architectural styles with Islamic religious requirements, showcasing the region's long-standing cultural synthesis and tolerance. It is considered one of the nine oldest mosques in the state, founded during the lifetime of the **Prophet Muhammad**'s companions, marking the beginning of the Islamic faith in South India. The mosque complex includes a beautiful prayer hall, the tomb of **Malik Ibn Muhammad** (a member of **Malik Ibn Dinar**'s team), and a large campus. The structure stands out for its serene ambiance and its meticulous maintenance. The architecture is characterized by its sloping tiled roof, extensive use of wood, intricate carvings, and the lack of a traditional high dome or minarets often seen in North Indian mosques. This is a common feature of early **Malabar** architecture. The mosque serves not only as a place of worship but also as a hub for cultural and religious education. Every year, it attracts thousands of pilgrims and tourists who come to seek spiritual solace and witness a crucial piece of Indian religious history. The mosque's history is entwined with the legend of the last **Chera King**, adding to its profound cultural narrative.
**Kappil Beach** is celebrated for its unique geographical feature: a narrow stretch of coastal road that separates the Arabian Sea on one side from the tranquil **Kappil Backwaters (Kappil Lake)** on the other. This confluence of two distinct water bodies—the energetic sea and the serene backwaters—creates a breathtaking and picturesque landscape that is truly characteristic of **Kerala**. The beach itself is a vast, long stretch of clean, firm sand, less developed and hence less crowded than the main **Bekal** beaches. Its secluded nature makes it an ideal spot for long, undisturbed walks, relaxation, and peaceful contemplation. The major highlight is the elevated viewpoint known as **Kodi Cliff (Kodi Hill)**, which is located nearby. Standing atop this cliff offers a magnificent panoramic view of the coastline, the azure Arabian Sea, and the serene backwaters sprawling across the land, a sight that defines the beauty of **North Kerala**. The palm-fringed backwaters behind the beach are perfect for gentle boat rides, offering a different kind of water experience. The drive or walk along the thin strip of land with water on both sides is an experience in itself, often captured as one of the most scenic views in the region. The overall ambiance is one of raw, natural beauty and quiet majesty, highly favored by honeymooners and serious photographers. The relative isolation of **Kappil** has helped maintain its pristine condition, making it a wonderful escape from commercialized tourism.
@@The Golden Sands of Bekal: Pallikere Beach is a stunning stretch of shallow water and golden sand that offers the most iconic view of the Bekal Fort. Unlike the rugged cliffs of the fort, the beach provides a gentle, welcoming environment for families and leisure seekers. The beach is unique because it is one of the few places where you can see the massive laterite walls of the fort rising directly from the sea. It has been developed with international standards in mind, featuring well-laid walkways, seating areas, and a dedicated beach park. The atmosphere here is particularly magical during sunset when the fort is silhouetted against a crimson sky. It serves as the primary recreational hub for both locals and tourists, offering a space where the rhythm of the waves meets the echoes of history.
Hosdurg Fort is a historical marvel located in Kanhangad, which translates to "New Fort" in the local language. Built by Somashekara Nayaka of the Keladi Nayaka dynasty, this fort stands as a testament to the military architecture of the 17th century. Unlike the sea-facing Bekal Fort, Hosdurg Fort is situated on a slightly elevated terrain and was designed as a defensive stronghold. The fort complex is massive, though much of it now lies in ruins, overgrown with greenery that adds a mystical charm to the site. Within its walls, you can find the famous Nityananda Ashram, a spiritual center with 45 rock-cut caves that are a major draw for pilgrims. The fort's round bastions are its most striking feature, offering a panoramic view of the surrounding town and the distant sea. Adjacent to the fort is the Hosdurg Beach, a serene and relatively quiet stretch of sand. The beach is known for its cleanliness and the lack of commercial crowds, making it perfect for long walks. The interaction between the historical ruins and the natural beauty of the coastline creates a unique atmosphere that is both educational and relaxing. The fort was also a site of strategic importance during the reign of Tipu Sultan and later the British. Today, the area houses several government offices and schools, integrating history with modern daily life. Exploring the fort requires a bit of walking, but the historical insights and the breeze from the nearby beach make it a rewarding experience. It is a place where one can spend hours reflecting on the rise and fall of dynasties while enjoying the coastal breeze.Show All
The Ananthapura Lake Temple is a 9th-century marvel and the only lake temple in Kerala. It is widely considered the Moolasthanam or original source of the world-famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. Legend says that the great sage Vilwamangalam Swami performed penance here, and the Lord appeared as a mischievous boy before disappearing through a cave toward the south. The temple is surrounded by a 2-acre rectangular lake with perennial spring water. For decades, the temple was guarded by Babia, a vegetarian crocodile that lived in the lake and ate only temple offerings. After Babia passed away in October 2022, a new crocodile mysteriously appeared in November 2023, keeping the divine tradition alive. Visitors feel an overwhelming sense of peace here, amidst the sprawling hillocks and silent waters. The temple remains a symbol of communal harmony and spiritual mystery.Information
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Why Famous:
The Giant Fort: It is the largest and best-preserved fort in all of Kerala. The location on a rocky headland makes it look very majestic. It provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding sea and land. The historical significance attracts thousands of tourists every year. ...The Giant Fort: It is the largest and best-preserved fort in all of Kerala. The location on a rocky headland makes it look very majestic. It provides a 360-degree view of the surrounding sea and land. The historical significance attracts thousands of tourists every year.
Filming Location: Many famous songs and movies have been shot at this fort. The song Tu Hi Re from the movie Bombay made it very popular. Fans visit the fort to see the iconic spots shown on the big screen. The dramatic waves and old walls create a perfect cinematic backdrop. -
Architecture:
Fort Structure: The fort is built using huge blocks of red laterite stone. It is famous for its unique keyhole shape when seen from above. The walls are very thick and have survived centuries of sea spray.
Dimensio...Fort Structure: The fort is built using huge blocks of red laterite stone. It is famous for its unique keyhole shape when seen from above. The walls are very thick and have survived centuries of sea spray.
Dimension: The fort is spread over a massive 40 acres of land. The observation tower in the center offers a view of the entire coast. The zigzag entrance was designed to slow down invading enemies.
Military Features: The fort has an underground tunnel that leads to the outside. It was used as an escape route during times of siege or danger. There is also a large water tank used by the soldiers in the past.
Dimension: The walls rise to a height of about 30 feet from the ground. The peepholes are strategically placed for different ranges of weapons. It is an excellent example of medieval coastal defense architecture. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Mangalore International Airport (IXE) is the nearest airport. It is located about 65 KMS away from Bekal town. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from Mangalore to reach here. The drive takes about 1. 5 to 2 hours through the coastal road.
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Near Tourist Places:
1. Chandragiri Fort (12km), 2. Kappil Beach (6km), 3. Valiyaparamba Backwaters (30km), 4. Anandashram (15km), 5. Hosdurg Fort (12km), 6. Ranipuram Hills (55km), 7. Malik Deenar Mosque (15km), 8. Ananthapura Lake Temple (30km), 9. Nileshwaram (25km), 10. Mangalore (65km).
Tourism Tips
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Health & Safety: Be very careful while walking on the edge of the fort walls. The stones can be slippery, especially during or after the rain. Always carry a water bottle to stay hydrated while exploring. Follow the instructions of the guards and stay within the marked ar...
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