Bekal – A Holiday Destination is a small town in the Kasaragod district on the West coast of the state of Kerala, India.
Trip to Bekal offers a versatile and exquisite visit to some wonderful historical structures amidst the breathtaking back-waters, estuaries and expanse of magnificient palm trees. Bekal is now synonymous with the giant keyhole shaped Bekal fort. But it is not just this awe-inspiring structure that one looks forward to on a visit to Bekal. Chandragiri Fort and Hosdurg fort are equally astonishing and worth viewing sites in Bekal.
The Beaches situated in Bekal are truely an asset to this tourist destination. Bekal beach, Kappil beach, Kanwatheertha beach and Azhithala beach add to the scenic beauty of the spot with phenomenal shoreline, surfeit expanse of palm grooves and varied flora and fauna. Valiyaparamba Backwaters and Kasargode backwaters are stupendous locales with sensational vegetation that truly captures your heart.
Hill-station is something you would not give amiss on a journey to Bekal. Ranipuram hill station, Kottancherry hill station (30 km from Kanhangad) and Possadigumpe hill station are known for their handsomeness and allurement.
Bekal Fort: The legendary fort with its artistry situated amidst the turbulent sea was built by Sivappa Naik of Ikkeri dynasty in 1650, which later was captured by the Mysore ruler,Hyder Ali in 1763. But East India Company took possession of it in 1799. The fort deposed all the eventful years nonchalantly and is thus the favourite spot of historians as well as tourists and other admirers of beauty.
A hanuman temple and a mosque proposed to be built by mysore ruler, Tipu Sultan stands in the vicinity of the Bekal Fort testifying of the communal harmony prevalent in the bygone eras
Chandragiri Fort: Built in 17th century by Sivappa Naik, the fort is entrenched along the Payaswini River and located in the South west region of Kasargode. It is a ruined fort with coconut trees and an outstanding view of Arabian Sea is witnessed from the fort.
Hosdurg Fort: It is one of a series of Fort built by Somashekhara Nayak of Ikkeri Dynasty and is in limelight recently for other reasons besides its beauty as Nityananda Ashram is situated in the place.
Kodi Cliff: It bestows a picturesque view of Sunset as it is located in between the Chandragiri river and Kappil Beach
Our Lady of Sorrow Church: The Shrine is located in Bela, 12 km from Kasargod
Bekal Hole Aqua Park: It is a park with water sports like pedal boats, water cycles adored by the adventurous Paalikkara beach, Valiyaparamba, Ananthapura Lake Temple are other splendid location worth being
How to reach Bekal:
Nearest airport are at Mangalore (50 km north) and Calicut (180 km south)
Buses: Buses shuttle every 30 minutes to and fro kanhangad and Bekal. Besides a travelable network of road connects Kasargode to major towns in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Railway: Calicut-Mangalore-Mumbai is the easiest rail route to the destination.