bekal fort

Bekal fort is located around 16 kms south of Kasaragod. This is a giant keyhole shaped fort and there is a golden expanse of a beautiful beach surrounding the fort and there are backwaters and hill stations nearby. 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. Bekal fort offers a beautiful view of the Arabian Sea from its tall observation towers, where a few centuries ago huge cannons used to be placed. Near to this is an old mosque, believed to have been built by the valiant Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The rulers of ancient Kadampa dynasty built the fort. 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 Muslime 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 centre has strategic significance in finding out even the smallest movements of the enemy and ascertaining the safety of the Fort.

Railway: Kasaragod, about 16 kms

Airports: Mangalore, about 50 km; Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 200 kms