Bekal Fort- an offbeat wonder

Many a time a small but amazingly beautiful place struggles to make its mark in the company bigger names in the field.  Often these places are skipped by travelers, perhaps unknowingly or due to lack of time in the quest of reaching bigger, more famous attractions. But those stop by often rewarded handsomely! Well, India has no shortage of such offbeat wonders. One such wonder is situated right on the edge of the northernmost corner of God’s Own Country at Kasargod in Kerala, gently kissing the mighty Arabian Sea-    The Bekal Fort. Have you heard the name?

Ok, no more riddles, have you listened to the famous Hindi blockbuster song ‘Tu Hi Re’ or ‘Uyire Uyire’ in Tamil from one of the iconic movies of the 90s ‘Bombay’. I am sure the scenes from that song are playing in many minds now! Aren’t they? Yes, Bekal Fort is the place where the whole song was picturized.

Most tourists visit Kerala to places like Munnar, Kochi, Alleppey, Kovalam etc as these are among the most sought-after places to visit in the state. Only a small number of them other than of course visitors from nearby places visit Bekal specifically to see this fort. The location could be one of the reason for lesser footfalls as most other tourist hotspots of the state falls roughly along the southern part of the state.

Bekal Fort is situated in Kasargod district of Kerala bordering Mangalore, Karnataka. The history of this fort dates back to 15th century when Hiriya Venkatappa Nayaka initiated the construction of this fort owing to Bekal’s importance as an important maritime port in the Malabar region. Further, in 1650 AD Shivappa Nayaka, a powerful chieftain of Keladi Nayakas (Ikkeri Nayakas) clan completed its fortification. In course of time, it changed hands and came under the rule of Hyder Ali and then Tipu Sultan of Mysore and finally under British rule after the death of Tipu Sultan during the 4^th Anglo- Mysore War in 1799. After that, it remained a part of the South Canara district under the Bombay Presidency till Britishers left India.

Coming back to present times, the fort is situated right on the edge of the Arabian Sea presenting a fabulous bird’s eye view of the Arabian sea, adjoining beaches on both sides of the fort and vast green expanse all around it. It is truly a treat to the eyes! Spreading over an area of over 40 acres the fort is nicely maintained with manicured gardens, beautiful pathways etc. It is the biggest fort in the state of Kerala. The fort was never been an administrative center so one cannot find any palace inside its premises. The presence of watchtower, magazine, water tanks, and surrounding trenches clearly indicates its defensive usage. The zig-zag entrance of the fort leads to ancient Mukhyaparna Hanuman Temple situated just beside the main entrance of the fort. There is also an old mosque near the fort which is believed to be built by Tipu Sultan.  

Although, all of the above might be fascinating a long walk along the perimeter walls, from one corner of the fort to another overlooking the bluish waters of the Arabian Sea is what one should not miss when at the fort. The glimpse of the sea down below from the gaps and vents of this wall and the cool sea wind that splashes the face through these gaps make this long walk absolutely refreshing. The views from the watchtower also provide an excellent 360-degree view of the fort, sea and surrounding places. Towards the northern end of the fort, there are stairs that take you to the backyard of the fort, down towards the sea which touches almost two-thirds of this fort. The tiny droplets coming to your face from the waves crashing at the big boulders is an amazing feeling.  Add to this a sunset that could well be the most beautiful and romantic sunset of your life! What else you want?  

Although one can come during any season I feel the best time to visit this place is just after monsoon season when layers of green moses cover the red, laterite stone walls of this fort and other surfaces giving it a totally different look. If you get tired of exploring this huge fort then there are always beautiful, quiet and clean Bekal and Kappil beaches on either side of the fort to relax and chill. So next time you are in God’s Own Country make sure you don’t miss visiting this fort. You won’t repent!

How to Reach-

By Air- Mangalore International Airport (78 Km) is the nearest airport and is well connected by flights from major metros of India besides international flights from Gulf countries. Kannur International Airport also has good connectivity and is 97 Km from Bekal.

By Rail- Nearest Railway station is Kasargod (12Km). Kasargod is an important station in Mumbai- Mangalore- Cochin- Thiruvananthapuram route and Mangalore- Chennai route. Most express trains and all passenger trains stop at Kasargod. There is no shortage of local transport from Railway station to either Bekal fort or to nearby beaches.

By Road- Kasargod falls between Cochin and Mangalore on NH 66. For the Bekal fort, one has to take a short diversion of around 20 KMs from NH 66 at Kasargod. It is nearer to Mangalore (70 Km), Karnataka than to Cochin, Kerala (362 Km).

Where to stay-

Owing to general calmness and beauty all around Bekal has become famous as a luxury spa destination. The presence of big names in the hospitality industry like the Taj and the Lalit resorts in this small town points to this. Besides these big names, there is a fair no of hotels, homestays available here suiting all budgets. One can also stay and visit from Mangalore. Prior booking is recommended.

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