Monuments In India

Bekal Fort

Location	Bekal, Kerala
Built in	1690
Built by	Kolathiri Rajas
Main Attraction	Fort defenses
Current Status	Maintained by ASI
Architecture	Military architecture
Nearest Metro Station	Not available
Open	All days
Entry Fee	Rs 5
Days Closed	None

Bekal Fort is situated in Kasargod of Kerala state of India and is the biggest fort of this area that has covered the area of about 40 acres. The most important feature of this palace is water tank that has the tunnel that opens towards the south, another feature is the magazine used for accumulating the ammunition. It also has the tower used for the observations. There is the sufficient view of certain towns from this fort like Pallikare, Kanhangad, Bekal, Uduma, Kottikkulam etc. The railway stations that are available near this fort are Kotikulam, Pallikare, Kasargod and Kanhangad. The center of observation was very important for the purpose of viewing the enemy in regard of the security of the fort.

The structure of the fort appears that as if it has been built up the sea as near about 3/4th of the total exteriors of this fort are saturated by water as the waves regularly hits the castle. There is the Hanuman temple near this fort named as Mukhyaprana Temple along with the Muslim mosque that expresses about the prehistoric traditions that were followed in this area. The entrance of this fort is in the crisscross form and there are many channels present around this fort, this shows about the security strategies of this fort.

Just like other fort this fort was not being used as the building of administration purpose. Nothing has been found in this palace from the mansion that proves its use for administrative purpose. The basic motive for the building of this fort was to accomplish the needs of the defense bodies. There are the holes that were made on the walls so that the fort can be protected efficiently and effectively. The topmost wholes were for the purpose of viewing the farthest targets and the lower were used for shooting the enemy when they come closer and the lower most holes were used for attacking enemies when they reach very closer to the fort. All these architectural advancements shows about the defense technology.

History

Bekal is now converted into headquarter of the newly built Bekal Taluk of South Canara district in the presidency of Bombay at the time of reigns. In the year 1799, Madras presidency included the South Canara into it and Bekal Taluk is converted into the Kasargod Taluk. Later on, there is declination of the economic and political importance in Bekal. In the year 1956 during the reorganization, Kerala included the Kasargod in it.

The Bekal fort resembled with the fort St. Angelo and Thalassery fort at the Kannur that is constructed by the Portuguese. Through the route of Arabean sea, there were some invaders entered but the Ikkeri Nayakas had no guns to protect themselves from them. To defend the port from the other ruler’s nawal power, the fort is built with the various slits on the walls to defend from the attackers. This fort represents itself as a conflict of among the European power as because of its look. As before the Ikkeri Nayakas time period, the rulers of the land modified the fort according to them. The fort that was manufactured by the Ikkeri Nayakas were ruined as the time passed as they were not so much strong.

Architecture

Bekal Fort is situated on National Highway and is one of the biggest forts in the state of Kerela. The records of Mannual of South Canara this fort was overwhelmed by Hyder Ali in 1763 who ruled over Mysore and than later on this fort was captured by the British. Bastions of the sea as well as the underneath tunnels along with the watch towers are certain remarkable features of this fort. Tipu Sultan also constructed a very old mosque near this fort.

How to Reach

Nearest railway station

The nearest railway station is Kasaragod situated on Mangalore- Kozhikode-Mumbai route.

Nearest airport

Nearest airport available is the Mangalore airport that is about 50 km distance from Kasaragod. Another airport is the International Airport of Karipur in Kozhikode that is near about 200 km distance from Kasaragod.

Bus service

KSRTC bus services are available to the near by towns Kanhangad as well as Kasargod and the fare of the bus is about Rs.10 and the distance is about 12kms.

Nearby Places to Visit

Bekal Fort beach

Bekal fort beach is very near to the Bekal fort near about 1 km distance and about 16km distance from the District Kasaragod of the state of Kerala. In the Kasaragod district this beach is the most awesome beach that has the white sand surface area and covers the land area of about 35 acres. The presence of the Palm trees on this beach attracts the visitors the most.

There are 2 statuette of Theyyam that enhances the beauty of this place, these are created by the use of laterite on the beach as well as the shed having walls that have been embossed by the beautiful wall paintings by Nilambur artisans. There is also a rock garden in the area of parking that has been developed besides this.

Houseboat Cruise

The great point of attraction is the Houseboat ride in Bekal. Malabar region is famous for the houseboat cruise in the middle of palm trees fringed backwater; the tourists enjoy the peaceful halt in these comfortable and beautiful houseboats. These beautiful houseboats are pertinent for the families as well as the honeymoon couples. These houseboats have been built by the art technologies that are also suitable for the purpose of the business also.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The climate experienced by Bekal is the mixed type, however whole year round the climate remains temprate.

• Summers(The summer season ranges from the month of March – May and are hot experiencing the maximum temperature of about 36 °C. The tourists prefers this season for the purpose of sightseeing.
• Monsoons (June - September) experience very heavy rains due to the Southwest monsoons that starts from first week of June. The humidity ranges up to 90%. In October it experiences the monsoons of North-East. The beauty of Bekal enhances in the rainy season.
• Winters (December - February) experiences the dry weather along with the cool and moderate type of climatic conditions. The temperature goes down to 20 °C in this season. This season is suitable and preferable by the tourists for the purpose of sightseeing.

The most suitable time to visit Bekal is from the months of October - March.

• Months from October – March experience cool ambiance along with the dry weather. This period is suitable for the purpose of sightseeing and outings.
• Some tourists prefer April as well as May for sightseeing but its too hot.
• June - September months are suitable for the tourists who like heavy or medium rains.

Accomodation

The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal

Bevoori Uduma,
Kasargod District,
Bekal, Kerala - 671319

Neeleshwar Hermitage

Neeleshwar, Dist. Kasaragod,
Northern Kerala, 671314, India

Nirvana

Near Bekal Fort,
P.O Bekal Fort,
Kasaragod District,
Kerala, INDIA

Timings and Tickets

Timings: 8.00 a.m - 5.00 p.m
Open on all days
Entry charges are: Rs 5 only

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