Bekal The Destination
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Lying 16 km south of Kasaragod town, north Kerala, Bekal is renowned for the
Bekal Fort which has a giant keyhole shaped fort, golden stretch of a beautiful
beach surrounding it, backwaters, hill destinations and water sport facilities. This magnificent
historical fort presents an excellent view of the Arabian Sea from its tall observation towers,
where a few centuries ago huge cannons were strategically placed.
The beaches at Kasargod are slowly attracting visitors as well. However,the local fishermen
who are the primary users of the beaches.
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here, are not very accustomed to sun bathers aspiring for a glorious tan, you may also become
the object of unwanted attention. Nevertheless, it is a matter of timing, and you may find a
corner to escape unnoticed.
This landscape of ethereal quality, its never-ending grasslands and sea
views possesses all the potential to be developed into a superb tourist destination.
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Bekal Facts at a Glance
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Kerala |
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The best time to enjoy the beaches of Bekal is between
November and April. The weather is pleasantly sunny and warm. Just perfect for a wonderful
holiday.
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Attractions in Bekal
The
Fort - This fort is more than 300 years old and is believed to have been built in the
1650's by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty. There is also another belief that it was originally
built by the Kolathiri Rajas and later captured by Sivappa Naik. The fort, a magnificent circular
structure of laterite rising 130 ft. above sea level, stands on a 35 acre headland that runs
into the Arabian sea. The fort with its zigzag entrance, strategically designed openings on
the outer walls for defense and trenches around, has no palaces inside and was probably built
just for defence purposes. The sea bastion, underground tunnels
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and the observation tower in the fort are impressive. 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.
Pallikere Beach - This beautiful stretch of shallow waters and beach, placed only a
km away from the Bekal Fort, offers a magnificent view of the Bekal fort. The public beach has ample
space for recreation and relaxation. With international standard facilities to be developed here, Pallikere
will soon rank among the best beaches in the country.
Bekal Hole Aqua Park - North of the fort is located the
unique 'Aqua Park', the only one of its kind in north Malabar. Here, pedal boats and water cycles offer
long hours of relaxation on the cool stretches of the Bekal Hole backwaters.
Kappil Beach - The Kappil Beach, remote and secluded is fast becoming
an appealing destination, with an unmatched experience of wide beaches and calm waters. The Kodi cliff nearby,
offers a panoramic view of blue skies and rolling sands.
Anandasram - Situated 15 km from Bekal, this internationally renowned spiritual
centre founded by Swami Ramdas in 1939, offers a quiet, peaceful ambience best suited for meditation and spiritual
studies.
Ananthapura Lake Temple - 30 km distance from Bekal, this is the only lake
temple in Kerala. It is regarded as the 'moolasthanam' (original seat) of Anathapadmanabha, the deity of
Sree Padmanabha Swami temple, Thiruvananthapuram.
Valiyaparamba - At a distance of 30 km from Bekal, this is probably the
most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Supplied with water by four rivers and dotted with numerous
little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort offering enchanting
boat cruises.
Getting There & Away in Bekal
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Nearest airports are at Mangalore (50 km); Karipur International
Airport, Calicut (Kozhikode) (about 200 km)
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Bekal is located on the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai
route. |
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There are regular buses every 30 minutes from Kanjagad
to Bekal. An excellent network of roads connects Kesaragod to major towns in Kerala, Karnataka
and Tamil Nadu.
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