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FACT FILE Best time to visit -August to March INTRODUCTION Bekal beaches are famous for its scenic beauty and its very long fort jutting into the Bekal beach. The beach offers excellent surroundings and ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Rather than the beautiful beaches, the 300-year-old fort is famous as it gives a most spectacular view of the Arabian Sea from the top of the fort. This fort is one of the largest of its kind in India. Bekal fort rises 130 ft higher than the sea level. In and around Bekal there are a string of beaches ideal for enjoying sun and surf those are pristine and unpolluted. LOCATION Bekal is situated in the Kasargod district, the northern most tip of Kerala. Kerala is the South Indian state. Bekal is sixteen kilometers south of Kasargod on the National Highway -17. |
The best season to visit Bekal is between August and March. The maximum temperature is 36.5 degree Celsius and the minimum is 27.25 degree Celsius. The annual rainfall is 344 cm.
HISTORY OF POPULARITY
The history of the popularity of the Bekal beaches is as old as its fort. Bekal fort was built by Sivappa Naik of Ikkeri dynasty. This magnificent fort had been built around the middle of 17th Century (1645-1660). The fort was built by the Kathamba dynasty and for a long time it was under the control of Kolathiri Rajas and the Vijayanagar Empire. Then after the defeat of Tipu Sultan who held the fort under his rule for some time, the British East India Company occupied it. The Bekal fort occupies 35 acres of land.
For the time being, in the tourism point of view, the occasional arrivals of tourists made this haven heaven into a major focus of attention. The initiatives to tap all the tourism possibilities of this region began to be taken by the tourism authorities in the very recent past. As a part of its development the government have already announced a project worth to Rupees Thousand Crore by forming a separate board known as Bekal Resorts Development Corporation. The aim of the board is to convert it into Asia's finest resort, in the land of 130 acres by including backwaters, hill stations, beaches, cultural and heritage centers etc. The board is planning environment friendly, and a viable mode of tourism development. But the completion of this project is only in the course of time. Considering its historical relevance the fort is under the supervision of Archeological Survey of India.
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ACTIVITIES As any other beach resorts Bekal beaches are also ideal for enjoying sun and surf. Some of the most pristine and unpolluted beaches can be found here. The Pallikkere beach is a shallow beach lies just one km from the Bekal fort offers a spectacular view of the Bekal Fort and there are ample opportunities for recreation and relaxation. Another beautiful beach is Kappil beach, a secluded and remotely lying one is just 6 km away from Bekal fort. It is becoming a major attraction to the tourists. The Kodi cliff offers a panoramic view of Arabian Sea. The Kanvatheertha Beach is situated just 3 km away from Manjeswaram. The large swimming pool-like formation of the sea on the vast beach is the main attraction of the region. |
VICINITY
The Ananthapura Lake Temple, situated at a distance of 30 km from Bekal fort is the only Lake Temple in Kerala. This temple is considered as the original seat of Lord Anantha Padmanabha (Lord Vishnu).
The Chandragiri Fort situated near the Chandragiri River is known for its scenic beauty. A cruise around the green islands of the river is exciting.
The Veliyaparamba is the beautiful backwater stretches just 30 km from Bekal. Fed by four rivers and blessed by many small islands this piece of backwaters offers wonderful cruise experiences.
Manjeswram situated at northern part of the district is about 25 km away from Bekal. It is a cashew rich town and houses 15 Mosques. Manjeswaram is the birthplace of Govinda Pai, a celebrated Kannada writer.
Ranipuram is situated 750 meters above sea level. This evergreen forest offers tremendous trekking and nature watching possibilities.
Nileswaram is yet another important place noted for its contribution to arts and culture. Nileswaram was the seat of Nileswar Rajas. In the vicinity of Nileswaram there are many Kavus, the typical shrines of Kerala noted for its particular eco-system and environment. A folklore center of State Archeological Department is situated here in the converted Palace of Nileswarar Rajas.
LOCAL TRADITIONS & DRESS CODE
Nudity is strictly prohibited in Bekal beaches as any other parts of India. Topless parade of ladies is not allowed. One should be decently dressed when visiting the public places like villages, temples, mosques etc.
ACCOMMODATION
The accommodation is available inside the Bekal fort walls at the tourist bungalow. A private accommodation is also available in the village named Udma, a few kilometers north of the Fort.
HOW TO REACH
The nearest airport is at Mangalore, 66 km north. The train station for Bekal is at Kodikulumin, near the village of Palakkunnu and most of the trains stop here regularly. The district center Kasargod has the main railway station linked to all the main stations. Good roads connect Bekal to major towns in Kerala and neighboring state Karntaka. The Bekal fort and beaches is situated near the National Highway -17.
SECURITY PRECAUTIONS
Though the beach has fine sand and calm waves swimmers should beware of shifting sand bars.
DO'S AND DON'TS
Possession and consumption of illegal drugs is strictly prohibited.
