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IN THE LAND OF BEKAL FORT
The international tourist's dream spot,this haven
of a place is surrounded by the serenity of the sea.This ancient
fort is ridden with mysterious caves,wells and hideouts.Besides,
it has one of the most magnificent beaches in the country.Bekal
Fort is situated at a distance of 16 km from Kasargode.
Just about a kilometre's distance away is Pallikkara railway station.Safari
rides on horses and camels are available nearby.There is also a
Bekal Beach Park which is open on all days from 8am to 7pm.
 
Bekal
Fort is the biggest fort in Kerala spreading
over forty acres. The unique Bekal Fort stands amidst the roaming
but heartening music of the seas along with the eternal note of
the unending waves, carrying the thrilling memories of a bygone
era. This foremost souvenir of the 'Gods own Country' remains undeterred
over the ages as a silent witness to centuries of eventful yester
years. 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.
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
Muslim 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 defence 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.
Unlike most other Indian Forts, Bekal fort was
not a center of administration for no remains of a Palace are found
within the Fort. Probably the fort was built for fulfilling the
defense requirements. The holes on the outer walls of the fort are
so remarkable that they are specially designed to defined the fort
effectively. The holes at the top are meant for aiming at the farthest
points; the holes below are meant for hitting when the enemy is
nearer and the holes under neath facilitate attacking when the enemy
is very near to the fort. This is a remarkable evidence for the
medival technology of defence strategy. Apart from this, the wild
and ecstatic beauty of the setting sun is a glorious presence in
the fort.
Bekal is the ideal tourist destination that covers
all the different aspects of tourism such as adventure tourism,backwater
tourism and beach tourism.No wonder then that this mini-paradise
in Kerala is referred to as " God's Own Country in capsule
form".
Trekking Spots/HillStations
Ranipuram
Shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands ….. Ranipuram,
58 km from Bekal is a stunning landscape in every shade of green.
Situated at a cool 750 m above sea level, it is popular not just
as a natural haven, but also as an adventure hotspot. Hidden beneath
the evergreen canopy are delightful trekking trails that nature
enthusiasts are slowlydiscovering.
Formerly known as Madathumala, Ranipuram's extensive
forests merge with those of the nearby State of Karnataka . While
the varied vegetation makes this place a favourite with nature lovers,
the wild elephants that wander the mountains offers the experience
of a lifetime for wildlife enthusiasts.
Kottancherry
(30 km north east of Kanhangad)
Visitors can have more of adventure at Kottancherry
which resembles the famous hill station of Kodaikanal in its scenic
beauty. The rainforests near Konnakkad present excellent options
for trekking.
Possadigumpe
Ideal for an enchanting one-day tour is Possadigumpe,
located on a hillock 323 m above sea level and 18 km east of Mangalpady
in Dharmathadka. The delightfully cool environs of this place makes
it just the right place for a picnic.
Backwaters
Valiyaparamba
The most beautiful backwater stretch of Kerala, Valiyaparamba
is 19 km from Bekal.Four rivers give shape to this network of waterways
that lazily snake through the land, between palm groves and paddy
fields.
A ride in a Kettuvallam - the traditional houseboat of Kerala -
gives one an unmatched experience of the backwaters. The rustic
charm of Kasaragod makes one engrossed with the beauty; the refreshing
glimpses of life around the waterways makes this goods carrier turned
leisure boat much sought after by tourists . And, while gliding
past little thatched houses, past the clusters of green; past fleets
of ducks you'll finally discover that serenity has a name.
A visit to the turtle hatchery centre nearby provides the perfect
finale.
Chandragiri
Unveil more frames of tranquility at Chandragiri
River . Flowing beside the famous fort by the same name,
boat trips are available from here to nearby islands and palm groves.
Beaches
Kappil
Beach
Five km away is Kappil
Beach . Vast, remote and secluded, it is refreshingly
different from popular beach destinations in its inspiring settings
and ambience. Nearby is the Kodi Cliff that looks as if it sprang
straight out of the sea. Take in one of the most panoramic views
of the sea from here.
Kanwatheertha
Beach
Located 3 km from Manjeswaram, is a large swimming pool-like formation
of the sea on the vast beach which is the main attraction of Kanwatheertha
Beach.
Azhithala
Beach
Serene, secluded and punctuated with casuarinas trees, Azhithala
Beach , located 25 km to the south of Bekal, is the ideal
setting for long walks and out-of-this-world moments.
Bekal
Beach
An unmatched experience of the sun, sea and the sand is this shallow
beach,
that offers, apart from the charm of unexplored nature, spectacular
views of the Bekal Fort nearby. Adding more charm to the spectacular
landscape are the swaying palm trees that border the beach.
Bekal Fort Beach
Location: About a kilometre from
Bekal Fort, about 16 km south of Kasaragod on the national highway,Kasargode
district, north Kerala.
Kasargode, the northernmost district of Kerala is renowned as the
land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. The imposing
circular fort at Bekal is one of the largest and best preserved
forts in Kerala.
The beautiful expanse of the shallow beach near the Bekal fort known
as Bekal
Fort Beach has been developed as an exotic beach location
by the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC).
Beautification: Beautification
of the site includes installation of two sculptures of Theyyam created
using laterite at the beach and a shed with walls adorning murals
created by artisans from Nilambur.
Apart from these a rock garden at the parking area has been developed
where laterite boulders of various sizes have been utilised. Under
the social forestry scheme, planting of trees has been done in the
beach area.
Parking facilities: BRDC has developed about 7000
sq. m land for parking different types of vehicles.
Walk way: A beautiful walk way has been constructed
for the visiting tourists to explore the beauty of the fine coastal
line and enjoy the panoramic view of the Bekal Fort.
Beach Illumination: The beach remains illuminated
during the evening hours so that tourists can more spend time at
the beach even after sunset.
Resting facilities: Multi- sheds and Eru madams
provide the tourist enough facility to take rest and enjoy the sea
breeze. By using locally available materials, seating arrangements
have been provided for the tourists at the beach.
Toilets: Toilets have been provided for the use
of tourists and eco-friendly bamboo waste bins have also been provided
in the entire beach area for keeping the site clean.
Children's park: A park has been developed here
for children below 14 years.
In order to maintain the developed site, a nominal charge of one
rupee from each visitor is being collected as entry fee.Similarly,
a nominal vehicle parking fee is also collected.
BRDC also aims to develop in future another 11 acres of land at
the beach for constructing a water park and a theme park.
BRDC was set up by the Government of Kerala to develop Bekal as
a planned eco-friendly destination. BRDC has utilised 19 acres of
land for the development of the Bekal Fort Beach at a cost of approximately
Rs. 25 million, including land acquisition charges.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kasargode,
on the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai route.
Nearest airport: Mangalore, about 50 km from Kasargode
town; Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode, about 200 km from
Kasargode.
Other Destinations :
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