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Bekal Fort is one of the ancient and largest forts in Kerala. This fort is renowned for its unique keyhole-shaped structure that perfectly combines Kerala’s traditional and military styles. The fort offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Arabian Sea and beaches. The walls of the fort are made of laterite. The fort has observation towers, well-preserved moats, and bastions as its key attractions. The excavation revealed several structural remains, buildings, complexes, a Mint, Durbar Hall, a temple, and 2000 antiquities – all belonging to Tipu Sultan’s era. This fort is a must-visit for history and nature lovers.
Bekal Fort Location
Photo: Renjithks / Wikimedia Commons
Bekal Fort address exactly lies on a hilltop overlooking the Arabian Sea. It is 65 km from Mangalore, 9 km from Kanhagad, and 18 km from Kasaragod. This fort is beautifully nestled in the lap of nature in the Pallikkara village of Kasargod.
How To Reach Bekal Fort
Photo: Premnath Kudva / Wikimedia Commons
Tourists can reach this fort from the airport, railway station, or by road. The nearest airport is the Mangalore International Airport which lies at about a 70 km distance from the fort. The nearest railway stations to Bekal are Kasargod Railway Station (13 km) and Kanhangad Railway Station (14 km). Tourists can take a bus or a taxi from these places or nearby cities to reach the fort.
Things To Do Near Bekal Fort
Apart from witnessing its history and architecture, tourists can also explore the nearby areas of the fort:
1. Witness The Mesmerising Views At The Bekal Beach
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
Bekal Beach is a gorgeous seashore that extends over 36 acres of land. Tourists must come to this beach after visiting the fort. They can relax and also enjoy camel rides, and horse rides, and relish the local snacks on the beach. It is a well-maintained beach and not so crowded, which makes it a perfect place to unwind and soak in the calmness of the adjoining sea. Take a walk, lie down on the slippery sand, or simply gaze at the setting sun.
Location: 4 km from the fort
Entry Fee: ₹10 (adults), N/A (children below 5 years)
2. Relax By The Kappil Beach
Photo: Navaneeth Krishnan S / Wikimedia Commons
Kappil Beach is a splendid beach that covers a huge area of golden sand and clear blue Arabian Sea waters. The long sandy seashore is a perfect place to take a walk. Tourists come here to spend quality time in solace and also feel close to nature. A part of the beach is under Taj Bekal Resort & Spa and offers an exclusive beach for their guests.
Location: 6 km from the fort
3. Enjoy Rides At The Bekal Hole Aqua Park
Photo: Oswald Elsaboath / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The Bekal Hole Aqua Park is an adventurous place that offers different water rides for visitors. This park offers a respite from the usual hustle and bustle of the city. This is an ideal place for families and kids as they can indulge in several water activities here like water cycling, pedal boats, and more. The scenic location of the park is another attraction as the Bekal Hole River merges with the Arabian Sea here.
Location: 2 km from the fort
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM (closed on Wednesdays)
Entry Fee: ₹100 (adults), ₹50 (children)
4. Chandragiri Fort
Photo: Maqsood Poovadka / Wikipedia
Tourists can also plan to visit the Chandragiri Fort. It is a fort in its ruins and is preserved by the authorities now. Its ideal location makes it a tourist spot. The Chandragiri Boat Club near this fort offers fascinating trips to the nearby islands. There is a bridge which is the starting point of all the houseboats, speedboats, and island camping and tours. The local fishermen take the tourists around in water vehicles and give insights into local stories and folklore.
Location: 10 km from the fort
Timings: 8 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹5 (Indians), ₹100 (foreigners)
Where To Stay
Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are many good hotels and resorts near Bekal Fort. They offer excellent services, hospitality, and comfort to the occupants. Some of the best places to stay near the fort are – Oaks Residency, Chandralayam Homestay, KTDC Bekal Beach Camp, Halifax Inn, Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Bekalfort Heritage Homes, and many more.
Where To Eat
Photo: Deepal Tamang / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
You will find great eateries and restaurants near the fort. They offer multi-cuisines along with the traditional Kerala food. Some of the best places to eat here are – Bekal Corniche, Bekal Camp Fire Dinner, Backwater Cafe, Latitude, Nombili – The Restaurant, Aster Restaurant, and many more. Enjoy a scrumptious meal at any of these places after visiting the fort.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Ravi Varghese / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Tourists visiting this fort must ensure that they consider the following points while planning. It will help them plan the trip wisely:
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit the fort is from November to February. Winter is the ideal time to explore this fort as the weather in Kerala is very cool and pleasant at that time. Moreover, the surroundings also look very beautiful and you can click the best Bekal Fort pictures.
Average Cost Of The Trip: The Bekal Fort entry fee is only ₹20 per person. The rest of the cost depends on how you reach there. The cost of the cab or bus is not very high, so overall, this is a very budget-friendly trip.
Bekal Fort, Kerala is one of the most memorable forts of the state that offers a unique experience both in terms of history and architecture. Its picturesque setting makes it an ideal place to relax and also shoot videos. Its zigzag entrance and a wide trench are its unique features and the light illumination at night adds to the charm. You must plan with TripXL and visit this beautiful and historic fort.
Cover Photo: Brian Scott / Unsplash
