KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER
Bekal
The northern region of Kerala is emerging these days as the next most favoured among destinations in Kerala. The region has an eventful history, unique cultural traits and richly endowed nature, which are no doubt, entities good enough to captivate the attention of travellers reaching Kerala.
And the nerve centre that triggered development in an impressive manner in north Kerala has been the region in and around Bekal. This beach-side destination located in Kerala's northernmost district of Kasaragod is fast turning into a beehive of travellers.
Bekal Fort
Among the main attractions in Bekal is obviously the imposing fort by the same name that juts into the Arabian Sea. Located about 16 km south of Kasaragod town, Bekal Fort, noted for its keyhole shaped structure, offers spectacular views of the surroundings; especially that of the sea from its ramparts. Bekal Fort is the largest and best preserved fort in the whole of Kerala. Some of the ramparts of this fort have been mounted with huge cannons, which still look imposing.
Bekal Fort was built by the rulers of the ancient Kadampa dynasty. The fort later changed hands and it came under the occupation of Kolathiri Rajas, the Vijayanagar Empire, Tipu Sultan and finally the British East India Company. These days, the Bekal Fort and its surroundings are fast becoming an international tourist destination and a favourite shooting locale for filmmakers.
Bekal Beach
Flanking the Bekal Fort is the golden expanse of the beautiful Bekal beach. This beautiful expanse of shallow beach is currently managed by the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC). These days, the beach has become a favourite spot for locals as well as visitors from far off places to spend some good time. During the evenings, the beach would get illuminated, enabling visitors to spend more time here, even after watching spectacular sunsets.
The beach also has a beautiful walkway, and visitors often relish taking a stroll on it for enjoying the beauty of the coastline and also to have a panoramic view of the majestic Bekal Fort at one end. And for those who would like to relax and catch some cool sea breeze the tree house called
eru madam on the beach is an ideal option. And there are also seating facilities on the beach, made by using locally available materials. For the children, the park here offers plenty of excitement.
Valiyaparamba backwaters
If you had enough of the Bekal beach, it is time for you to move to a destination, about 30 km from Bekal, which is a water world of a different setting. The Valiyaparamba backwaters near Bekal is one of the most scenic backwater stretches in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba offers enchanting boat cruises to its visitors. While cruising, one would come across sights of backwater life and also vast stretches of coconut groves on either side of the backwater.
Chandragiri
Our next destination near Bekal is noted for its historic fort and also the river by the same name. Chandragiri Fort is a 17th century fort located on the banks of the Chandragiri River. It is not an intact fort and these days only the ruins remain. Earlier, the Chandragiri River served as the border between two erstwhile kingdoms - Kolathunadu and Thulunadu. The fort offers a breathtaking view of the river and also the Arabian Sea. It is a vantage point to enjoy splendid sunsets. Boat trips to nearby islands and palm groves are also available at Chandragiri.
A place of immense interest to those into archaeology and history, the Chandragiri Fort is currently a protected monument under the State Archaeology Department.
Hope, you would have a nice outing the next time you visit Bekal. It is also your gateway to explore and be part of the many hitherto unheard sights, sounds and flavours of Malabar. And with the opening of the luxury beach resort - The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal, visitors are in for a refreshing experience in Kasaragod. For more information, log on to http://www.thelalit.com/the-lalit-resort-spa-bekal/overview.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod, about 16 km.
Nearest airports: Mangalore, about 50 km; Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 200 km.
