Bekal getting established as a destination, Lalit Resort and Spa, Newsbytes, Newsletter, India

KERALA TOURISM NEWSLETTER

ISSUE: 198

FEBRUARY 2010

Bekal getting established as a destination

Bekal, located in Kasaragod is fast getting established as a genuine travel destination with the commissioning of a resort at Beevoroi, situated in Uduma grama panchayat. This resort is the first to come up in the six plots leased by the state-owned Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC). Recently inaugurated by Tourism Minister Mr. Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, the resort has 40 luxurious rooms, floating cottages and helipad. 'The Lalit Resort & Spa,' was opened last year with minimal of facilities and since then has been undergoing further works to become a full-fledged resort.

The minister also inaugurated the resort work in the land leased out to the Green Gateway Leisure Limited, a subsidiary of Air Travel Enterprises India at Chettukundu in Pallikere panchayat. A parking bay near Bekal Fort which has the ability to cater the need of three lakh tourists arriving here annually was also inaugurated by the minister.

"It is heartening to take note that the region in and around Bekal is spearheading the efforts of Kerala Tourism in unveiling the tourism potential of the Malabar region as a whole. The Bekal project is a timely one that would make Kerala dearer to travellers from world over," the Minister said.

The BRDC is planning to develop Valiyaparamba, one of the most beautiful backwater stretches near Bekal as a destination for backwater cruise from Valiyaparamba to Ezhimala. The boat terminal constructed by Kerala Tourism at Ayitty kadavu is already operational. It is managed by the BRDC. To augment the current infrastructure, the BRDC had submitted a proposal to Kerala Tourism for developing the Kottkunnu - Bekal Fort and State Highway to Bekal Fort beach stretches into model roads at a cost of Rs.9.9 million.

An investment to the tune of Rs.7500 million is estimated at Bekal, following the completion of the five-star resorts on the six leased plots. The area was declared as 'Special Tourism Area' by the Union government in 1992 for the integrated resort development. The six plots on 89.03 hectares have been given on lease on a 30-year period. The resorts are coming up in 76.89 hectares spread over four panchayats.