A tour to Bekal
A tour to Bekal is one of the highlights of Kasaragod travel.
Not too long ago, Bekal used to be one of those outstandingly beautiful yet unknown places.
Bekal had an ambiance, which was quite unique to the region. Those who came to see it liked it well.
Glowing reviews about the stunning beaches and the overlooking fort followed.
That
brought in the folks from the movie worlds of South India and even
Bollywood.Bekal gave them wonderful backdrops to colourful movie
scenes.
Thankfully, authorities also were not blind to the beauty
of the place. They could see its potential written all over the place,
on the wide spread sandy beaches, the green clad villages, the clean
surf , the gentle splash and the circular fort built almost into the
sea.
Government of India declared Bekal as a Special Tourism Area. Quite extraordinary because it is the only place in Kerala declared so by the Indian Government.
Bekal
Resource Development Corporation, a Government initiative, came into
existence. After writing grand plans for these simple villages, they
strive to translate them to reality.
Facilities developed as years went by.
Bekal
became the premier destination of Kasaragod district. Located at 12 Kms
from Kasaragod town, the sunny shore draws both domestic and
International visitors for a tour to Bekal.
The beaches of Bekal
The local shore line is dotted with stunning beaches of calm waves and clean sands ideal for refreshing beach holidays.
The
twin beaches of Bekal and Pallikkare, just in the vicinity of the
citadel are alike. Placid waters meet white sands which run into coconut
groves of beach side fishing hamlets.
Besides relaxation
facilities such as sheds and eru madams, Bekal beach area has large
sculptures, a rock garden and a children’s park.
Beaches of the region are ideal getaway spots if your preferred choice is swimming or plain idling. Kappil,
a secluded beach six kms away, is attracting a lot of attention for its
sheer beauty, especially from those who travel to Bekal.
Bekal Hole Aqua Park
Located about one km from
Bekal Fort, the Aqua Park is a local getaway spot. People reach here to
tackle hot Malabar days with water rides. Pedal boats and water cycles
are popular. The amusement factor makes Bekal Hole Aqua Park a place
well-liked by families.
Canoeing through the nearby backwaters is very enjoyable, especially for non local visitors.
Bekal Fort
Bekal fort was constructed with
defense strategy in mind. The circular structure is prominently located
atop a massive rocky cliff occupying about 35 acres.
Besides
overseeing the movements over the ocean, it gives a bird’s eye view over
the wider landscape of Pallikkare, Uduma and even Kanhangad.
Built by red stones, the fort has a zigzag entrance, a prominent water-tank, arms chambers and several underground tunnels.
Those
who built it 130 ft. above sea level had the intention of striking the
enemy all over the place. Holes were built quite thoughtfully, all over
the walls so that enemy could be hit hard far and near.
The
observation tower at the top is a great place to enjoy the beauty of the
beaches, the ocean and the villages. Located above the blood pond where Mysore ruler Hyder Ali killed two sisters for treason, people climbing all the way to the top, view red sun sets.
The sea side citadel gives the impression of being built from sea, as we see waves pounding against its outer walls.
Opinions
vary about who built this fort even though Shivappa Naik of Thelkkeri
dynasty is credited with its construction in the 1650’s. The fort
belonged to Hyder Ali and the British East India Company at varying
intervals.
Considered as the largest and best-preserved fort in
Kerala, currently it is under the management of Archaeological
Department of the Government of India.
Other local spots
Mukhyaprana Temple of Hanuman and the Muslim Mosque built by Tippu Sulthan are also attractive structures in the nearby area.
Chandragiri
Fort, around 10 kms north is a great picnic spot. Chandragiri River
rides are enjoyable and relaxing and can be combined with a tour to
Bekal.
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