Land meets sea at Bekal Fort. It’s a 40-acre structure in Kasaragod, Kerala’s northernmost district.
The Kolathiri Kingdom in North Malabar, the northernmost portion of Kerala, was ruled by the Chirakkal Rajas, who built the fort. Due to the history of building massive forts for defence, the fort was built at the start of Kolathiri rule. In his book “Kerala History,” renowned historian K. P. Padmanabha Menon claims a seniority-based connection between Bekal Fort and the Kolathiri royal family:
The ruling king, Kolathiri Raja, was the family’s oldest male. Thekkelamkur was the first successor. His home was Vadakara Fort. Vadakkelamkur succeeded him. He oversaw Vekkolath Fort. Menon believes Bekal Fort is a perversion of Vekkolath Fort.
Many think Shivappa Nayaka of Bednoor, a Karnataka monarch, built Bekal Fort. Some think that Shivappa Nayaka reconstructed the Chirakkal Rajas’ forts Bekal and Chandragiri (near Kasaragod) in the 1650s or 1660s after conquering the area. In his 1985 “Handbook of South Canara,” historian H. A. Stuart stated this.
The Nayakas brought Ramakshatriyas to Kasaragod to protect the fort. Koteyar, a corruption of koteyavaru, means “fort people” locally. Kolathiri Rajas and Nayakas fought for Bekal Fort. Hyder Ali later ruled Mysore (Karnataka). He took Bekal Fort and other regions.
Tipu's Bekal Fort
Tipu Sultan, the son of Hyder Ali, relied on Bekal Fort for his Malabar military operations. There is abundant of archaeological evidence that the Mysore Sultans were at Bekal Fort. The East India Company acquired Bekal Fort after Tipu was killed in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799.
British Ruled Bekal Fort
British Raj military and administrative operations relied on Bekal Fort. After district boundaries were revised, Bekal became the seat of the Bekal Taluk in South Canara, Bombay Presidency. South Canara joined Madras Presidency in 1862 and became Kasaragod Taluk. Bekal lost port value over time. When India reorganised states in 1956, Kasaragod became part of Kerala.
Bekal Today
Bekal Fort draws tourists today. Bekal Tourism Development Corporation is working to make it an international tourism destination. Filmmakers love Bekal for its golden sands, emerald backwaters, and gorgeous highlands.
Chandragiri Fort
The Chandragiri Fort in Kasaragod is a place with a lot of history. It is where the Payaswini River meets the Arabian Sea. This fort was built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore in the 1600s. Located on top of a hill, ruins. People come to the old Kizhur Siva Temple at Chandragiri to watch the sun go down. Tourists flock to the nearby Bekal Fort, but those who come to this quieter spot will be rewarded with a wide view of the lush landscape below.
Places of Interest
Chandragiri Cruises are boat trips to nearby palm groves and beaches. Chandragiri Bridge is where you get on.
Chandragiri Boat Club: The Boat Club gives rides on speed boats, houseboat cruises, camping on islands, and tours of wildlife in the backcountry. Fishermen near the Chandragiri Bridge will give you a ride on the backwaters and set up trips to nearby islands.
Bekal Beach
The huge Bekal Fort is about 16 km south of Kasaragod, the most northern town in Kerala. It is one of Kerala’s biggest forts and has been kept in great shape over the years. It stands 130 feet above sea level on a point that stretches 35 km. A lot of work has gone into making the Bekal Fort Beach a beautiful beach. There are a lot of people at these places. The fort is in a good spot on steep hills by the sea, so it can be seen from the beach. It is one of the most popular places in Kerala. It is made of laterite slabs and has a polygonal shape.
There are many things that have led to the site’s success. Some of the main things to see are a viewing tower with beautiful windows, the Anjaneya Temple with its famous stonework, and two Theyyam sculptures made from laterite. Important places in the area include an old mosque built by Tipu Sultan and a number of underground tunnels. In the parking lot, laterite was used to build a rock garden that is a work of art in and of itself. On the beach, trees have been planted, and a beautiful walkway has been built, making it easy to move around and see the sights. At night, there are special lights all over the place that make it even more beautiful.
Anandhapura Lake Temple
The only lake temple in Kerala is the Ananthapura Lake Temple, which is in the northernmost part of the state. This beautiful temple is in the middle of a rectangle lake that gets water from a spring. It is thought to be Lord Ananthapadmanabha’s moolasthanam, or native home. He is the god of the famous Sree Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. This temple was built in the 9th century and is 30 km from Bekal in the Kasaragod area. From the temple, the view of the hills is very well-known. People like to see Babia, the vegetarian crocodile who watches over the temple and is also a vegetarian. The drive to the temple is very calm and peaceful in and of itself.
Hosdurg beach
Hosdurg Beach, also called Kanwatheertha Beach, is a beautiful stretch of coast in the Indian state of Kerala. It is in the Kasaragod district. It is known for the peaceful, natural beauty that hasn’t been changed. The Hosdurg beach is located near Kanjhangad around 23 km away towards the south. This beach flows adjacent to the town and is broad strip of water. The most eye catching feature of this beach is its Casuarina orchards, the astonishing bronze colored sand and the charming cottages which have thatched roofs and which run along for a mile on the beach.
Nearby Attractions
Hosdurg Beach serves as a gateway to explore other attractions in the region. The historic Bekal Fort, the scenic Kappil Beach, and the backwaters of Valiyaparamba are all within a short distance from Hosdurg Beach, making it an excellent base for further exploration.
Hosdurg Beach is easily accessible by road. Its untouched beauty, serene ambiance, and proximity to other attractions make it a hidden gem on the Kerala coastline, attracting those in search of a peaceful beach experience.
Bekal, a hidden gem in Kerala, India, is a captivating destination that left me mesmerized. The ancient Bekal Fort, with its majestic architecture and stunning views of the Arabian Sea, took me on a journey back in time. The pristine beaches, with their golden sands and gentle waves, offered the perfect setting for relaxation and tranquility. Exploring the serene Bekal Backwaters on a houseboat was a truly blissful experience, immersing me in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The warm hospitality of the locals added an extra touch of charm to my visit. Although Bekal is still developing as a tourist spot, its unique blend of history, natural wonders, and serene ambiance make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. Discover the magic of Bekal and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting corner of Kerala.