Bekal

Located in Kasaragod district in Kerala, Bekal possesses all the hallmarks of an emerging tourist destination. Its reputation among travelers stems from its rich historical heritage and diverse tourism infrastructure, all set within an idyllic landscape.

The History of Bekal

The name Bekal derives from Baliakulam, meaning "great palace".

Bekal was once the site of a grand palace. Its character has been shaped profoundly by the forts built by Shivappa Nayaka of Bednoor between 1650 and 1670. Other fortifications are considerably older, believed to have been constructed during the reign of the Chirakkal Rajas. These monuments stand as witnesses to Bekal's past, marking an era when fortress construction was essential to strengthen a city's defenses or protect a royal palace.

Bekal played a significant role in Kerala's history. It served as a military station for Tipu Sultan's forces during the conquest of Malabar. Following the sultan's death, the city and its forts came under the control of the English East India Company. The new Bekal taluk became the administrative center of South Canara district. The Madras administration subsequently took control of the city in 1862.

Exploring Bekal

Bekal offers a diverse array of tourist attractions, each worthy of your time if schedules permit. Among the most celebrated sites stands Bekal Fort. This 300-year-old monument takes the shape of a keyhole and reflects the architectural style of Shivappa Nayaka of Bednoor. It overlooks a beautiful beach where visitors gather at day's end to watch the sunset.

Bekal Hole Aqua Park represents another essential stop on any regional itinerary. Here you'll find a wealth of leisure facilities set within a welcoming environment. Extend your exploration by visiting Chandragiri Fort. This structure sits within Kasaragod district. Erected in the 17th century across a sprawling area, it transports you through history via underground passages and eight imposing towers designed for cannon emplacements.

Festival enthusiast? Rejoice—numerous celebrations take place throughout the year in Bekal. Experience the State Festival of Onam, during which residents don their finest attire and jewelry for celebration. The program features Kutiyattam and contemporary theatrical performances.

In essence, Bekal stands as an internationally renowned vacation destination. The government has designated it a special tourism zone among select localities.

Climate in Bekal

Bekal enjoys a savanna climate characterized by a dry winter season. Summer brings considerably more rainfall to the region.

How to Get There

By road, reach Bekal via NH.66, which passes through Mangalore and Calicut. If you prefer train travel, head to Kanhangad Station. The route to Bekal follows the Mangalore—Palakkad railway line.

Flying in, you'll land at Mangalore Airport, situated 50 km from Kasaragod. Additionally, Karipur Airport lies 200 km from the city. From either Mangalore or Kasaragod, board a local bus to reach Bekal.

What to Do

• Immerse yourself in local culture
• Visit ancient temples
• Attend a ritual art performance
• Learn Kalaripayattu, Kerala's traditional martial art, etc.