Bekal Fort, Kerala (2024): Timings, Entry Fee, History & statistics

Kerala isn't always just about tranquil backwaters, picturesque beaches, lightly swaying coconut bushes, Ayurvedic massages and exotic spices. It can impress you with its ancient gems too. One such gem is Bekal Fort. Nestled in the lap of nature at the confluence of land and sea, Bekal Fort is a delight for both records buffs and nature lovers. This large and stunning keyhole-shaped shape of laterite is well-known for being the largest and great-preserved citadel in Kerala. It sits proudly on a steep hill and offers breathtaking views of the encircling Bekal Fort Beach and the Arabian Sea. The grand structure and serene location with the aid of the ocean make Bekal Fort a famous enchantment among travelers. And considering its ancient relevance, the fortress has been entrusted to the care of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Bekal Fort is ready 68 km from Mangalore and 15 km from Kasaragod. If Indian records, historical systems and natural splendor fascinate you, a journey to Bekal Fort will depart you mesmerised. Here’s some information about Bekal Fort timings, entry charges and extra that will help you plan your trip higher. Discover the enchanting beauty of Kerala: From serene backwaters to lush hill stations, explore the best destinations this God's Own Country has to offer Best Places to visit in Kerala.

Bekal Fort: History

Bekal Fort, a historical fortress, was a key military post for various kings, sultans, and later the British.

While the castle was reportedly built through King Shivappa Nayak, there are several other theories related to its advent. It is believed that Bekal Fort existed all through the rule of Chirakkal or Kolathiri Rajas as such forts had been built within the olden days for defence purposes. It become later invaded and rebuilt through King Shivappa Nayak of Bednore. It is also stated that the Nayaks added the Koteyar/Ramakshatriya network to Bekal and other locations in the Kasaragod district to strengthen the fortress.

There turned into an extended conflict between the Kolathiries and Nayaks to recapture and rule the region. However, this struggle got here to end in 1763 whilst the Sultan of Mysore, Hyder Ali, captured Bekal. The citadel changed into later used as an vital navy station through Tipu Sultan and his army all through his excursion to seize Malabar. However, after the demise of Tipu Sultan in the Fourth Anglo-Mysore War in 1799, the fortress fell inside the hands of the British East India Company. The British extensively utilized Bekal Fort for their administrative and army affairs. In 1956, the State Reorganisation Act become handed, and Kasaragod became part of Kerala.

Bekal Fort: Today

Bekal Fort is a famous tourist vacation spot nowadays. In fact, the lovely surroundings make it a famous taking pictures vicinity among movie and advert filmmakers as properly. The neat gardens and nice paths make this old building a great place to see in Kerala.

Bekal Fort: Architecture

Bekal Fort sits at an outstanding top of a hundred thirty feet above sea degree and boasts a place of 40 acres. This lofty keyhole-formed structure turned into mainly constructed for defence purposes because it has no palaces or mansions internal. The zigzag front, 12-meter-excessive partitions, tactically deliberate openings at the outer partitions, and ditchs across the whole castle vicinity talk volumes of the astonishing defence method that the past rulers followed.

The focal factor of the fort is the Observation Tower with peepholes. The tower become constructed by means of Tipu Sultan, once more for defence reasons. The fortress also houses a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, a mosque, and a water tank.

A first-rate issue of the castle’s structure is the super utilisation of defence technology. The peepholes on the outer partitions had been designed brilliantly to guard the castle from naval assaults. The topmost holes ought to goal at the enemies who had been at a distance, the middle ones have been meant to combat individuals who had been closer to the fortress, and the lowermost holes have been for the ones enemies who were closest to the castle. The underground tunnels and a sea bastion are different critical elements of the citadel’s structure.

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Things to See at Bekal Fort

Anjaneya Temple: The entrance of the castle has a temple devoted to Lord Hanuman. The shrine is assumed to be as vintage as the castle itself. It was renovated these days and is a prime attraction among travelers and devotees.
Mosque: You can also see a mosque built with the aid of Tipu Sultan simply outdoor Bekal Fort.
Observation Tower: The tower is situated inside the center of the fort and can be reached by climbing a flight of stairs. It has a top of 30 ft and a circumference of about 80 feet. The tower offers exceptional views of the rocky shoreline of the Arabian Sea and the inexperienced landscape on the opposite aspect.
Underground passages: The citadel additionally functions many underground tunnels main to the outdoor from distinctive guidelines. Two of these underground passages are nevertheless intact.
Sea bastion: The sea bastion at the rocky projection of the castle gives lovely perspectives of the beach and the Arabian Sea.
Sunset: The fort is a famous vantage point for playing clear perspectives of the sundown.

How to Reach Bekal Fort

The metropolis is properly linked by using air, rail and road, so that you can pick a appropriate mode of transportation to reach Bekal. If you're taking a flight, Mangaluru International Airport is seventy one km from the fort. Bekal has a educate station however with limited connectivity. So, it's miles better to attain Kanhagad (nine km away) or Kasaragod (18 km away) railway station and hire a taxi from there to cowl the space. Bekal enjoys true road connectivity, so you can also take a personal vehicle, taxi or bus to attain the castle from close by cities and towns. Embark on a journey through Kerala's wonders: where timeless backwaters, majestic mountains, and vibrant cultures await your discovery, Unique places to visit in Kerala.

Lesser-Known Facts about Bekal Fort

Here are some exciting things that not many recognise approximately Bekal Fort:

Unlike maximum different forts in India, Bekal Fort has no remains of mansions, palaces or any other homes. This implies that the fortress changed into constructed solely for defence.
The fort became constructed as a defence post to preclude threats and attacks from the sea.
The fort also has a mag room with guns and ammunition. However, it's miles closed to the public.

Nearby attractions

From solar-kissed seashores and delightful backwaters to majestic forts and temples, Bekal is home to various vacationer hotspots. Some should-go to sights close to the citadel are:

Bekal Fort Beach (one hundred twenty m)
Bekal Beach (1 km)
Bekal Beach Park (1 km)
Pallikare Beach (2 km)
Trikkannad Tryambakeshwara Temple (three km)
Kottappara Monsoon Waterfalls (5 km)
Sree Madiyan Kolam Kshethrapalaka Temple (8 km)
Kanhangad Beach (10 km)
Chandragiri Fort (10 km)
Hosdurg Fort (12 km)
Chembirika Beach (14 km)

Besides exploring the beaches and monuments, there are numerous other activities in Bekal. If you are a foodie, you have to try the local restaurants in Bekal. The town is thought for quite a number delectable dishes, along with Puttu, Idiyappam, Iddali, fried bananas, Payasam and Toddy. Shopping in Bekal is another a laugh option for vacationers looking to buy neighborhood products and souvenirs. The city is understood for its handicrafts, timber carvings and coconut merchandise.

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