Bekal Fort is the largest and the best-preserved fort in
Kerala. It is located 16 km south of
Kasargod on the national highway at the northern tip of the state. The structure stands about 130 ft tall, on a headland that runs into the
Arabian Sea. Bekal is one among the five centers selected by the Government of India to be developed into a ‘Special Tourism Area.’
Over 300 years old, the Bekal Fort was built by Shivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty. It was occupied by Haider Ali in 1763 AD and later came under British control. The fort features zigzag entrance, well designed openings on the outer walls for defense and channels around. The Sea Bastion, underground tunnels and the Observation Tower are noteworthy features of the fort. The tower offers a superb view of
the Arabian Sea. There are many underground passages leading outside from various parts of the fort. The magazine inside the fort is closed to the public.
Some of the nearby places of tourist interest are Pallikere beach and Bekal Aqua Park. Outside the fort, there is a mosque built by Tipu Sultan of Mysore. At the entrance is the
Anjaneya temple, dedicated to
Lord Hanuman.
The nearest airport is at Mangalore (50 km). Rail is on the
Kozhikode-Mangalore-
Mumbai route. Buses are available from
Kanhangad to Bekal.
