Bekal Fort Kasaragod

Located in the town of Bekal within the Hosdurg Taluk of Kerala’s Kasaragod district, Bekal Fort is the largest fort in the southern Indian state. The fort spans 40 acres of land and was constructed in 1650 AD by Keladi Shivappa Nayaka, the ruler and king of the Keladi Nayaka Kingdom.

Bekal Fort was strategically constructed for defensive purposes, with features such as the zigzag entry, trenches, and holes in the exterior walls designed to protect it from naval attacks. Over the centuries, the fort has changed hands multiple times, passing through the Kadampa Dynasty, the Kolathiri Rajas, and the Vijayanagara Empire before being claimed by Tipu Sultan.

Today, the fort is a popular tourist attraction, known for its unique location emerging from the sea, impressive features, and stunning views of the surrounding coastline and towns.

At a Glance

Explore Bekal Fort

The fort’s unique location, with almost three-quarters of its exterior in contact with water, makes it appear to be emerging from the sea. Although it was not used as an administrative center, the fort is known for its impressive features, such as the water tank, magazine, and step flight leading to an observation tower designed by Tipu Sultan.

The Mosque near the Fort is said to have been built by Tipu Sultan. The Fort changed hands over time, passing through the Kadampa Dynasty, the Kolathiri Rajas, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Tipu Sultan, and finally the British East India Company.

From the fort’s middle, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline and the towns of Kanhangad, Pallikkara, Bekal, Mavval, Kottikkulam, and Uduma. The fort’s zigzag entry and adjacent trenches reveal its defensive approach, with holes in the exterior walls built to protect it from naval threats. The fort was strategically designed with upper holes for reaching the farthest objectives, lower holes below for hitting the closest enemy, and the lowest holes for striking the nearest enemy to the castle.

Bekal Fort Beach

It is one of the best beaches in Kerala and a great place for family outings with young children, although the rough tides make it unsuitable for swimming. The beach has a lot of activities and food options available. The Bekal Fort and its scenic surroundings are becoming an international tourist destination and a favorite shooting locale for filmmakers.

History of Bekal Fort

Bekal was initially part of Mahodayapuram until the 12th century when the Mahodayapuram Perumals were defeated. Bekal then came under the authority of the Royal families, including Chirakkal, Kolathiri, and Mushika. Under the Kolathiris, Bekal’s coastal importance increased, and Malabar became a significant port area.

Following the Battle of Talikota in 1565, the Keladi Nayakas, including the Ikkeri Nayaks, became dominant in the area. Bekal acted as a center to conquer first, then defend Malabar later. Due to the economic value of this port city, the Nayakas reinforced Bekal, and the fort’s construction was completed in 1650 AD by Shivappa Nayaka.

In 1992, India declared Bekal Fort a special tourism area, and three years later, the Bekal Tourism Development Corporation was established to promote it. The fort has been featured in various films, including the evergreen Tamil song “Uyire” from the movie Bombay.

Plan Your Visit to Bekal Fort

Immerse yourself in history with Bakel Fort’s impressive architecture, strategic defense design, and stunning observation points offering breathtaking views of the coastline and nearby towns. A must-visit destination for cultural and history enthusiasts visiting Kerala.

Bekal Fort Timings

The visiting time of Bekal Fort is 8 AM to 5:30 PM on all days of the week. The optimal season to explore Bekal Fort is during the winter, spanning from October to February. As the weather tends to be sunny and hot between 11 AM and 4 PM, it’s advisable to plan your visit during the cooler hours of mornings or evenings.

Entry Fee for Bekal Fort

The entrance fee for Bekal Fort is INR 20 for adults, and there are additional charges for cameras. In light of the ongoing pandemic, visitors can make their payments through UPI payment gateways like Google Pay and Paytm for a safer and more convenient transaction process.

Getting There: Bekal Fort is easily accessible by roads that connect Calicut to Mangalore. The nearest railway stations are Bakel Fort (2 km) and Kanhangad (10.5 km) and the nearest Airports are the Mangalore International Airport (74 km) and Kannur International Airport (102 km).

Accommodation: Numerous lodging options are located in proximity to Bekal Fort. Please browse the splendid accommodations available by clicking the “Book Now” button on this page.

Places to Visit Near Bekal Fort

Apart from the fort, there are several noteworthy places to visit near Bekal,

1. Bekal Hole Aqua Park: An adventure park located at Bekal in the Kasaragod district of Kerala. The park offers various forms of water rides, including water cycles and pedal boats, and is situated about a kilometer away from Bekal Fort.
2. Padanna Backwaters: A serene and offbeat destination located at Chruvathur, about 30 kilometers from Bekal, known for its tranquil backwaters, rustic charm, and oyster and mussel cultivation.
3. Thaikadappuram Beach: A beach, located 20 kilometers away from Bekal, well-known for the rare Olive Ridley Turtles that come to lay eggs during the rainy season.
4. Parappa Wildlife Sanctuary: One of Kerala’s most well-known wildlife sanctuaries and is home to a wide range of natural habitats, located 32 kilometers away from Bekal Fort.

These are some of the many, check out our extensive list of places to visit in the Kasargod district of Kerala.