Bekal is a small town in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, India. It is famous for its Bekal Fort, one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Kerala, and its Bekal Beach, a pristine and serene beach that offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Bekal is also a place of rich culture, history and language, reflecting the diversity and heritage of Kerala. If you are looking for a peaceful and relaxing getaway, Bekal is the perfect destination for you. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Bekal, from its attractions and activities to its transportation and accommodation.
Bekal as a Tourist Destination
Bekal is located on the west coast of Kerala, about 65 km from the city of Mangalore. It has a tropical climate, with hot and humid summers and mild winters. The average temperature ranges from 22°C to 34°C throughout the year. The population of Bekal is around 35,000, mostly belonging to the Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities.
Bekal is known for its diversity and richness in culture, history and language, as it has been influenced by various rulers and dynasties, such as the Cheras, the Kolathiris, the Vijayanagara Empire, the Mysore Kingdom, the Portuguese, the British and the Hyder Ali-Tipu Sultan duo.
Bekal has a unique dialect of Malayalam, called Kasaragod Malayalam, which is influenced by Kannada, Tulu, Tamil and Arabic languages. Bekal is also famous for its art forms, such as Theyyam, Yakshagana, Oppana and Mappila Pattu, and its cuisine, such as Pathiri, Biryani, Fish Curry and Payasam.
Bekal has many attractions and activities for tourists, ranging from historical and architectural marvels to natural and scenic wonders. The main attraction of Bekal is the Bekal Fort, which is the largest fort in Kerala, covering an area of 40 acres. The fort was built in the 17th century by Shivappa Nayaka of the Keladi Nayaka dynasty, and later modified by Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan. The fort has a unique keyhole-shaped design, with a massive circular structure at the centre, surrounded by walls, bastions, towers, cannons, tunnels, magazines, water tanks and temples. The fort offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and the Bekal Beach, which is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, boating and fishing. The fort also has a museum, which displays the history and artifacts of the fort and the region. The fort is open from 8 am to 6 pm, and the entry fee is Rs. 15 for Indians and Rs. 200 for foreigners.
Another attraction of Bekal is the Ananthapura Lake Temple, which is the only lake temple in Kerala, and the original seat of Ananthapadmanabha Swamy, the presiding deity of the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram. The temple is situated in the middle of a lake, which is home to a crocodile named Babia, who is believed to be the guardian of the temple. The temple is built in the traditional Kerala style, with wooden carvings, murals and sculptures. The temple is open from 5:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, and the entry is free.
Some other attractions of Bekal are the Chandragiri Fort, which is a 17th century fort built by Sivappa Nayaka, and offers a view of the Chandragiri River and the Arabian Sea, the Nileshwar, which is a cultural and spiritual centre, with many temples, ashrams, festivals and art forms, and the Valiyaparamba Backwaters, which is the third largest backwater in Kerala, and a scenic place for houseboat cruises, kayaking and birdwatching.
How to Reach Bekal and What to Know Before You Go
Bekal is easily accessible by air, rail and road. The nearest airport is the Mangalore International Airport, which is about 50 km from Bekal. The airport has flights to and from major cities in India and abroad, such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, etc.
From the airport, you can take a taxi, bus or train to Bekal. The nearest railway station is the Kasaragod Railway Station, which is about 12 km from Bekal. The station is well-connected to other parts of Kerala and India, such as Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Bangalore, Mumbai, etc. From the station, you can take a taxi, bus or auto-rickshaw to Bekal. You can also reach Bekal by road, as it is located on the National Highway 66, which runs along the west coast of India. There are regular buses and taxis available from nearby cities, such as Mangalore, Kannur, Kozhikode, etc.
The best time to visit Bekal is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the rainfall is low. This is also the peak season for tourism, so you can expect more crowds and higher prices. If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the monsoon, you can visit Bekal from June to September, when the weather is cool and the rainfall is high. This is also the off-season for tourism, so you can expect less crowds and lower prices. However, some attractions and activities may be closed or restricted due to the rain. You can also visit Bekal from April to May, when the weather is hot and humid, and the rainfall is moderate. This is also the shoulder season for tourism, so you can expect moderate crowds and prices. However, you may need to carry sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and water to cope with the heat.
Tips and rules
Before you go to Bekal, you should know some tips and rules to make your trip smooth and enjoyable. Here are some of them:
- Carry cash, as ATMs and card machines may not be available or functional in some places.
- Dress modestly, as Bekal is a conservative place, and respect the local customs and traditions.
- Avoid drinking alcohol, as Bekal is a dry place, and alcohol is banned in Kerala.
- Avoid eating beef, as Bekal is a Hindu-dominated place, and cow is considered sacred in Hinduism.
- Avoid littering, as Bekal is a clean and green place, and littering is punishable by law.
- Avoid smoking, as Bekal is a smoke-free place, and smoking is prohibited in public places.
- Avoid touching or feeding the animals, as Bekal is a wildlife-rich place, and animals may be dangerous or diseased.
Nearby Attractions and Where to Stay in Bekal
Bekal has many nearby attractions that you can explore during your trip. Some of them are:
Ranipuram, which is a hill station and a wildlife sanctuary, about 55 km from Bekal. It is known for its lush green forests, grasslands, waterfalls and wildlife, such as elephants, leopards, deer, etc. It is also a popular place for trekking, camping and birdwatching.
Kappil Beach, which is a secluded and serene beach, about 6 km from Bekal. It is known for its golden sand, clear water and coconut groves. It is also a good place for swimming, surfing and fishing.
Madhur Temple, which is an ancient and beautiful temple, about 8 km from Bekal. It is dedicated to Lord Ganesh, and has a unique architecture, with copper-plated roofs, wooden carvings and mural paintings. It is also famous for its festivals, such as Ganesh Chaturthi and Madhur Bedi.
Bekal has many accommodation options for tourists, ranging from budget to luxury. Some of them are:
The Lalit Resort and Spa Bekal, which is a 5-star resort, located on the Bekal Beach. It offers spacious and elegant rooms, with balconies, bathtubs, minibars, etc. It also has a spa, a pool, a gym, a restaurant, a bar, etc. The price range is from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 20,000 per night.
Vivanta by Taj Bekal, which is a 4-star resort, located on the Kappil Beach. It offers cozy and comfortable rooms, with views, jacuzzis, coffee makers, etc. It also has a spa, a pool, a fitness centre, a restaurant, a cafe, etc. The price range is from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 15,000 per night.
Neeleshwar Hermitage, which is a 3-star resort, located on the Neeleshwar Beach. It offers simple and serene cottages, with gardens, hammocks, yoga mats, etc. It also has a spa, a pool, a library, a restaurant, a lounge, etc. The price range is from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 10,000 per night.
Bekal Home Stay, which is a budget homestay, located near the Bekal Fort. It offers clean and cozy rooms, with fans, TVs, Wi-Fi, etc. It also has a kitchen, a dining area, a garden, a terrace, etc. The price range is from Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 2,000 per night.
Bekal is a hidden gem of Kerala, that offers a blend of history, culture, nature and adventure. Whether you want to explore the majestic Bekal Fort, relax on the pristine Bekal Beach, experience the diverse culture and cuisine of Bekal, or enjoy the scenic beauty and wildlife of the nearby attractions, Bekal has something for everyone.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Bekal today, and discover the wonders of this amazing place. And don't forget to share your experience with us, by leaving a comment below, or by posting your photos and videos on Tripoto. Happy travelling!