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Discovering The Rich History And Beauty of Bekal Fort: A Guide To India’s Iconic Monument

Kerala, known as God’s own country, is one of the most beautiful states in India. Flanked by the Western Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west, and 44 interconnected rivers, Kerala is home to an elaborate ecosystem and a rich cultural heritage. Picturesque beaches, magnificent backwaters, incredible nature parks, historical buildings, and marvellous hills dotted with tea and spice plantations make Kerala one of the best tourist destinations in the world.

Since the state has traversed through history as an important spice trading location and has been home to several rulers, it has several historic landmarks, including forts, palaces and churches. Bekal Fort is one such architectural marvel of Kerala which combines the best of history and nature. Located in the Kasaragord district, Bekal Fort is the largest and one of the most well-preserved forts in Kerala. The fort overlooks the sea and has Bekal Fort Beach adjacent to it. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast or want to visit this magnificent structure by the beach, Bekal Fort fits all the bills.

  • Bekal Fort Location – Kasaragod Road, PO Bekal Fort, Beside Bekal Fort Railway Station Dist, Bekal Fort Rd, Bekal, Kerala 671316
  • Bekal Fort Timings – 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Every day)
  • Bekal Fort Entry Fee – INR 15/-

Bekal Fort: History

Bekal Fort History
Image Source: https://bit.ly/3YEEUsF

Bekal Fort Kerala has been ruled over by several Indian dynasties and has also been used by the British Empire for its administrative functions and military ventures. The inception of the fort, however, has several stories attached to it, and to date, the origination and timeline remain unconfirmed. Some historians believe that Bekal Fort was established in 1650 by Shivappa Nayaka.

Another theory traced the fort’s history to the Kolathari rulers when the Kolathiri and Vijayanagara Empires declined. It is believed that it was then that it came under the control of Ikkeri, Nayakas, who rebuilt it. In 1763, Bekal Fort fell into the hands of Hyder Ali, an essential part of Tipu Sultan’s military during the Malabar capture expedition. In 1799, when the Mysorean rule ended, the fort fell into the hands of the English East India Company.

Also Read: Places to Visit in Kerala

Bekal Fort: Architecture

Bekal Fort Architecture
Image Source: https://bit.ly/3RLpssB

Bekal Fort is spread across 40 acres and features a keyhole-shaped structure made out of laterite. The circular design rises almost 130 feet above the sea and offers a panoramic view of the sea around it. One of the most famous attractions of the fort is the Observation Tower that Tipu Sultan set up. The high tower offers you a panoramic view of the rocky shoreline of the magnificent Arabian Sea.

The fort is home to several citadels with trenches and walkways built to keep up with the purpose of its construction, that is, military defence. Since the fort was not built for administrative activities, there is no sign of a palace in the complex area; however, you can learn a lot about the strategic defence technology that is incorporated into the structure.

Besides a zigzag entrance and several trenches, there are also holes in the fort’s walls, with the higher ones being used to attack the enemies far away from the fort while the middle ones are being utilised to aim at the enemies near the fort. Bekal Fort also has an ancient mosque and Mukhyaprana Temple of Hanuman in proximity that you can explore.

Bekal Fort: Entry Details

Bekal Fort Entry
Image Source: https://bit.ly/3DWBt94

 

Bekal Fort timings are 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily, while the entry fee is INR 15/-. The fort can be explored within 2 hours, and you can also spend time at the nearby Bekal Fort Beach.

Other Details: 

  • The adjoining Bekal Fort Beach is a fantastic sandy shore to sit back and relax or swim around. The landscape, as well as the sunsets here, is perfect here for photography. 
  • Bekal Fort and the surroundings make for the perfect backdrop and have been featured in the famous A.R Rehman song, Tu Hi Re. 
  • The fort has several nearby attractions, such as Kappil Beach, Kodi Cliff and Chandragiri Fort. 
  • The best time to visit the fort is from October to March, as the weather is dry and cooler. 

If you are looking forward to exploring this fort’s beauty soon, then you best start the process by searching for hotels near Bekal Fort. Book a stay at The LaLiT Resort & Spa Bekal, where you can enjoy a stunning view of an internal lagoon and backwaters from the comfort of your room. Bekal Fort is just a short 16-minute drive from our resort, and the rest of the town’s attractions are easily accessible too.

March 13, 2023

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