Bekal Fort
About: |
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Bekal fort, the largest and the best-preserved fort in Kerala, lies in Pallikere, and its 16 Kms south of Kasaragod on the national highway at the northern tip of the state. The fort, a circular imposing structure of laterite rising 130 ft. above sea level, stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabian sea. This fort is more than 300 years old and is believed to ha ve been built in the 1650's by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty. There is also another belief that it was originally built by Kolathiri Rajas and later captured by Sivappa Naik. The fort was occupied Hyder Ali of Mysore in 1763 A.D and then the Huzur of Canara during Tipu Sultan's reign and later the British. During the British rule, the erstwhile Bekal taluk was part of South Canara district and encompassed the present Kasaragod and Hosdurg taluks.The magazine inside the fort closed to the public, is used to store weapons and ammunition and managed by the Archaeological Surveyof India. The sea bastion located on the rocky projection, west of the fort also offers a magnificent view of the sea and the beach.This landscape of ethereal quality, its never-ending grasslands and sea views possess all the potential to be developed into a superb tourist destination. The Bekal fort is located on a vast 35-acre headland that runs into the Arabian Sea.A mosque and a Hanuman temple are located at the entrance of the fort. There is a large tower in the middle of the fort at a height of 10 meters and with a circumference of 27 m. From the tower, one can see the entire fort and the sea on the west and the lush green valleys on the east and the undulating Blue Mountains and it is situated near the sea shore. |
Location info: |
| Address:Pallikere, Kasargode District, Kerala, India. |
| District: Kasargode District |
| Nearest City: Kanhangad, kudlu, mangalore,Thiruvallam. |
| Best time to visit: October to May |
Climate/Weather: |
| The climate is equable and varies little from season to season. The average maximum temperature is 31.2°C and minimum is 23.6°C. |
History: |
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There is a Histroy fir this fort SivappaNaik of the Ikkeri dynasty is said to have built the fort in between 1645-1660. But some other historians are of the opinion that the fort was built by the then north Kerala rulers, the Kolathiri Rajas. SivappaNaik of Bednore captured the fort when the Kolathiri Raja stopped paying tributes to him. Later, the fort fell into the hands of Hyder Ali and later into his son, Tipu Sultan. With the over throw of Tipu Sultan, Bekal was incorporated into the dominions of the English East India Company in 1799. |
Interesting things to do: |
| Watch thew Beautiful Bekal beach, The fortification of the semi-circular construction with an imposing frontage is still intact as an architectural monument. The facade of the high walls with the battlement and the entire structure of the fort are architecturally commendable. In the Entrance you can Watch Hanuman temple and the Mosque. |
Interesting things to Visit: |
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Bekal Hole Aqua Park: Bekal Hole Aqua Park is located near Valiyaparamba in Bekal. It is the perfect place water sport freaks who wish to chill out amidst an array of unique water sports. Bekal Beach: Bekal is a beach destination of the future. It has long palm-fringed beaches and a rocky headland topped by the huge Bekal fort. This beach is being developed a resort. But for now, you can still savour the touch of history as you view the serene Lakshadweep Sea from the tall observation towers of the fort's once huge cannon emplacements. Bekal Beach is situated at the northern tip of Kerala, Bekal is a beach destination of the future. It has long palm-fringed beaches and a rocky headland topped by the huge Bekal fort. Hosdurg Beach: Located 12 kms south of Bekal is the Hosdurg beach. It is home to the many marvelous forts in Kasargode District. The Hosdurg Fort built by the Ikkeri Nayaks in mid-16th century draws the closest attention of the visitors. Kappil Beach: The secluded Kappil Beach is loacted 6 kms to the north of Bekal. The long stretch is wide and clean enough for swimming and beach walking. The beach has the massive rock, the Kodi Cliff, which act as a resting place for the visitors. Valiyaparamba Backwaters: Valiyaparamba is a backwater draw out situated in the district of Kasargod of Kerala. Circulated by 4 rivers flecked by quit number of small islands, Valiyaparamba is incredibly growing as an excellent backwater resort which grants captivating boat cruises. Valiyaparamba, a piece of land dissevered from the solid ground is a significant and notable fishing centre. The Valiyaparamba is just some few kilometers away from Bekal, where it just takes little hour's of ride to reach the place. Pandiyan Kallu: A rock rising in the sea about 2 km from the Trikkannad Temple, Pandiyan Kallu is an ideal spot for adventurous swimmers. Legend has it that the ship of one of the Pandiya Kings who attacked the Trikkannad Temple was converted into a rock. Ananthapuram Lake Temple: This 9th century monument is the only lake temple in Kerala and is dedicated to Sree Padmanabha and are considered to be the moolasthanam of Lord Sree Padmanabha. Madhur Temple: The Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka Temple, with its rich architecture and copper plate roofing, rises majestically against the beautiful landscape of the Madhuvahini River. Edneer Mutt : The Mutt of Edneer renowned as a seat of art and learning belongs to the followers of Sankaracharya, the 8th century philosopher. Observation Tower: Situated in the middle of the fort, the observation tower is the most visible landmark in the area. The structure, around 80 ft. in circumference at the base and more than 30 ft. high, commands a magnificent view of the sea to the south, north and west, and the green landscape to the east. The observation tower was a vantage point in the effective defence of the fort. |
Mobile range info: |
How to reach? |
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Nearest Railway Station: Kanhangad (10 KM) and Kasaragod (14 KM) Railway Station |
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Nearest Airport: Mangalore Airport |
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Road Transport: Bekal is connected to Mangalore, Kannur, Kozhikode and Mumbai by NH17. KRTC Buses frequently operates from one place to another. |
Nearest Visiting places: |
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Adoor: It is 45 KMs east of Kasargod town. Famous for its ancient Siva Temple belonged to have been founded by Arjuna. The place where the Kiratha Yuddham battle between Arjuna and Lord Siva took place according to legend. GOVINDA PAI MEMORIAL: In Manjeswar, is the native place of M.Govinda Pai (1883-1963), one of the greatest Kannada poets of modern time. He was conferred the title of "Poet Laureate" by the erstwhile Government of Madras. He is known as Rashtra Kavi Govinda Pai. Ranipuram: Nityanandasramam: There are two notable asramams in Kanhangad, the Nityanandasramam and Anandasramam. Nityanandasramam is situated on a hillock about half a km south of the Housdurg taluk office. It was founded by swami Nityananda. Here swami Nityananda constructed 45 caves in a mountain slope. There is a temple built in 1963 after the style and design of the famous Somantha temple in Gurjarat. Anandasramam was founded by swamin Ramdas in 1939. Pandiyan Kallu: A rock rising in the sea about 2 km from the Trikkannad Temple, Pandiyan Kallu is an ideal spot for adventurous swimmers. Legend has it that the ship of one of the Pandiya Kings who attacked the Trikkannad Temple was converted into a rock. Anjaneya Temple: The temple at the entrance of the fort is dedicated to Sree Hanuman. Said to be as old as the fort itself, the shrine was recently renovated and attracts hundreds of devotees from far and near. Kottancherry: This place bears great resemblance to the scenic beauty of Kodaikanal. The rain forests near Konnakkad are ideal for trekking. It is 30 km north east of Kanhangad. Kammatam Kavu : It is much visited for its evergreen forest range, spread over 50-60 acres of land. Take a safari ride in this forest range, it can be a marvelous experience. KARIANGODE RIVER : Running through the hills and dales of Hosdurg Taluk. Immorlised as Tejaswini by great novelist Niranjana laps on its shore. The famous village of Kayyur - the cradle of agrarian revolutions where the farmers and farm workers staged a historic battle against feudalism and the British imperialism. |
Nearest Petrol Pump: |
| Petrol Pump Kanhangad kasargod, Kerala. |
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation: |
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The Gateway Hotel Hotel Poonja International Hotel Srinivas Elite Hotel Hotel Apsara Regency Hotel Bekal International Hotel Ganesh Bhavan |
Things to carry: |
Tips & Suggestions: |
Help Line/Phone Number: |
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Police Station: Police Station Police station Kanhangad Police Station Police Station |
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Nearest Hospital: Care & Cure Hospital Government Hospital SCS Hospitals Pvt Ltd AJ Hospital Shankarambal Hospitals |
| Society/Community Phone Number: |
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Link: http://karthikcs.blogspot.com/2009/10/bekal-fort.html |
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Video Gallery
| Bekal Beach |
| This is Situated at the northern tip of Kerala, Bekal Beach is only 14 km away from Kasargode,79 km from Kannur, 2km from kovalam. Bekal is a beach destination of the future. It has long palm-fringed beaches and a rocky headland topped by the huge Bekal fort. This beach is being developed a resort. But for now, you can still savour the touch of history as you view the serene Lakshadweep Sea from the tall observation towers of the fort's once huge cannon emplacements. Bekal Beach is situated at the northern tip of Kerala, 79 km from Kannur; Bekal is a beach destination of the future. It has long palm-fringed beaches and a rocky headland topped by the huge Bekal fort.....more |
| Kanwatheertha Beach |
| Kanwatheertha Beach is situated 3 km from Manjeswar, Kasargod District, Kerala. Kanwatheertha Beach is a renowned beach in Kerala, quite well known for its scenic beauty. This Kanwatheertha Beach is a very famous tourist spot in Kerala. Aqua-Tourism is one of the most significant aspects of Kerala and Kanwatheertha Beach is a distinctive spot to substantiate on this interesting feature. Kanwatheertha Beach welcomes you all to unravel its charm and spirit. This charming lagoon is a ideal place only for tranquil lovers but also for fun loving people.....more |
| Kappil Beach |
| The Kappil beach is located in Kasargode District, its a paradise for those tourists and visitors who prefer peaceful and quite vacations, in the lap of nature. The secluded and somewhat unexplored Kappil Beach is an ideal spot for such nature lovers and attracts a large number of such tourists every year. This sun-drenched Kappil beach is a perfect getaway after a hectic tour of the nearby Bekal Fort, some six km away. Besides the natural beauty of the beach, adventure-loving souls can even ascend the nearby Kodi cliff to get a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. For those who prefer Thoreau to Harold Robbins, the secluded and relatively unexplored Kappil Beach should prove idyllic.....more |
| Pallikere Beach |
| The Pallikere beach presents a picturesque sight of the Bekal fort, kasargode District.. Hence a tour to Pallikere beach means an intermingling of culture and history. The annual Kochi festival which is held on the white sands of the Pallikere beach is a major tourist attraction. The Pallikere beach is a favorite haunt for the tourists.This shallow beach offers a spectacular view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation. This beautiful expanse of shallow waters and beach offers a spectacular view of the Bekal fort. The public beach has ample space for recreation and relaxation. With international standard facilities to be developed here, Pallikere will rank among the best beaches in the country.....more |
| Valiyaparamba Backwater |
| Valiyaparamba is a backwater draw out situated in the district of Kasargod of Kerala. Circulated by 4 rivers flecked by quit number of small islands, Valiyaparamba is incredibly growing as an excellent backwater resort which grants captivating boat cruises. Valiyaparamba, a piece of land dissevered from the solid ground is a significant and notable fishing centre. The Valiyaparamba is just some few kilometers away from Bekal, where it just takes little hour's of ride to reach the place. The Valiyaparamba is the most renowned tourism spot that grabs the attention of the visitors by its scenic look. Moreover, Valiyaparamba is an ideal place to plan your picnic.....more |
| Kasaragod City |
| Kasargod is located in the northern part of Kerala. The place is known for its handloom and coir industry. Also, it is famous for spectacular items of bell metal. Though still untouched by urban lifestyle, Kasargod tourism is fast catching up because of its natural beauty. The main economic activity of people of Kasargod is fishing. While you travel to Kasargod, you will see the forest-covered lush green Western Ghats towards the East and the vast Arabian Sea towards the West. It is flanked by two main rivers, Talapadi and the Trikaripur in north and south respectively.Kasargod has a variety of temples and places of worship that have a distinct architectural style.....more |
| Chandragiri Fort |
| Chandragiri fort lies 3 km south of Kasargod town, Kasargid district, kerala. It has a large square situated high above the Chandragiri River on its southern bank. This fort is situated on the bank of the Chandragiri River and marked the traditional boundary between Kerala and the Tuluva Kingdom. Built in 1000 AD in the form of fortifications with bastions and a steep moat, Chandragiri was under the rule of Yadavarayas for about three centuries and came into the control of Vijayanagara rulers in 1367. It rose into prominence in 1568 AD and remained as seat of power for the later Vijayanagara kings under whose reign the fortified area was further extended and some of the magnificent buildings and temples were constructed.....more |
| Hosdurg Fort |
| Hosdurg Fort is situated about 4km east of Kanhangad town, Kasargod district, kerala which is around 23kms and 15kms south east of Kasargod town. Hosdurg Fort with its round bastion looks imposing from a distance. Somashekara Nayaka of Keladi Nayaka dynasty of Ikkeri built the fort. The name Hosdurg is derived from the kannada word Hosa (which means new) and Durga (which means Fort) and was once an integral part of South Canara.The place made well known by the Nithyanandasram with 45 caves.This fort is also known as Kanhangad fort, the fort is surrounded by a high brick wall with round bastions. Although only the ruins of the old fort remain, the legacy of the fort town endures to this day.....more |
| Valiyaparamba Island |
| Valiyaparamba is a small island in the Arabian Sea in the Kasaragod district of Kerala state, south India. It is one of the main tourist spots of the district and also a fishing centreValiyaparamba is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands,Valiyaparamba, about 30 km from Bekal, Kasaragod, North Kerala.Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.Valiyaparamba is a beautiful backwater destination. A tour to Valiyaparamba will provide you a holiday in one of the most serene and tranquil destinations of Kerala. Located near Kasargod, Valiyaparamba is a small island favored by the tourists who search for some seclusion in the lap of nature.....more |
| Malik Dinar Mosque |
| The mosque, Juma Masjid, which is one one of the best kept and mosque attractive in the district, is located at Thalankara. It contains the grave of Malik Ibn Mohammed, one of the descendants of Malik Ibn Dinar and the places is sacred to Muslims. Another notable mosque, in Kasaragod is the Theruvath Mosque which is in the centre of the town. An important local celebration takes place every year in commemoration of the arrival of Malik Ibn Dinar. The Uroos attract pilgrims from all over India. Malik Dinar mosque Kasaragod acquired over the years, considerable importance as a center of Islam on the west coast. It is the site of one of the mosques believed to have been founded by Malik Ibn Dinar.....more |
| Chandragiri River |
| Chandragiri River is Located in Southeast of Kasaragod town on the banks of the Chandragiri river, Kasaragod district, north Kerala.The river originates in a village called Koinadu of Kodagu district in Karnataka state. Chandragiri fort lies three km south of Kasargod town. It has a large square situated high above the Chandragiri River on its southern bank. In the 17th century Sivappa Nayak of Bednore has built the fort. He also stablished his authority over the area and built a chain of forts. This fort is situated on the bank of the Chandragiri River and marked the traditional boundary between Kerala and the Tuluva Kingdom. There is a beautiful bridge over the Chandragiri River at Thekkil at the distance of five miles from Chandragiri.....more |
| Neeleshwaram River |
| The Nileswaram River is located 45km from kasargod and 12 km from bekal, Kasargod District, Kerala.It Flows through Nileswaram, the seat of the Rajas of a bygone era, palaces, sacred groves, shrines, festivals and yoga centres. River Cruises are the best kept secret of Nileswaram. Cruising along the Tejaswini River can make you discover the magic of life on River. BRDC ( Bekal Resorts Development Corporation ) runs several Houseboat cruises on the Tejaswini River from Kottapuram in Nileswar to Valiyaparamba. The town is also famous for its numerous kavus (shrines)temple festivals and the Kavil Bhavan Yoga and Cultural Centre which offers rejuvenation therapy and naturopathy treatments like mud and herbal baths.....more |
| Uppala River |
| Uppala river is a situated in Kasargod District of Kerala and is 15 km south of Manjeshwar and its close to the Arabian Sea,Uppala is a populated place in Kerala, The river shirrriya & abijna and uppala joins here. The length of the river is about 50 km.Originating 150 m height from the sea level, the river passes through Kasargod District in Kerala, and merges in the Arabian Sea.Uppala River, also known as Kalai River, originates from the Veerakamba Hills in Karnataka.Manjeswar river joins from the north eastern side and Uppala river (broader river) joins from the south eastern side. Ancient uppala bridge constructed at NH 17, across Uppala river near Hosangadi and You can also Add Hotel of any type so Tourists can stay in your Hotel in Uppala River.....more |
| Ananathpura Temple |
| The Ananthapura temple is situated in the central part of a lake of the 31-km from Bekal at Ananthapura,Kasargod District, Kerala. The Ananthapura temple is just five kilometers away from Kumbla. The Ananthapura temple is very familiar, as it is the only lake temple that has the Moolasthana of the Anantha Padmanabha Swami. The other major attraction of the Ananthapura temple is they can be visited by any group of visitors irrespective to caste, creed and religion. The house of worship is surrounded by a porch along the outside of a building called Chuttambalam. The temple has a small pond where water will stays with respect to seasonal changes.The presiding of the temple is Lord Vishnu seated on the serpent god, Adishesha.....more |