Bekal

When you reach Bekal, you find a quiet corner of north Kerala where a mighty old fort looks out over the blue Arabian Sea. The sound of the waves, the long clean beach and the green palms make this a calm and beautiful stop. Bekal sits far from the crowds, so you can truly rest and enjoy the sea. For your family, and for guests visiting from abroad, it opens up a peaceful side of Kerala that very few people know about.

Bekal is a small coastal town in Kasaragod district, in the far north of Kerala. It is famous for Bekal Fort, the largest fort in Kerala, which stands on a headland by the Arabian Sea. The fort is more than three hundred years old and has the shape of a giant keyhole. Around it lie clean beaches, coconut groves and calm backwaters. Together they make Bekal a growing but still quiet holiday place with a gentle, restful feeling.

October to March

Bekal Fort is your main sight. You walk along its strong sea walls and climb the round watch tower for a wide view of the ocean. The fort holds no heavy buildings inside, so it feels open and airy. Just below the fort, Bekal Beach invites you to sit in the evening and watch the sun go down into the sea. The fort and the beach together give you a perfect slow day.

Bekal Fort dates from the seventeenth century. It later came under the rule of Tipu Sultan and then the British. It once guarded this coast, which is why it still stands so strong by the sea. The people of this region speak Malayalam, and you will also hear Tulu and Kannada, as Karnataka is close. This gentle mix of languages and faiths gives north Kerala its own warm and friendly culture.

Being by the sea, Bekal is good for fresh coastal food. You can enjoy Kerala style fish and prawn curries cooked with coconut, as well as appam, puttu and simple rice meals. Pure vegetarian food is also served at most resorts and small hotels. Do try the fresh tender coconut water on the beach. The food here is simple, fresh and full of coconut flavour.

Bekal is a small town, so shopping stays simple. In nearby Kasaragod you can buy coir products, cotton handloom and local spices. Bamboo and cane items made by local families make good and useful gifts. For bigger shopping, the town of Kanhangad is close by. Buy a little local honey or some spices to remember the north Kerala coast.

Bekal has its own small railway station called Bekal Fort, and Kasaragod is the main station nearby. The closest airport is Mangalore, about 60 km. away. Local travel is by auto rickshaw, taxi and bus. The area is spread out and calm, so hiring a taxi for the day is the easiest way for you to see the fort, the beaches and the temples without any hurry.

Nearby Kappil Beach is a hidden spot where a backwater quietly meets the sea. You can take a small boat on the Bekal backwaters to see village life along the water. The Ananthapura Lake Temple, set in the middle of a pond a drive away, is a peaceful place for darshan. These calm places show you the softer, greener side of the Kerala coast.

Kasaragod (about 16 km.): The district town with markets and old mosques. Kanhangad (about 12 km.): Known for the Anandashram and a smaller fort. Ranipuram (about 80 km.): Green hills good for a day of nature and walking. Mangalore (about 50 km.): A larger city in Karnataka with temples and beaches. These make easy day trips when you base yourself in calm Bekal.

Bekal is warm and humid, so carry light clothes, a hat and water when you walk in the open fort. Little shade covers the fort walls, so a morning or evening visit is best. The beaches are calm and lovely, but always follow local advice before you go into the sea. Bekal is a place to slow down, so keep your plans easy and restful.