Bekal Fort beach, a populart tourist attraction, is 15km away from Kasaragod town. Bekal Fort is the biggest fort in Kerala. The fort, whose construction was started during Hiriya Venkatappa Nayaka's time was completed during Keladi Shivappa Nayaka's reign. The fort spread across 40 acres of land is facing the Arabian sea. At the entrance of the fort, there is Mukhyaprana temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman. Lord Hanuman is believed to be the protector of the fort. Architecture of this temple resembles the ones in Karnataka.
As soon as you enter the fort, you will find the green lawns being laid. As you walk around the fort you will notice holes in the fort walls, designed to protect from invaders. Also, one can get a bird's view of the sea shore ahead from the fort walls, a rarity in beach locations. View from the fort walls of Bekal make you believe that one half of your view is filled by the Arabian sea and the other half by all coconut trees, typical of Kerala.
From the fort there is a passage to the beach down. A walk along the sea shore and you will find the park for children. Various structures are being built to attract the tourists. This place is usually crowded with people spending their leisure time with family and friends. Also, one can see some boats lined up along the shore and some afloat in sea. You can also witness some small birds(dont know the name!)walking in the sands and shying away whenever sea waves come closer. Bekal fort is a must visit place for those who are on trip to Kasaragod.
Film connection : Numerous films have been shot in the beautiful location of Bekal fort. Bombay, film directed by Maniratnam deserves mention here. Aravind Swamy's wait for Manisha Koirala, singing Tu Hi Re is still fresh in the memories of film goers. Lot of Kannada movies like Bhaava Bhamaida, Make up, Moggina Manassu have also been shot.
How to reach Bekal fort from Mangalore :
Mangalore to Kasaragod (NH17) - 50km
Kasaragod to Bekal Fort - 15 km (Mode of transport : Bus/Auto)
Entrance Fees and Camera Charges :
Bekal Fort :
Entrance Fees : Rs.5 per person
Camera Fees : Rs. 25 per camera
Bekal Fort Beach:
Entrance Fees : Rs.5 per person
Camera Fees : Rs.25 per camera
As soon as you enter the fort, you will find the green lawns being laid. As you walk around the fort you will notice holes in the fort walls, designed to protect from invaders. Also, one can get a bird's view of the sea shore ahead from the fort walls, a rarity in beach locations. View from the fort walls of Bekal make you believe that one half of your view is filled by the Arabian sea and the other half by all coconut trees, typical of Kerala.
From the fort there is a passage to the beach down. A walk along the sea shore and you will find the park for children. Various structures are being built to attract the tourists. This place is usually crowded with people spending their leisure time with family and friends. Also, one can see some boats lined up along the shore and some afloat in sea. You can also witness some small birds(dont know the name!)walking in the sands and shying away whenever sea waves come closer. Bekal fort is a must visit place for those who are on trip to Kasaragod.
Film connection : Numerous films have been shot in the beautiful location of Bekal fort. Bombay, film directed by Maniratnam deserves mention here. Aravind Swamy's wait for Manisha Koirala, singing Tu Hi Re is still fresh in the memories of film goers. Lot of Kannada movies like Bhaava Bhamaida, Make up, Moggina Manassu have also been shot.
How to reach Bekal fort from Mangalore :Mangalore to Kasaragod (NH17) - 50km
Kasaragod to Bekal Fort - 15 km (Mode of transport : Bus/Auto)
Entrance Fees and Camera Charges :
Bekal Fort :
Entrance Fees : Rs.5 per person
Camera Fees : Rs. 25 per camera
Bekal Fort Beach:
Entrance Fees : Rs.5 per person
Camera Fees : Rs.25 per camera
camera fees for beach ? first time I am hearing that :)
ReplyDeleteBtw regarding the post, thanks sharing the info. Can you elaborate on nearby accommodation details ? How far the place is from Coorg ? What are nearest tourist attractions in Kerala ?
hi Shande,
ReplyDeleteEven I was amused at that first - camera fees being charged in Bekal fort beach.
Hi Shande,
ReplyDeleteFor your query regarding accomodation, Mangalore offers wide range of hotels. If that is far, Kasaragod provides decent lodges/hotels.
From Madikeri(headquarters of Coorg) it is 120 kms to Kasaragod.
Raveesh