| Bakel |
 Bekal,at
the northern tip of Kerala is 140 kms away from
Calicut International Terminal.With the Konkan
Railway Line, Bombay will just be 15 hours from
Bekal. The beaches,backwaters and hill stations
of Bekal offer a totally different backdrops
to the holiday experience. Large number of forts,
big and small like Bekal, Chandragiri, Hosdurg,
Kumbala, Panayal, Kundamkuzhi, Bandaduka etc.
reveal the historical importance of this land.
Bekal Fort remains the largest and best-preserved
fort in Kerala. History and legend are interwoven
together in Bekal, particularly regarding its
antiquity. |
The Bekal Fort
(16 Kms south of Kasaragod on the national highway) |
 The
300 year old Bekal Fort is one of the largest
and best preserved forts in Kerala.This imposing
circular structure of laterite sites rises 130
ft. above sea level and stands on a 35 acre headland
that runs into the Arabian Sea. Buses are available
every 30 minutes from Kanhagad to Bekal.The Fort appears to
have been built up from the seas since almost
three fourth of its exterior is drenched and the
waves do stroke the citadel.
Unlike most other Indian
Forts, Bekal fort was not a center of administration,
for no remains of a Palace are found within the
Fort. Probably the fort was built for fulfilling
the defence requirements. The holes on the
outerwalls of the fort are so remarkable that
they are specially designed to defend the fort
effectively. The holes at the top are meant
for aiming at the farthest points; the holes below
are meant for hitting when the enemy is nearer
and the holes underneath facilitate attacking
when the enemy is very near to the fort.
This is a remarkable evidence for the medival
technology of defence strategy. Apart from
this, the wild and ecstatic beauty of the setting
sun is a glorious presence in the fort. [more] |
| Pallikere Beach (1 Km from Bekal Fort): |
| This Shallow
beach offers a spectacular view of the fort and
has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation. |
| Bekal Hole Aqua Park (1 Km from Bekal
Fort): |
| The only
one of its kind in northern Kerala, this unique
Aqua Park provides water sport facilities like
pedal boats and water cycles. |
| Malik Deenar Mosque |
 Kasargod
acquired considerable importance as a center of
Islam.The historic Malik Deenar Juma Masjid built
in the typical Kerala style is believed to have
been founded by Malik Ibin
Dinar.The Juma Masjid,
which is one of the best kept and most attractive
in the districts is located at Thalankara.
|
| Kappil Beach (6Km from Bekal fort) |
| Remote and
secluded , this beach is fast becoming a major
attraction. The wide beach and calm waters
promise you an experience without parallel.
The Kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view
of blue skies and rolling sands, making your visit
one to remember. |
| Anandasaram (15 kms from Bekal) |
| This internationally renowned spiritual centre founded by Swami
Ramdas in 1939, offers a quiet, peaceful ambience
best suited for meditation and spiritual studies. |
| Ananthapura Lake Temple (30 Km from
Bekal) |
This 9th
century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala
and is the moolasthanam(original abode) of Anandapadmanabha,
the deity of Sri. Padmanabha Swami Temple,Thiruvananthapuram. |
| Valiaparamba (30 Kms from Bekal) |
| This perhaps
is the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala
. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous
little islands, Valiaparamba is fast turning into
a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting
boat cruises. |
| Chandragiri Fort (10 Kms from Bekal) |
 Situated
on the Chandragiri river, southeast of Kasaragod
town , this town is known for its large 17th
century fort built by Sivappa
Naik of Bedanore. The Chandragiri fort,
one of a chain of forts built by the same ruler,
offers breathtaking view of the meandering Chandragiri
river and the Arabian Sea. It is a vantage point
to watch the sunset.There is a mosque nearby . The ancient
Kizhur state Temple at Chandragiri has an annual
festival called Pattu Utsavam.
|
Places
of Interest [1]
[2] |
