Bekal

Introduction and history: The city of Bekal is situated on the seashore of Pallikara village, is one of the important tourist destinations in Kerala. Located at 12 Kilometers from Kasargod town, the word, Bekal is derived from the word Baliakulam, meaning Big Palace. It is believed that the place have been the seat of a big palace in the past. It was usual that in during olden days main cities were protected by constructing forts in them. The Bekal for might have, therefore, existed even from early days of the Chirakkal Rajas during the 17th century. Bekal served as an important military station during Tipu Sultan period. Many artifacts unearthed by the archaeological excavation conducted recently reveal this fact. During the British Raj it was the headquarters of the newly organized Bekal Taluk of South Canara District. Post independence Kasargod became part of Kerala with the state reorganization in 1956.

What to see and when to go: Bekal Fort is the main attraction of this place. This giant keyhole shaped fort, with beautiful beach surrounding the fort, backwaters and hill destinations and water sport facilities nearby. Pallikere Beach, Bekal Hola Aqua partk, Malik Deenar Mosque, Kappil beach, Anandasaram, Andnthapura Lake Changragiri fort and Valiparamba are some of the major tourist attractions nearby. Between August and March is the ideal time to visit Bekal.
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Accommodation: There are multiple beachside resorts available in Bekal, which provides high value accommodation at affordable prices. All these hotels offers all the contemporary standards of convenience and comfort. There is a government promoted Bekal Resorts Development Corporation, which offers accommodation at very economical price. Luxury accommodation can cost up to 3500 rupees per day.

Mode of Transport: Mangalore is the nearest Airport (50 Kilometers), which is well connected to other parts of the country. It has a railway junction, which is connected to the north-western part of India via konkan railways. Traveling via that route is a treat to eye, where one gets to explore the nature both sides. Traveling thro’ tunnels offer thrilling experience. It has multiple national highways connecting to all important cities at Kerala, Karnataka and Tamilnadu.

Related links:

• Official Website: http://kasargod.nic.in/
• Tourist information: http://www.bekal.com/

See also (nearby places): Kanhangad, Ranipuram hills, Kottanchery hills, Valiyaparamba back waters and Padanna theme village are some of the nearby attractions.