Bekal fort is a coastal fort lying 16 km south-east of
Kasargod situated on the backdrop of Arabian seashore of Pallikkara village in
the Kasargod district (Kerala). It is one of the best preserved forts in
Kerala. Kasargod has long and consistent history, since its near to the
Karnataka region and thus Bekal range involving a key position, achieved
significance from the times of Vijayanagara times. As indicated by south Canara
Manual and other artistic works, the Keladi Nayakas (c.1500 - 1763), who had their
capitals at Keladi, Ikkeri and Bednore
in Kamataka, were in charge of the development of a couple fortresses in
Hosdurg –Kasargod region. The other
adaptation is that the fortification was in presence amid the Kolathiri Rajas
and after the fall of Kolathiri and Vijayanagara Empire, this zone went under
the control of Ikkeri, Nayakas, who reconstructed the fortress . In 1763, the
Bekal fortification fell under the control of Hyder Ali. Bekal served as a
vital military station of Tipu Sultan when he had the considerable military
endeavor to catch Malabar. With the passing of Tipu Sultan while battling
against the British in 1799 the Mysorean control arrived at an end and
consequently the fortress went under the English East India Company. Slowly the
political and financial significance of Bekal declined extensively.
Route: Mangalore -- Kasargod -- Bekal fort
Timings: 8AM–5:30PM (Gate will be closed @ sharp 5.30).
Buses from Mangalore:Every 5 mins buses fly from KSRTC Bustand to kasargod. From kasargod take a bus to bekal fort.
Time required from Mangalore to reach bekal fort approx 2 hrs.
Note : 1. Bekal fort and Bekal beach are different bus stops.
2. From bekal fort bus stop to bekal fort is walkable distance.
Eatables: Allowed and available outside fort
Entry Fess: Yes, rs 15
Things to do around Bekal : Ananthapura Temple ,Bekal Fort Beach,Valiyaparamba Backwaters,Hosdurg Beach.
