BEKAL FORT - KERALA, INDIA

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS

No.42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,

Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087.

Cell: 7810986933 / 7810896933

E-mail: kumaarholidays1@gmail.com

Website: kumaarholidays.com

THE BEKAL FORT

Bekal Fort is the largest fort in Kerala, situated at Kasaragod district, North Kerala. spreading over 40 acres. 

Some important features of this fort are

1. The water-tank with its flight of steps
2. The tunnel opening towards the south
3. The magazine for keeping ammunition 
4. The broad steps leading to the Observation Tower, which is a rarity. From there one has an ample view of towns in the vicinity

Unlike most other Indian forts, Bekal Fort was not a center of administration. Arguably the fort was built especially for fulfilling defense requirements. The holes on the outer walls of the fort are specially designed to defend the fort effectively. The holes at top were meant for aiming at the farthest points; the holes below for striking when the enemy was nearer and the holes underneath facilitated attacking when the enemy was very near to the fort. This is remarkable evidence of technology in defense strategy.

In 1992 the Government of India declared Bekal Fort as a special tourism area. In the year 1995 the government formed Bekal Tourism Development Corporation for transforming Bekal Fort into international tourism centre.Tourism promotion activities have been taking place of late in the areas surrounding the fort, under the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC). One song 'Uyire' (Tamil)  from the movie 'Bombay' directed by Mani Ratnam has been shot at Bekal Fort. Many such films, music albums, commercial advertisements etc., are being shot at Bekal Fort.

At the Bekal For:

Anjaneya Temple

The temple at the entrance of the fort is dedicated to Sree Hanuman. Said to be as old as the fort itself, the shrine was recently renovated and attracts hundreds of devotees from far and near. 

 

Observation Tower:

 

  Situated in the middle of the fort, the observation tower is the most visible landmark in the area. The structure, around 80 ft. in circumference at the base and more than 30 ft. high, commands a magnificent view of the sea to the south, north and west, and the green landscape to the east. The observation tower was a vantage point in the effective defines of the fort. 

The Sea Bastion: 

 

Located on the rocky outcrop west of the fort, the bastion is a unique structure, which offers a breathtaking view of the sea and beach. Having undergone extensive restoration, it is now a favourite spot with tourists.

Underground Passages

  It is believed that there were many underground passages leading outside from various parts of the fort. Two of them are still intact, one leading to the southern face of the fort and the other to the moat on the east.

Seaside Pathway

 

The seafront of the fort is best viewed along the pathway, linking the beaches at the north and south of the battlement. The pathway is a magnificent walk, with the imposing facade of the fort wall to the east and the shimmering sea to the west. En route are cosy grottos that serve as ideal picnic spots. The seaside pathway has been developed by Bekal Resorts Development Corporation to enhance the Bekal experience.

The Magazine

The ancient magazine used to store weapons and ammunition is presently closed to the public and managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.

2) Kanhangad/Hosdurg Fort: Another glorious testimony to the eventful history of Kasaragod. A chain of forts can be explored here. 

3) Chandragiri Fort: 17^th Century Fort situated on the Chandragiri River, southeast of Kasaragod town. The fort commands a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea and is an ideal place to watch the sun set.    

KUMAAR HOLIDAYS

No.42, Chowdary Nagar Main Road,

Valasaravakkam, Chennai-600087.

Cell: 7810986933 / 7810896933

E-mail: kumaarholidays1@gmail.com

Website: kumaarholidays.com