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Bekal fort, the largest and the best-preserved fort in Kerala, lies 16 kms south of the Kasaragod town on the national highway at the northern tip of the state. The Bekal fort is a giant keyhole shaped fort rising 130 ft. above sea level and it stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabian Sea. The Bekal Fort is more than 300 years old and is believed to be built by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty in the 1650's. The fort with its zigzag entrance, strategically designed openings on the outer walls, and with no palaces inside, was probably build just for defense purposes. The sea bastion, underground tunnels and the observation tower in the fort are impressive. The Bekal Fort has been a source of attraction for historians, tourists and nature lovers for centuries and you can find history sleeping here. Just outside the Bekal Fort there is a mosque built by Tippu Sultan of Mysore. There is also a sea side pathway from where you can get a magnificent view of the Fort. Due to its historic importance, the Bekal fort is controlled by the Archaeological Survey of India. Bekal Fort is also one among the five centers selected by the Government of India to be developed into a 'Special Tourism Area'. You can even spare some time to visit the Bekal Aqua Park located north of Bekal fort and the Pallikere Beach who with its shallow waters offer you a scenic view of the Bekal Fort. With the never-ending grasslands and sea views, Bekal Fort has developed into a superb tourist destination. How to reach: By Railways: Nearest railway station is Kasaragod, about 16 km away from the Bekal Fort. By Airways: Mangalore (about 50 km), Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode (about 200 km).
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