One of the most prominent historical sites of Kerala is Bekal Fort. Situated in the Kasaragod district near the Arabian Sea, the fort is recognized for its strong wall structures, scenic views of the sea and historical importance. With an area coverage of nearly 40 acres, the fort is believed to be the largest fort in all of Kerala. With such grandeur located on the banks of the sea, the place makes for an amazing spot for tourists and history enthusiasts to visit.
History of Bekal Fort
Bekal Fort is said to have been constructed by Shivappa Nayaka during 1650 AD. Its construction was primarily for defensive purposes and it was built to guard the Malabar coast against any enemy attacks. Eventually, the control of the fort passed on to Hyder Ali, Tipu Sultan, and then to the British East India Company. Due to its strategic location along the shores of Arabian Sea, Bekal Fort served as a center for military as well as commercial activities in South India.
Architecture of Bekal Fort
The architectural design of the Bekal Fort is indeed remarkable. The fort was constructed using highly durable laterite stones and boasts an unusual keyhole structure that distinguishes it from several other forts in India. The fort’s huge walls, ramparts, zig-zag entryways, and wide trenches were constructed in such a manner that they would offer protection from any attack. Among the numerous features within the fort, the most notable is the observation tower constructed by Tipu Sultan. Visitors can admire the breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea and its surroundings from the top of this tower.
Location of Bekal Fort
Bekal Fort is located in the Kasaragod district of North Kerala, near the town of Kanhangad. The fort is excellently located near the Arabian Sea, providing stunning scenery to all visitors. The nearest railhead is the Bekal Fort Railway Station, while the nearest airports are the Mangalore International Airport and the Kannur International Airport. The fort is well-connected by road, making it convenient to visit the fort from any part of Kerala and Karnataka.
Best Time to Visit Bekal Fort
The best time to visit Bekal Fort is between October and March when the weather remains cool and pleasant. During this season, tourists can comfortably explore the fort and enjoy beautiful sunset views over the sea. The monsoon season also enhances the beauty of the surroundings with lush greenery and fresh coastal air.
Major Attractions Inside Bekal Fort
Observation Tower
The observation tower is one of the most popular spots inside the fort. It offers breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and surrounding villages.
Bekal Beach
The beach located beside the fort is calm and scenic. Visitors love spending time here while enjoying the sea breeze and sunset views.
Underground Pathways
The fort contains ancient underground passages that were believed to be used during wars and emergencies.
Water Tank and Bastions
Old water storage systems and powerful bastions inside the fort showcase the brilliant planning of ancient rulers.
Bekal Fort in Movies
Bekal Fort became widely popular after appearing in the famous song “Uyire Uyire” from the movie Bombay. Since then, many Malayalam, Tamil, and Bollywood films have been shot at this beautiful location because of its dramatic coastal background and historical atmosphere.
Tourism at Bekal Fort
Bekal Fort is one of Kerala’s top tourist destinations. Beautiful gardens, walking paths, beach views, and historical structures attract visitors from across the country. The fort is maintained carefully to preserve its historical importance while providing a comfortable experience for tourists. Photography, sightseeing, and sunset watching are among the most popular activities here.
How to Reach Bekal Fort?
| Transport | Details |
|---|---|
| By Air | Nearest airports are Mangalore and Kannur |
| By Train | Bekal Fort Railway Station is the nearest station |
| By Road | Easily accessible through NH-66 from major cities |
Why Bekal Fort is Famous?
Bekal Fort is famous for its beautiful seaside location, strong military architecture, and historical significance. The fort offers a perfect mix of history and natural beauty, making it one of the most visited attractions in Kerala. Travelers come here to enjoy peaceful surroundings, explore ancient structures, and witness unforgettable sunsets over the Arabian Sea.
How to Reach Bekal Fort from Varkala?
Traveling from Varkala to Bekal Fort is a wonderful journey through the scenic beauty of Kerala. Both destinations are among the most famous tourist places in the state. While Varkala is known for its stunning cliffs and beaches, Bekal Fort is famous for its historical importance and breathtaking Arabian Sea views. The distance between Varkala and Bekal Fort is approximately 430 to 450 kilometers depending on the travel route. Visitors can easily travel between these two destinations by train, road, or air.
Varkala to Bekal Fort by Train
Traveling by train is considered one of the most comfortable and budget-friendly ways to reach Bekal Fort from Varkala. Varkala Sivagiri Railway Station is well connected to northern Kerala through several express and superfast trains. Travelers can board trains heading toward Kasaragod, Kanhangad, or Mangalore. The nearest railway station to Bekal Fort is Bekal Fort Railway Station, which is located only a few kilometers away from the fort.
The train journey usually takes around 8 to 11 hours depending on the train schedule and route. During the journey, passengers can enjoy beautiful views of Kerala’s greenery, rivers, villages, and coastal landscapes. After reaching the station, tourists can hire taxis or auto-rickshaws to reach the fort easily.
Varkala to Bekal Fort by Road
A road trip from Varkala to Bekal Fort is an exciting experience for travelers who enjoy long drives and scenic routes. Visitors can travel by private car, taxi, or Kerala State Road Transport buses. The journey mostly follows NH-66, one of the major highways running through Kerala’s coastline.
The road journey generally takes around 10 to 12 hours depending on traffic conditions and travel stops. Along the route, travelers can explore beautiful cities and tourist spots such as Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode, and Kannur. The drive offers mesmerizing views of coconut trees, backwaters, beaches, and small Kerala towns, making the journey enjoyable and memorable.
Varkala to Bekal Fort by Air
Although there is no direct flight from Varkala to Bekal Fort, travelers can still choose air travel for a faster journey. The nearest airport to Varkala is Trivandrum International Airport, while the nearest airports to Bekal Fort are Kannur International Airport and Mangalore International Airport.
Passengers can take a flight from Trivandrum to Kannur or Mangalore and then continue the remaining journey by taxi or train. This option is suitable for travelers who want to save time and prefer comfortable travel.
Best Route from Varkala to Bekal Fort
The most popular route for tourists is that of NH-66 since it offers better connectivity by roads and picturesque coastline views. Tourists opting for railway journey like taking direct trains from Varkala to Kasaragod/Kanhangad since they are cheap and comfortable journeys.
Travel Tips for Visitors
- Carry water and snacks during long journeys.
- Book train and hotel tickets in advance during tourist seasons.
- Early morning or overnight travel can help reduce travel fatigue.
- Keep a camera ready to capture Kerala’s scenic landscapes.
- Wear comfortable clothes for long-distance travel.
Places to Explore on the Way
Kochi
Kochi is famous for its colonial history, beaches, and Chinese fishing nets. Many travelers stop here during their journey.
Kozhikode
Kozhikode is known for its beautiful beaches, delicious Malabar cuisine, and cultural heritage.
Kannur
Kannur is famous for beaches, Theyyam culture, and historical attractions. It is located close to Bekal Fort.
Interesting Facts About Bekal Fort
- Bekal Fort is the largest fort in Kerala.
- The fort covers around 40 acres of land.
- It was built in the 17th century.
- The fort stands nearly 130 feet above sea level.
- A large part of the fort is surrounded by the Arabian Sea.
- Several famous Indian movies were filmed here.
- The fort contains hidden tunnels and military defense structures.
Conclusion
The Bekal Fort is an iconic historical monument that reflects the culture of Kerala in all its glory. The grandeur of the walls, scenic beauty of the view, and amazing history associated with it make Bekal Fort one of the places that should be visited by every tourist.
FAQs About Traveling from Varkala to Bekal Fort
What is the distance between Varkala and Bekal Fort?
The distance between Varkala and Bekal Fort is around 430 to 450 kilometers.
Which is the best way to travel from Varkala to Bekal Fort?
Train travel is considered the most comfortable and budget-friendly option.
How much time does it take to reach Bekal Fort from Varkala?
The journey usually takes around 8 to 12 hours depending on the travel mode.
Which is the nearest railway station to Bekal Fort?
Bekal Fort Railway Station is the nearest railway station to the fort.
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