Details regarding the largest fort in Kerala, Bekkal fort. The location, transportation facilities, history and tourist attractions in Bekkal fort
General Information About Bekal Fort.
Bekal Fort is the largest Fort in 'God's own country'. This 40 acre land lies along the sea shore amidst the roaming music of restless waves. The name Bekal is derived from Kannada meaning 'boiled stone'. Although, the fort has enough story to tell about the bygone era, now it is a famous tourist destination with landscape, grasslands and the sea views from this most preserved monument in South Kerala. Due to its historic relevance, the fort is now under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India.
History Of Bekkal Fort.
There is a controversy going on about the history of Bekal fort. Some of the arguments saying that it was built by Ikkeri Nayakas. The other argument is about Tippu Sultan in the construction of the fort. And there is one more. Some historians believe that it was Kolathiri Rajas who built the fort that was later captured by Naik. Although, there are three arguments still going on, it is believed that Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty built this fort in 1650s. The history of the Bekal fort also includes stories of Vijayanagara Empire, Hyder Ali and British East India Company. The Mukhyaprana Temple and the ancient Muslim Mosque nearby the fort shows the age-old religious harmony that prevailed in the area.
How To Reach Bekal Fort
You need not strain much for a visit to Bekal. It is an easily fetchable one with respect to transportation. All modes of transportation will make you reach this historical land in Kerala. Bekal fort is situated in Bekal, Kasargod district. There are two airports you can depend for a journey to Bekal. One is the Karipur International Airport and other is the Mangalore International Airport. The former being 180km away and the later only 50km away. Railway stations are also available if you want your trip through railways. The nearest railway station is the Kasargod railway station. After getting there in the airport or railway station, take bus or taxi to reach Bekal. Bekal is just 16km from the National Highway going through Kasargod.
What To See In Bekal Fort
Bekal fort is a unique fort among the various forts present in Kerala. It does not hold any palaces and was not used as an administrative centre by the ancestors. But still it is famous in the country. The fort was primarily used as a medium for defense by the kings and their dynasty. You can see the well defined strategies of the dynasties at the historic time to tackle the enemies in more detailed manner from here.
The observation tower is one of the important feature of this fort. You will be definitely amazed by the construction of people at time. One of the observation tower is having a ramp to climb above and another is stretching into the Arabian sea. The observation tower looms high in the sky and from there, it is easy to find out the smallest movement of the enemies coming toward the fort, even from a large distance. The broad band steps leading to the observation tower is a real wonder.
The holes on the outer walls and Armoury (underground tunnel) are exclusively to fulfill the defensive requirements of the fort. The upper holes on the walls were primarily used to aim the distant enemies, the bottom holes were used to attack enemies when they were very close to the fort. The underground tunnel is a way to the Arabian sea. Unfortunately, now you can't see this tunnel as it is blocked nowadays.
Other important features regarding the fort are the water-tank with its flight of steps, the tunnel opening towards the south and the magazine for keeping ammunition. The zig zag,meandering entrance and wide varieties of trenches surrounding the wall were also made to defend the enemies from a sudden attack.
Apart from popping into history, you can have the beautiful scenery of sunset from the observation tower. The picturesque beauty of the trains moving along the coastal area is really wonderful that you will never forget in your life.
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