Bekal Fort And Beyond: Top Things To See, Do, And Experience On The Malabar Coast.2025

Bekal Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit, How to Reach, and Things to Do

Bekal is a beautiful coastal town located in the Kasaragod district of Kerala. Known for its impressive fort, peaceful beaches, and calm backwaters, Bekal is one of the best destinations to start a road trip along Kerala’s Malabar Coast. Its quiet charm, natural beauty, and rich history make it perfect for a relaxing holiday.

In this detailed travel guide, let’s explore the best time to visit Bekal, how to reach it, must-visit places, nearby attractions, local food, and useful travel tips.

Best Time to Visit

Bekal has a tropical climate with heavy rainfall during the monsoon and warm summers. The best time to visit Bekal is from October to March

During these months, the weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing, beach walks, and outdoor activities. The temperature stays between 22°C and 32°C, making it comfortable for travelers.

Monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rains, turning the landscape lush green. Although the beaches and fort look beautiful during the rains, heavy downpours may limit travel activities.

How to Reach there?

By Road

Bekal is well-connected by road to major cities in Kerala and neighboring Karnataka. The nearest big city is Mangalore, around 65 kilometers away, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car. You can take NH66, a scenic coastal highway that passes through green landscapes and small villages.

Private taxis, buses, and rental cars are available from Mangalore, Kasaragod, and Kannur.

By Rail

Bekal has its own railway station, Bekal Fort Railway Station, located about 1.5 kilometers from the fort and beach area. It’s connected to cities like Mangalore, Kozhikode, Kannur, and Thiruvananthapuram.

Another nearby station is Kanhangad Railway Station, around 12 kilometers away, with more frequent train options.

By Air

The nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport (IXE), about 75 kilometers away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Bekal. It takes about 2 hours to reach by road.

Things to Do

1. Explore Bekal Fort :

Bekal Fort is the largest and one of the best-preserved forts in Kerala. Built over 300 years ago by Shivappa Nayaka of the Keladi dynasty, the fort covers a 40-acre area by the Arabian Sea.

You can walk along the fort walls, visit the observation points, and enjoy the beautiful views of the sea and surrounding greenery. It’s an excellent spot for photography and sunset views.

2. Relax at Bekal Beach

Located next to Bekal Fort, Bekal Beach is clean and peaceful, ideal for an evening stroll. The beach has sitting areas, a children’s park, and small stalls selling snacks like pazham pori and coconut water.

3. Enjoy Sunset at Chandragiri River Point

A few kilometers from Bekal lies Chandragiri River Point a calm place where you can enjoy a boat ride or watch the sunset over the backwaters and river. It’s perfect for a quiet, relaxing evening.

4. Visit Kappil Beach and Backwaters :

Around 7 kilometers from Bekal, Kappil Beach is a serene, less-crowded spot. The unique feature here is the backwaters on one side and the sea on the other. A boat ride in the backwaters is a must-try experience.

5. Discover Nityanand Ashram Caves:

Located near Hosdurg Fort,these ancient rock-cut caves are peaceful and surrounded by nature. They have beautifully carved stone images and small meditation rooms.

Nearby Attractions

1. Kasaragod

The district headquarters Kasaragod town is around 18 kilometers from Bekal. It’s known for the Ananthapura Lake Temple, Kerala’s only lake temple, and Malik Deenar Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in India.

2. Hosdurg Fort

About 15 kilometers from Bekal, Hosdurg Fort is a 17th-century structure built by the Ikkeri dynasty. Though partially in ruins, the fort is surrounded by green gardens and offers peaceful views.

4. Valiyaparamba Backwaters

Located about 30 kilometers from Bekal, Valiyaparamba is one of Kerala’s most beautiful backwater stretches. You can hire a traditional houseboat or motorboat to explore the narrow waterways, small islands, and village life.

5. Ranipuram Hills

Around 55 kilometers from Bekal, Ranipuram is a hill station known for its trekking trails and rich wildlife. The misty hills, grasslands, and dense forests make it a good day-trip option for nature lover.

Local food to try in

1. Kerala Parotta with Chicken Curry: A flaky, layered flatbread served with spicy Kerala-style chicken curry.

2. Karimeen Pollichathu: Pearl spot fish marinated in spices and cooked in banana leaf, a famous Malabar delicacy.

3. Malabar Biryani: A fragrant rice dish made with chicken or mutton, cooked in traditional Malabar style with whole spices.

4. Banana Chips: Crispy, deep-fried banana chips, a popular snack throughout Kerala.

5. Pazham Pori:Sweet banana fritters made from ripe bananas coated in flour batter and deep-fried.

Travel Tips

Carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the coastal sun.

Wear comfortable footwear for walking around the fort and beach.

Mobile network coverage is good in town areas but may be weak near some backwater spots.

Local people are friendly and helpful. Most can understand Malayalam, Tulu, and Kannada. English is understood at tourist places.

ATMs are available in Bekal town and nearby Kasaragod.

Conclusion

A one or two-day visit is perfect to explore Bekal’s main attractions. If you wish to visit nearby places like Valiyaparamba or Ranipuram, adding an extra day would make your trip more relaxed and complete.

Bekal is an ideal destination for a peaceful beachside holiday combined with heritage and natural beauty. Its historic fort, calm beaches, and beautiful backwaters offer a refreshing experience. The town also makes a great starting point for a long road trip along Kerala’s Malabar Coast.

From Bekal, travelers can continue their journey towards Kannur, the next charming coastal town known for its drive-in beach and colonial forts.

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