With clean beaches, monumental buildings, and landscapes, Bekal town of the Kasaragod district in the Indian state of Kerala is one of the well-placed towns for a tourism trip. Tourists get to enjoy the scenic beauty, accompanied by exquisite culture. In this article, we present the top 10 places to visit in Bekal: 

Bekal Fort 

Regarding its historical importance and architectural design, Bekal Fort is considered the most important symbol of the town. The fort was erected on the orders of Shivappa Nayaka of the Keladi dynasty in the mid-1600s. It specifically dominates and overlooks the Java Sea and is one of the largest inland fortifications in Kerala. Outstanding views of the Arabian Sea and its nearby surroundings are also available. The combination of its coastal location, agricultural landscape, and colonial barns makes it a competition for most coastal towns that only had farms or barns. 

Bekal Beach 

Bekal Beach is near the Bekal Fort which is ideal for a day at the beach. The beach has little or no commercial activities undertaken around which enhances its appeal. The clear water and golden sand make it perfect for walks, sunbathing, or just relaxing in the beauty of the surroundings. The site of the beach with the fort in the background and during sunset is one of the highlights. 

Kappil Beach 

About a few kilometers away from Bekal, Kappil Beach is another quiet, beautiful beach. It is this unspoiled beauty of the place and clear water that makes it a not-so-crowded place. Kappil Beach’s best feature is that it has a lagoon of backwaters that meets the ocean creating a perfect blend. Travelers can go for backwater boat rides or can walk on the shores. With its tranquil

setting and stunning views, Kappil Beach is a great spot for taking photos and doing absolutely nothing. 

Chandragiri Fort 

Chandragiri Fort is a historical fort, approximately 10 kilometers away from Bekal. This fort was constructed during the Portuguese period in the 17th century by the Sivappa Nayaka, who was the same ruler of Bekal Fort. It is built on the banks of the present Chandragiri River. Though it is smaller in size and even lesser known as compared to Bekal Fort, it has its scenic beauty, quietness, and historical significance which is worth visiting. 

Valiyaparamba Backwaters 

Valiyaparamba Backwaters is known to be one of the most breathtaking and serene backwater destinations of Kerala and is located around Bekal. This scenic region encompasses a wide web of canals, lagoons, and lakes, which are abundant in greenery. The backwaters are ideal for houseboat cruises which allow people to appreciate the scenic beauty of the region. The enthralling landscapes and calm water can be equally appreciated and enjoyed while relaxing. It also boasts some of the best backwaters in the country with a variety of birds. 

The Ananthapura Lake Temple 

The Ananthapura Lake Temple, around 30 kilometers from Bekal, is one of the few temples that stand fenced in the middle of a calm enhancing beauty of a lake. It is an old temple built in honor of Lord Vishnu and is said to be the first place of worship of one of the foremost deities of the Padmanabhaswamy Temple situated at Thiruvananthapuram. As the temple is situated amidst nature with lakes reflecting its quiet splendor the temple has an integrated beauty of its own. 

Nityanand Ashram Caves

The caves in the region are the Nityanand Ashram Caves having six forms located further North of Bekal. The Interpreter of these caves, who was none other than Swami Nityananda, was a cult follower who created them so that people could practice in peace. It was simple in the lap of nature with its carved stones and spacious tiny chambers hidden within its sight. The empty spaces around the caves are a good and peaceful location for meditation and solitude. Nityanand Ashram is just across the main road around the cave which is also a significant spiritual centre and people come in large numbers to worship. 

Kodi Cliff 

The Kodi Cliff sits close to Bekal, just a couple of kilometers away from the bustling city. It is a place where people do not tend to flock because of the distance to travel. It is a place for travelers who love to explore the unexplored. While standing at the top of the cliff, a person can feel the sight of a large sea ahead, with cool breezes blowing towards him from that direction. The cliff is bland and not very high in importance compared to its surroundings. From a height, the cliff allows spectators to gaze at the blue waters, which are bordered by trees. It is one of the best places to watch the sun go down as it tends to be very quiet during that time. It is also a very nice place to be in with crystal clear skies and a cool atmosphere. 

Pallikere Beach 

Another beach that is quite peaceful and pretty looking is the Pallikere beach, situated very close to the Bekal Fort area. Due to the locality of the beach, it is a notch above calmer and attracts people regularly to spend a sunny day with family and enjoy the beach, as it is quite frequented by families. The shores of the beaches have fine sand and are not muddy at all, which makes beach activities even more enjoyable. The beach isn’t as crowded as some of the other beaches, which helps in even better enjoyment while cuddling up next to the soft sea. One can always see the appearance of Bekal Fort from the shores.

Pallikere Beach is a recommended beach for people who wish to have a relaxed session after a day filled with visiting ancestral sites. 

Hosdurg Fort 

Another interesting fort for tourists in the area near the hostels is the Hosdurg Fort in the town of Kanhangad which is also known for its history. Built by the Ikkeri dynasty, the fort is famous for its large circular bastions. Although most of this fortress has been destroyed, it still gives an insight into how the region was. The fort is built on a hill from where the province can be viewed beautifully. The calm nature that surrounds the nearby Nityananda Ashram also makes a visit to Hosdurg Fort more worthwhile. 

Bekal truly reflects a delightful co-existence of history and nature amongst spirituality. From the huge forts and calm beaches to the backwaters and the animal sanctuaries, Bekal has something for everybody. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or simply someone seeking a peaceful retreat, you will return with plenty of thanks from Bekal.