Bekal is an ancient town situated within the confines of Kasaragod district of Kerala. This city uniquely resembles a fortress that was a product of defense mechanism from yesteryears owing to its sturdy forts. While its forts can take your breath away with their grandeur, Bekal’s beaches and backwaters only add to this imperious town’s glory. With wonderful estuaries, splendid backwaters, heavenly shores, and striking coconut trees, Bekal has a wide collection of tourist places on offer. If the history hidden within the forts of Bekal can attract tourists, then the sheer beauty of its sunsets can allure them to stay longer at this serene town. Let us glance through some of these terrific places that tourists can visit while in Bekal.

Bekal Beach is a pristine haven for ocean fanatics situated in the northern hemisphere of Kerala. The foreland that connects this serene beach to the Arabian Sea stretches over a 35 km area and provides great landscapes for viewing. Bekal Beach possesses an eccentric allure as tourists can walk across unending shorelines. This shoreline is graced by coconut trees that rhythmically dance to the tune of sea winds and seek the attention of sunlight. The unblemished sands of Bekal Beach offer tourists with perfect space to relax and get away from their daily hustle and bustle. Pleasing temperatures, hospitality that only people of Kerala could offer, and the scenic glamour on offer make Bekal Beach a quintessential holiday home.

Chandragiri Fort is situated at a distance of 10 km from Bekal. Brimming with historical events, this fort was constructed by Shivappa Nayak from Bednore. It is one of the many forts that were raised by this valiant ruler during his reign in this region. It formed the means to separate Kerala from the area ruled by the Tuluva regime. Chandragiri Fort rises approximately 150 m above the sea’s surface and offers visitors with a staggering view of Chandragiri River flowing adjacently. Sunsets seen from atop the fort are mesmerizing as tourists can watch the waters of the Arabian Sea bid goodbye to the majestic setting sun. All these enticing factors make Chandragiri Fort a must visit for historians, nature admirers, and photographers galore.

Pallikere Beach is located just 1 km away from Bekal Fort. This beach presents visitors with a spellbinding picture of Bekal Fort. Pallikere Beach has several recreational facilities spread out across its shores, offering tourists with ample options to unwind and relax. Surrounded by impenetrable bushes and majestic coconut groves, tourists visit this spot throughout the year. Tourists take time off from their busy routines and come spend time at this undisturbed site. Most of the time, these visitors end up rediscovering their accord and attaining isolation in nature’s arms. Kochi Festival is the annual jamboree that is held amidst the cleansed sands of Pallikere Beach. The festivities observed during this event offer an opportunity to learn more about the vibrant culture of Bekal.

Nestled along the shoreline of the captivating Arabian Sea, Thrikkannad Shiva Temple is one of the most sacred shrines in the state of Kerala. Located at a distance of 1 km from Bekal, the temple is uniquely seated in the company of tranquil ocean waters. The occurrence of the new moon brings forth many faithful who pay a visit to the temple for the ritual of Pithrutharppanam. Devotees submerge themselves under sea water in commemoration of the ritual. The temple is flooded with colorful festivals during the summer season. Art forms such as Thidambu Nritham and Theyyam are performed during this time. The vibrant festivities and colorful arts provide an intriguing spectacle for visitors who wish to explore the local culture.

Situated about 15 km away from Bekal, Hosdurg Fort is a historical relic of the ancient dynasties that ruled over Bekal. It was constructed by Somashekara Nayak, who belonged to the Ikkeri ancestry. Hosdurg fort is popular for the long sequence of majestic forts that have been built at the site. The spherical bastions of the fort offer tourists with a spectacular site from a distant location. The 45 caves of Nityanandashram also grace the fort area, adding to its fortified grandeur. With its marvelous structural features, Hosdurg Fort is an ideal destination for historians and nature enthusiasts. This brings in thousands of tourists to the fort throughout the year.

Bela Church is located in the northern hemisphere of God’s Own Country. This medieval church is a breathtaking specimen of ancient Gothic architectural patterns. The church was constructed in 1890 and forms one of the oldest shrines to prevail in the vicinity. Run by the Diocese of Mangalore, Bela Church provides tourists with a stunning display of old-world Roman Catholic culture and sculpture. Devoted to “Our Lady of Sorrows”, the church also goes by this name within local circles. A grotto holding an impeccable statue of Mother Mary graces the church area. The historical and religious significance of Bela Church attracts tourists from all over the country.

Ananthapura Temple is the sole temple in the whole of Kerala to be set atop a lake. Located about 30 km from Bekal, this lake was constructed in the 9th century. Ananthapura Temple is believed to be the earliest residence of Lord Ananthapadmanabha. The temple popularly provides a stunning display of the hillocks surrounding the area due to its perfect placement. Another gripping story about this temple talks about a custodian who guards this shrine. This custodian is none other than a vegetarian majestic crocodile named Babia. He is considered as the local caretaker and message-carrier of Ananthapura Temple. These intriguing traits add to the holistic importance of this calm and tranquil temple, along with its natural splendor on offer.

Thonikadavu is a beautiful stretch of lush green forest area covered with layers of fog. Situated just a few kilometers away from Bekal Fort, this region is studded with a dense blanket of coconut palm trees and areca palms. Thonikadavu offers a refreshing and calm atmosphere along with the diverse flora and fauna that prevail within its confines. Trekking through these splendid forest routes is popular on the tourism list of Bekal. The jungle is sure to captivate tourists with its stunning aura. The trail used for trekking also offers a display of exotic bird species on the way, attracting innumerable bird watchers to this site. Tourists could even cap off their rejuvenating trek with a dip in the cleansing waters of the Payaswani River once done.

Bekal’s Valiyaparamba Backwaters are ideal for a serene little sightseeing trip. Valiyaparamba, an island in the backwaters of Tejaswini river, is all lush greenery and postcard picturesque. It is inhabited by fishermen and coconut trees and seabirds and lagoons. Imagine spending a day lounging around here, boating in the waters and people-watching as fishermen fish their day’s produce.

The Bekal Fort is all 40 acres of ancient structure, designed so well that its sophistication still reflects to those visiting. There are skilfully crafted decks, turrets, tunnels and a huge water tank. There is also an ammunition magazine and observation tower for defence and war purposes. History buffs will enjoy a tour of this 300-year old place as it narrates the tales of the South Indian defence on the coast of the Arabian Sea.

The beauty of Malik Deenar Mosque is something every visitor of Bekal must enjoy. It has a gorgeous sloping roof over its manor, with a decided Kerala touch to its architecture style. Not only people of faith and architecture lovers, but also history buffs should visit the mosque. It is open every day between 4 in the morning and 7 in the evening.

Clear waters, glittering sands, coconut trees and a high and shining sun — that’s Kapil Beach for you. The Taj Bekal Resort on the coast of Kapil is a plush luxurious hotel to enjoy. If you are on budget, then instead of staying here you can enjoy an evening of tea by its beach restaurants. The beach itself is open to all between sunrise and sunset.

Named after Swami Nityananda, the Nityanandashram Caves have about 45 smaller ones in its premises. These caves have six entrance mouths and they all merger intricately in one single rock. It is a natural marvel in itself, home to a sculpture of Swami Nityananda, who was known for his spiritual might. The caves are hence a good place to indulge in meditation.