Bekal is a small town located on the eastern shore of KeralaEarning its name from a giant keyhole shaped fort, Bekal is a beautiful town with picturesque backwaters, mesmerizing hill views, and serene beaches. Bekal town is in Kasaragod district. Bekal is just 11.7 km from the main city of Kasaragod, and a drive of just 20 minutes can help you reach there. Bekal is aggressively promoted as a popular tourist destination by the Kerala tourism department. From backwaters to beaches, Bekal has everything that it takes to make it a perfect tourist destination. It can also be called mini Kerala. It is one of the top ten tourist destinations in northern Kerala.
Nature has gifted Bekal with an abundance of natural beauty, picturesque spots, and places to visit. The quaint town has several serene beaches and a group of adventurous caves that are structured out of a single rock. There are several spots in the town where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the town from a comfortable height.
Where to stay in Bekal?
Bekal has several budget-friendly hotels where you can enjoy a stay for as little as Rs. 800 per night. For backpackers and students, the town also has a lot of homestays and lodges with the best facilities. Satisfying hunger in the town is as cheap as finding a place to stay. There are a lot of eateries in Bekal where you can find delicious local food at very affordable rates.
Bekal Fort:
Bekal Fort is the most popular tourist spot not just in Bekal but the entire Kasaragod. Covering an area of nearly 40 acres, Bekal Fort’s history can be traced back to nearly 300 years back. The fort is an ancient marvel with a superior defense mechanism, sophisticatedly designed walls, ammunition magazine, tunnel, and a gigantic observation tower providing a magnificent view of the Arabian sea. The entry fee for Bekal fort is Rs. 5 per person, and one can visit the fort between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.
Valiyaparamba Backwaters:
A trip to Bekal can’t be complete without exploring the famous Valiyaparamba backwaters. A perfect destination for sightseeing, Valiyaparamba is a beautiful island situated on River Tejaswini. Known as one of the most picturesque spots in the town, Valiyaparamba is also a fishing center. The lush green fields surrounding the backwaters add significant value to the scenic beauty of the entire place. You can also enjoy a boat ride at the backwaters to enjoy the views.
Bekal Beach:
Backwaters are not the only place to see in the town. Bekal also has several serene beaches in the town, and Bekal Beach is named after the town itself. Spread across an area of nearly 30 acres, the serene beach is a perfect place for a relaxing stroll. The picturesque beach attracts hundreds of tourists every year. For solo travelers, it is an ideal spot to spend some time in solitude. Located close to the majestic Bekal fort, the beach is a must-visit spot in the town. The entry fee for visiting the beach is Rs. 10.
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Kapil Beach:
Kapil Beach is another popular beach in town that needs to be explored. From locals to tourists, this place is popular among everyone. Dotted with coconut trees, Kapil beach is famous for its clear sand and clean water. It is an exotic tourist spot, ideal for a laid back experience. The beach is particularly popular among luxury tourists who stay at the nearby Taj Bekal resort. You can sit close to the beach to enjoy the soothing view of the sunset while spending some quality time.
Nityanandashram Caves:
For all the adventure lovers in the house, Bekal is a perfect place for a holiday. Nityanandashram caves are one such place that can give you the adrenaline rush you have been looking for. Nityanandashram caves are actually a group of 45 caves in Hosdurg. These caves were structured out of a single rock and had as many as 6 entrances. The highlight of these caves is Swami Nityananda’s sculpture that has been designed from panchaloha. Apart from adventure, these caves are also famous spots for spiritual activities.
Ananthapura Lake Temple:
Ananthapura Lake Temple is the center of attraction in Bekal. As the name suggests, the temple is surrounded by a rectangular lake. The temple is nearly 30 km from Bekal, and it has been a center of cultural and spiritual activities for quite some time now. The ninth-century temple is a perfect example of Kerala-style architecture. The temple is also famous for Babia, the vegetarian crocodile and temple guardian. The temple provides a magnificent view of the nearby areas from its hillocks. The timing to visit the temple is 5:30 am – 12:30 pm and 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
