Bekal Fort

 The unique Bekal Fort stands amidst the roaming but heartening music of the seas along with the eternal note of the unending waves, carrying the thrilling memories of a bygone era. This foremost souvenir of the 'God's own Country' remains undeterred over the ages as a silent witness to centuries of eventful yester years The Bekal Fort has been a source of attraction for historians, tourists and nature-lovers for centuries since it embodies memories of a glorious past.

topHistory 

   Kasaragod, the northernmost district of Kerala  State  is a land of forts. Large number of forts, big and small like Bekal, Chandragiri, Hosdurg, Kumbala, Panayal, Kundamkuzhi, Bandaduka etc. reveal the historical importance of this land. Bekal Fort remains the largest and best-preserved fort in Kerala. History and legend are interwoven together in Bekal. particularly regarding its antiquity.

    During the Perumal age Bekal was a part of Mahodayapuram. The Kodavalam Inscription (Pullur-Kodavalam) of Bhasakara Ravi II (the King of Mahodayapuram) illustrate the undisputed political sway of Mahodayapuram over this region. Following the political decline of Mahodayapuram Perumals by the 12th century AD, North Kerala including Bekal came under the sovereignty of Kolathunadu. The maritime importance of Bekal increased much under Kolathiries and it became an important port town of Thulunadu.

    The Battle of Thalikkottai in 1565 led to the decline of the mighty Vi|ayanagara empire and many feudatory chieftains rose in political prominence including the Keladi Nayaks (Ikkeri Nayaks). The Nayaks realised the political and economic importance of Thulunadu (Kasaragod District) and attacked and annexed this part of the country. Bekal served as a nucleus in establishing the domination of Nayaks in Malabar. The economic importance of the port town prompted the Nayaks to fortify Bekal subsequently. Hiriya Venkatappa initiated the construction of the fort and it was completed during the period of Sivappa Nayak. The speedy completion of the Port was aimed at the defence of the fort from overseas attack and to strengthen their attack on Malabar. Chandragiri fort near Kasaragod was also constructed during this period.

    Somashekhara Nayak captured Manjeswar and Thaliparamba and built a fort at Kanhangad Hosdurga [new fort]. The other forts found in Kasaragod are constructed on the coastal region and on the route to Madikkeri. It is believed that the 'Kotteyar' community found in Bekal, Panayal and other places in Kasaragod were brought to this land by the Nayaks to build and defend the forts. There was a prolonged struggle between the Kolathiries and Nayaks to recapture and maintain their hold over this area. These unending battles came to an end with the rise of Hyder Ali who conquered and defeated the Nayaks. Subsequently Bekal fell into the hands of Mysore Sulthans.

    Bekal served as an important military station of Tipu sultan when he led the great military expedition to capture Malabar. The coins and other artifacts unearthed by the archaeological excavation conducted recently at Bekal fort is a manifestation of the strong presence of the Mysore sulthans. The martyrdom of Tipu Sulthan who died fighting against the British in 1799 saw the end of Mysorean control and subsequently the fort came under the English East India Company.

    During the reign of the Company Bekal became the headquarters of the newly organised Bekal Taluk of South Canara District in Bombay Presidency. South Canara became a part of the Madras Presidency in 1862 and Kasaragod Taluk was set up in the place of Bekal Taluk. Gradually the political and economic importance of Bekal and its port declined considerably. Kasaragod became part of Kerala with the state reorganisation in 1956.

topAttractions   

    Bekal Fort happens to be the biggest fort of Kerala spreading over forty acres. The important fixtures of this fort are the tank with its flight of steps, the opening of the tunnel towards the South, the magazine for keeping ammunition and the broad and wide steps lending to the Observation Tower is a rarity. From there one has ample view of all the important places in the vicinity like Kanhangad, Pallikare, Bekal, Kottikkulam, Uduma etc. This observation centre has strategic significance in finding out even the smallest movements of the enemy and ascertaining the safety of the Fort.

    Unlike most other Indian Forts, Bekal fort was not a center of administration for no remains of a Palace are found within the Fort. Probably the fort was built for fulfilling the defence requirements. The holes on the outer walls of the fort are so remarkable that they are specially designed to defend the fort effectively. The holes at the top are meant for aiming at the farthest points; the holes below are meant for hitting when the enemy is nearer and the holes underneath facilitate attacking when the enemy is very near to the fort. This is a remarkable evidence for the medieval technology of defence strategy. Apart from this, the wild and ecstatic beauty of the setting sun is a glorious presence in the fort.

topReaching There

topTrek Routes

The fort is a land fort and hence not required to be trekked. 

topAccommodation

Variety of hotels available at Mangalore and Kasargod to suit every budget.