Places of Interest
Bakel

Bekal,at the northern tip of Kerala is 140 kms away from Calicut International Terminal.With the Konkan
Railway Line,Bombay will just be 15 hours from Bekal. The beaches,backwaters and hill stations of Bekal
offer a totally different backdrops  to the holiday experience. 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.

The Bekal Fort (16 Kms south of Kasaragod on the national highway)
bakelfort

The 300 year old Bekal Fort is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala.This imposing circular structure of laterite sites rises 130 ft. above sea level and stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabian Sea. Buses are available every 30 minutes from Kanhagad to Bekal.

 

bakelfort

The Fort appears to have been built up from the seas since almost three fourth of its exterior is drenched and the waves do stroke the citadel.The Hanuman temple and the ancient Muslim Mosque nearly hold testimony to the age-old religious harmony that prevailed in the area.  The zigzag entrance and the trenches around the fort show the defence strategy connected with 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 outerwalls 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 medival technology of defence strategy.  Apart from this, the wild and ecstatic beauty of the setting sun is a glorious presence in the fort.

Pallikere Beach (1 Km from Bekal Fort):
This Shallow beach offers a spectacular view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation.
Bekal Hole Aqua Park (1 Km from Bekal Fort):
The only one of its kind in northern Kerala, this unique Aqua Park provides water sport facilities like pedal boats and water cycles.
Malik Deenar Mosque
Kasargod acquired over the years considerable importance as a center of Islam on the west coast.The historic Malik Deenar Juma Masjid built in the typical Kerala style is believed to have been founded by Malik Ibin Dinar.The Juma Masjid, which is one of the best kept and most attractive in the districts is located at Thalankara.  malikdenar
Kappil Beach (6Km from Bekal fort)
Remote and secluded , this beach is fast becoming a major attraction.  The wide beach and calm waters promise you an experience without parallel.  The Kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of blue skies and rolling sands, making your visit one to remember.
Anandasaram (15 kms from Bekal)

This internationally renowned spiritual centre founded by Swami Ramdas in 1939, offers a quiet, peaceful ambience best suited for meditation and spiritual studies.

Ananthapura Lake Temple (30 Km from Bekal)
This 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala and is the moolasthanam(original abode) of Anandapadmanabha, the deity of Sri. Padmanabha Swami Temple, Thiruvananthapuram anandhapuramtemple
Valiaparamba (30 Kms from Bekal)
This perhaps is the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala . Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.
Chandragiri Fort (10 Kms from Bekal)

Situated on the Chandragiri river, southeast of Kasaragod town , this town is known for its large 17th century fort built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore. The Chandragiri fort, one of a chain of forts built by the same ruler, offers breathtaking view of the meandering Chandragiri river and the Arabian Sea. It is a vantage point to watch the sunset.

There is a mosque nearby . The ancient Kizhur state Temple at Chandragiri has an annual festival called Pattu Utsavam.

 

chandragiri

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