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Bekal Fort

Bekal Fort

heritage site · Kerala

State
Kerala
Type
Heritage Site

Bekal Fort in Kasaragod district, Kerala, is the largest fort in Kerala, spreading over 40 acres, with three-quarters of its exterior in contact with the sea, giving the impression it emerges directly from the water.

Bekal Fort is known for

largest fort in Keralasea-facing rampartsTipu Sultan observation towerKeladi Nayaka constructionspecial tourism area since 1992

A short history

The area came under the sovereignty of the Kolathiri/Mushika Royal Family from around the 12th century. After the 1565 Battle of Talikota, the Keladi Nayakas fortified the region; construction of the fort was initiated by Hiriya Venkatappa Nayaka and completed in 1650 AD by Shivappa Nayaka. In the late 18th century, Hyder Ali conquered the Nayakas and took control of the fort, and Tipu Sultan later used it as an important military station, adding a water tank, magazine and observation tower. Following Tipu Sultan's death in 1799, the British East India Company took over the fort. In 1992, India declared Bekal Fort a special tourism area. [Source: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bekal_Fort]

Why Bekal Fort matters

As Kerala's largest and best-preserved fort, Bekal is a key monument in the coastal defense history of the Malabar region and the Mysore Sultanate's southward expansion under Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.

When to go

Cooler, drier months outside the monsoon season

Why visit

Kerala's largest fort, its keyhole-shaped laterite ramparts jutting into the Arabian Sea — come for the sunset over the water as much as the history.

How to reach

Bekal Fort Railway Station is the nearest station, with Kanhangad also on the Mangalore-Palakkad line; the nearest airports are Mangalore (71 km), Kannur (101 km) and Calicut (195 km).

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