Bekal
A sea fort, quiet backwaters and Kerala's far north
Bekal Fort is a great keyhole-shaped circuit of laterite walls on a promontory above the Arabian Sea, built in the 1650s by Shivappa Nayaka of the Keladi dynasty, rulers of coastal Karnataka. It later passed to Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan of Mysore and then the British. Inside the walls, a ramp leads up to an observation tower and the bastions look down on beaches stretching away on both sides.
The coast here is quieter than anywhere in the south. South of Bekal, the Valiyaparamba backwaters form a long lagoon fed by four rivers and dotted with small islands, where a few houseboats cruise among fishing villages with almost no other traffic. Inland, the Ananthapura temple stands in the middle of a small lake, and the district's villages hold Theyyam performances through the season, with fewer visitors than around Kannur.
Kasaragod is also where Kerala's language and culture begin to blend with coastal Karnataka: Tulu and Kannada are spoken alongside Malayalam, and the food shows influences from both. We use Bekal as the northern end of our Malabar journeys, often flying out of Mangaluru, and base guests at Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, set on the backwaters behind Kappil beach with houseboat-inspired villas.
Highlights
What Bekal does best
Kerala's largest fort, a 17th-century circuit of laterite walls on a headland, with an observation tower, water tank and bastions above two beaches. Visit at opening time for cool air and empty ramparts.
A long, island-studded lagoon south of Bekal, fed by four rivers and separated from the sea by a narrow strip of land. A day on a private boat here is the quietest backwater experience in Kerala.
A small Vishnu temple standing in the middle of a lake in the hills near Kumbla, reached by a short footbridge. Local tradition links it to the Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kasaragod's villages hold Theyyam through the season, and performances here see fewer outside visitors than in Kannur. A guide finds the night's ritual and explains it as it unfolds.
Another 17th-century fort of the Keladi rulers stands above the Chandragiri river, near where it meets the sea. Sunset from the walls, followed by a river boat ride, makes an easy evening.
From Kappil to Pallikere and Kanwatheertha, the Kasaragod coast has long, quiet beaches with laterite headlands and few visitors, best walked early in the morning.
Experiences
Four hours to plan around
Getting there
How to reach Bekal
Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) in Karnataka is about 65 km north, roughly 1.5 h by car, with good connections to Indian cities and the Gulf. Kannur International Airport (CNN) is about 110 km and 2.5 h south.
Kasaragod and Kanhangad stations, each about 12–15 km away, are on the main coastal line, with trains to Mangaluru in about an hour and Kannur in about 1–1.5 h. A small Bekal Fort halt is served by local trains.
Kannur is ≈ 85 km · 2 h, Mangaluru ≈ 60 km · 1.5 h and Wayanad (Mananthavady) ≈ 160 km · 4 h. The coastal highway is being widened, which can slow journeys; check current status before you travel.
Where to stay
Rooms we book
Taj Bekal Resort & Spa is the leading luxury stay in North Malabar, set on the backwaters behind Kappil beach with villas inspired by Kerala houseboats, many with private pools, and a large spa. The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal, also near the backwaters, is a second full-service resort. Both make good bases for Bekal Fort, Valiyaparamba and Theyyam in Kasaragod and Kannur districts.
A Taj resort on the backwaters behind Kappil beach near Bekal Fort, with villas inspired by Kerala houseboats, many with private pools, a large spa and …
Shape your own journey Tell us your dates and what you hope to feel. We draw the route around you. Begin Not sure where to start? We match the land to your month, your pace and the people travelling with you. Begin Talk to a planner A first route and an indicative price within one working day. No payment to start. BeginFrom our planners
Five things to know
- Visit Bekal Fort at opening time, before 9 am; it gets hot and busy with school groups later.
- Swim only where your resort advises; the sea along this coast has strong currents.
- Ask us to plan Valiyaparamba as a private boat day rather than a shared cruise.
- Fly out of Mangaluru for the shortest airport transfer at the end of a Malabar trip.
- Bring modest clothing for Theyyam nights and temple visits.
Questions travellers ask
Questions about Bekal
Is Bekal worth visiting?
Yes, as part of a North Malabar journey. Bekal has Kerala's largest fort, quiet beaches, the Valiyaparamba backwaters, the Ananthapura lake temple and Theyyam with fewer visitors than Kannur, and Taj Bekal is the best luxury resort in the north. It suits travellers who have already seen southern Kerala or want somewhere quieter.
How do I get to Bekal?
The easiest way is to fly to Mangaluru International Airport, about 65 km north and 1.5 hours by car. Kannur International Airport is about 110 km south. Kasaragod and Kanhangad railway stations, on the main coastal line, are each about 12–15 km away.
What is the best time to visit Bekal?
November to March, when the weather is dry and sunny, the sea is calmer, and Theyyam is performed in the villages. December and January are the most comfortable. April and May are hot and humid, and from June to September the monsoon brings very heavy rain to this coast.
How many days do I need in Bekal?
Two or three nights. That gives time for Bekal Fort, a day on the Valiyaparamba backwaters, Ananthapura and Chandragiri, and one or two Theyyam nights, with some time at the resort. Combine with Kannur and Wayanad for a full Malabar journey.
Where should I stay in Bekal?
Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, set on the backwaters behind Kappil beach, is our first choice, with villas inspired by Kerala houseboats, many with private pools. The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal is a good second option. Both are about 10–15 minutes from Bekal Fort.
Can I see Theyyam from Bekal?
Yes. Kasaragod district has many village shrines that hold Theyyam during the season from about November to May, and Kannur's shrines are 1.5 to 2 hours south. Our guides find the night's performances and drive you there and back. Check current status before you travel, as dates are set locally.
Can I swim at Bekal beach?
We advise caution. The beaches along this coast have strong currents and limited lifeguard cover. Swim only in calm conditions where your resort advises, and never in the monsoon. Taj Bekal has a large pool and quiet backwaters for those who prefer calmer water.
Is Bekal good for a honeymoon?
Yes, for couples who want privacy. Taj Bekal has pool villas, a spa and quiet backwaters, and the area sees few tourists. Days can be split between the fort, a boat day on Valiyaparamba and beach walks, with Theyyam for those interested in culture.
How far is Bekal from Kannur?
About 85 km, roughly 2 hours by car on the coastal highway, depending on roadworks. Trains between Kannur and Kanhangad or Kasaragod take about an hour to 90 minutes. Many of our Malabar journeys spend nights in both. We usually stop at Valiyaparamba on the way.
Journeys
Routes that stop in Bekal
Nearby
Pair it with
Theyyam country, looms and the old Malabar forts
Coffee, pepper and elephant forest on the high plateau
Shape your own journey Tell us your dates and what you hope to feel. We draw the route around you. Begin Not sure where to start? We match the land to your month, your pace and the people travelling with you. Begin Talk to a planner A first route and an indicative price within one working day. No payment to start. Begin