Bekal Fort - Witness for the Defence Strategy of Medieval India
Bekal fort is one of the largest forts in Kerala, located at Bekal, a coastland in Hosdurga taluk of Kasaragod district, Kerala. Its spread in an area of about 40 acres, approximately 65 Km away from Mangalore town. It was strategically located to protect the movements of enemies, especially through sea route. Once may have an awesome view of the local small towns like Pallikkara, Bekal, Uduma and Kanhangad. To reach this destination, the nearest railway stations are Bekal Fort, Kanhangad, and Kasargod. Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi(Ikkeri Nayaks) is believed to have constructed this fort during 1650 AD. It is said that Shivappa Nayaks of Badnore between 1650 and 1670 AD constructed and improvised these forts of Bekal and Chandragiri, which were originally under the Kolathiri or Chirakkal royal family until the time of Shivappa Nayaka's invasion. Chirakkal royal family was a sub-feudatories of Cheras, Pandyas and Chola rulers. As we enter the fort, the zig-zag entrance and trench