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 trenches around the fort showing the defence strategy followed in building this fortress. The Mukhyaprana Temple(dedicated to Lord Hanuman) and a mosque nearby shows the religious harmony that has been present in the locality. Fort is located about 130 feet high from the sea level. Observation towers with many peepholes are the key attractions to you in the premises. As we step further, beautiful fort, compelling view of the beach, waves continually striking the citadel are just mesmeric to watch for. A rock garden in the parking area is another attraction. Trees planted on the beach with a walkaway makes it easier to traverse on the beach and hang around the sight.
Inside the fort, it depicts the remarkable defence strategy and technology used to protect the region from enemies. Another important feature of this fort is the tunnel opening and a storage space for keeping the arms and ammunition with broad steps which are then leading towards the observation tower. Unlike many other Indian forts, this fort was not a centre of administration, hence we do not see any other buildings or palace around the fort. The design and the holes around the fort clearly show that it was aimed to safeguard against the invaders from the farthest point including sea route. So take your time away from the regular work and refresh yourself in this awesome place, at least once if not twice :)
Additionally, from the historical point, Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan who ruled Mysore region had also spread their expedition out of Mangalore region till Malabar. Therefore, expeditious Sultans had never missed conquering this strategically important fort. The history of the location says that the centre of the fort, an observation tower that we see was built by the Mysore ruler Tippu Sultan. With the downfall of Tipu Sultan in 1799, this region came under the control of British East India Company with Bekal as a taluka town of British administration under Bombay presidency.
Political restructure around the region, brought this area as a part of South Canara District(current Mangalore-Udupi region) which was a part of Madras presidency. Gradually the political and economic importance of this fort town declined. Bekal and Kasaragod became a part of Kerala with the states reorganisation in 1956. At present, the fort land is under the protection and preservation of Archaeological Survey of India.
Before you visit this place, please ensure to wear cap/hat to protect against scorching heat, take enough drinking water since you need to walk along inside the fort as it may need 1 to 2 hours to take around to the fort. An evening after 4 pm or morning before 11 am are the best time to visit.
Below are some of the awesome clicks of the location only for you. :)
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 trenches around the fort showing the defence strategy followed in building this fortress. The Mukhyaprana Temple(dedicated to Lord Hanuman) and a mosque nearby shows the religious harmony that has been present in the locality. Fort is located about 130 feet high from the sea level. Observation towers with many peepholes are the key attractions to you in the premises. As we step further, beautiful fort, compelling view of the beach, waves continually striking the citadel are just mesmeric to watch for. A rock garden in the parking area is another attraction. Trees planted on the beach with a walkaway makes it easier to traverse on the beach and hang around the sight.
Inside the fort, it depicts the remarkable defence strategy and technology used to protect the region from enemies. Another important feature of this fort is the tunnel opening and a storage space for keeping the arms and ammunition with broad steps which are then leading towards the observation tower. Unlike many other Indian forts, this fort was not a centre of administration, hence we do not see any other buildings or palace around the fort. The design and the holes around the fort clearly show that it was aimed to safeguard against the invaders from the farthest point including sea route. So take your time away from the regular work and refresh yourself in this awesome place, at least once if not twice :)
Additionally, from the historical point, Hyder Ali and Tippu Sultan who ruled Mysore region had also spread their expedition out of Mangalore region till Malabar. Therefore, expeditious Sultans had never missed conquering this strategically important fort. The history of the location says that the centre of the fort, an observation tower that we see was built by the Mysore ruler Tippu Sultan. With the downfall of Tipu Sultan in 1799, this region came under the control of British East India Company with Bekal as a taluka town of British administration under Bombay presidency.
Political restructure around the region, brought this area as a part of South Canara District(current Mangalore-Udupi region) which was a part of Madras presidency. Gradually the political and economic importance of this fort town declined. Bekal and Kasaragod became a part of Kerala with the states reorganisation in 1956. At present, the fort land is under the protection and preservation of Archaeological Survey of India.
Before you visit this place, please ensure to wear cap/hat to protect against scorching heat, take enough drinking water since you need to walk along inside the fort as it may need 1 to 2 hours to take around to the fort. An evening after 4 pm or morning before 11 am are the best time to visit.
Below are some of the awesome clicks of the location only for you. :)
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