A fort that owes a lot to the film Bombay is the Bekal Fort. The fort rose to limelight after a beautiful song in the film was shot exclusively at this very fort. A dilapidated look that it bore then has been transformed into a marvellous piece of history. The fort, located in the northern part of Kerala has undergone a lot of beautification and is quite well maintained by the authorities.
During my last visit to Mangalore, I chanced upon an opportunity to visit this very famous fort. Jutting out and staring at the gorgeous Arabian sea, this fort was built originally for defence and was controlled by many rulers including Tipu Sultan and the Britishers. The inside of the fort has been well maintained with spread out garden area and wide walkways. The views from the fort are exceptional as it gives a panoramic view of the fishing boats floating far off and also of the numerous coconut trees swaying to the tunes of the gentle breeze.
There are numerous peep holes in the fort through which I had some amazing views of the clear blue waters. Most of the external part of the fort is facing the Arabian sea and this makes the waves splash onto this massive citadel. The Bekal Fort spreads itself out into the sea and one can go down the steps onto the beach. Even though Bekal beach remains small and unexplored, I enjoyed a memorable evening with the timid tides, running crabs and a mesmerising sunset.
One of the less explored places of Kerala, Bekal Fort has been receiving a lot of travelers off late and is an ideal option for an offbeat destination. The other places which can be clubbed along with Bekal fort are Kappil beach and Valiyaparamba backwaters.
Signing Note: The massive fort, the splashing waves and the blue waters almost made me sing "UYIRE UYIRE"...!!
Route: Bangalore- Hassan- Mangalore- Kasargod- Bekal
Distance: 415 Kms
Very cool post...next time I am in the area I would love to see this fort.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sujata. Its definitely worth a visit. Keep dropping in. tc
ReplyDeleteBeautiful Beach and Fort! Never been there!
ReplyDeleteIts a nice place. You can plan it out when you are on the malabar coast.
ReplyDeleteVery intriguing post : )
ReplyDeleteCheers,
http://firaszphotography.wordpress.com/
:). Thanks.
ReplyDeletenice pics
ReplyDeleteThank you. Keep dropping by.
DeleteI have seen the movie Bombay and always wanted to know which fort it was. Great to know that it was Bekal Fort. Never been there. so thanks for sharing the images.
ReplyDeleteSabyasachi
Thanks a lot. It is a beautiful fort.
DeleteAnother place I want to visit. Your posts make me want to go experience it this very minute. Thank you for the pictures and notes.
ReplyDeleteThanks a lot Nambiar. Glad that you liked my experience at Bekal.
ReplyDeleteAwesome man! I loved it!
ReplyDeleteThanks. Glad that you liked it.
DeleteReal nice fort.
ReplyDeleteYeah. During monsoons it is a real beauty.
DeleteExcellent photographs. I loved the beach below (to the left)
ReplyDeleteThank you. It is a lovely beach, a serene one.
DeleteGreat pics of the fort... it's really a nice place to visit.. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteLooks like a lovely place, I remember the song and the shots too!
ReplyDeleteIt looks absolutely marvelous during the monsoons when it totally turns lush green.
DeleteThere is another fort nearby- called Chandragiri http://www.enidhi.net/2011/06/chandragiri-fort-kasaragod.html
ReplyDeleteHave heard heard about it, but could never make it there. Am sure it is an equally wonderful fort.
DeleteAbsolutely wonderful. I'm on a roll here, going through your posts :D
ReplyDelete