Some places don't just appear on your travel list—they whisper to you through stories, photos, and memories shared by others. Bekal Fort, standing timeless against the Arabian Sea in Kasaragod, is one such place.
In January 2024, I finally set out to explore this iconic coastal fort, eager to experience the blend of history, architecture, and breathtaking natural scenery it is famous for. With the Arabian Sea roaring beside ancient laterite walls, Bekal Fort felt like a living postcard waiting to be experienced.
Travel Tips: Timing, Entry Fee & Best Time to Visit
Bekal Fort is open to visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM, making early mornings and late afternoons the best slots to enjoy pleasant weather and stunning seaside views. The entry fee is ₹25 for adults and ₹300 for foreign tourists, with additional small charges for parking. The ideal time to visit Bekal Fort is between October and March, when the climate is cooler and the sea winds are refreshing. Reaching Bekal Fort is easy—it’s about 16 km from Kasaragod town, well connected by road, buses, and taxis. The nearest railway station is Bekal Fort Railway Station (Kotikulam), just a few minutes away, and the nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport, located around 65 km from the fort.
Walking Into History: My Journey Begins
My journey began on a warm January morning, as the sun cast a gentle glow over the landscape. After a scenic ride on the Vande Bharat Express from Thrissur to Kasaragod, I hopped into an auto rickshaw and navigated through the bustling streets to the historic fort.
When I arrived, I took in the sight of the ancient walls set against the striking blue sky. After checking into my cozy resort nearby, I stepped outside, eager to explore the rich history and vibrant culture of the area. As I walked toward Bekal Fort, its massive laterite walls rose gracefully into view—powerful yet calming.
Built in the 17th century by Shivappa Nayaka of Keladi, Bekal Fort is the largest fort in Kerala, spanning over 40 acres. Stepping inside felt like entering a chapter of history, where every pathway and stone seemed to echo footsteps from the past.
The fort's architecture reflects its purpose. Once serving as a strategic coastal watchpoint, its tall observation towers, underground passages, ammunition stores, and laterite ramparts offer a glimpse into Kerala's military past. The ramparts, towers, and underground passages reveal how this coastal structure once kept watch over the Arabian Sea and protected important trading routes. While the fort may no longer guard the coast, it continues to protect its stories.
Exploring the Fort & Its Scenic Corners
Walking along the outer walls of the fort, the scenery unfolded beautifully. Golden beaches stretched into the distance, the sea crashed endlessly against the rocks, and the salty wind brushed gently past the ancient stones.
As I climbed to the lookout tower, the panorama unfolded like a painting: Lush greenery inland, the quiet backwaters weaving gracefully, and the roaring sea wrapping around the fort like a protective shield. It made me pause, breathe, and absorb how beautifully history and nature merge here.
Every corner I explored—arched gateways, curved pathways, hidden viewpoints—offered a moment to pause and admire the perfect union of nature and architecture. Bekal Fort doesn't just stand near the sea; it embraces it.
Reflections by the Arabian Shore
What struck me most about Bekal Fort wasn't just its size or its historical significance—it was the way the place made time slow down. Standing on top of the ramparts, watching waves crash rhythmically, I felt a sense of calm deeply unlike the hurried pace of everyday life.
The combination of vast landscapes, seashore silence, and the fort's age-old charm left me with a feeling of grounding. Bekal Fort isn't just a monument—it's a mood, a memory, and a destination that stays with you long after you leave.
Final Takeaway
My trip to Bekal Fort in January 2024 was more than a simple sightseeing experience—it was a refreshing pause, a moment to admire how stories of the past intertwine with the beauty of the present. If you're planning a trip to northern Kerala, make sure Bekal Fort is on your list. Come for the history, stay for the views, and leave with a story of your own.
