BEKAL BEACH

About Bekal Beach

Set on the broad expanse of the Malabar coastline, amidst a beautiful view of the glowing sun, shimmery sandy retreat, enchanting backwaters, alluring landscape, swaying palm trees and calm demeanor, Bekal beach is popular for its backwaters, forts and scenic beauty, and offers an unparalleled charm and an idyllic traditional Kerala hospitality to its visitors. It is one of the most fascinating places to visit during the vacation as you can take the pleasure of nature and completely unwind yourself. It’s that place where you get to witness the mighty Arabian Sea hold hands with a man made structure that together spell magic!

One of India’s first manmade beach destinations, Bekal Beach, located in the Kasaragod region of Kerala in the South western tip of the country, continues to enchant and enthrall its visitors with open hands round the year. The heavenly paradise is one of the must visit beaches in the northern part of God’s Own Country, Kerala and has been endeavored to be developed as a cherishing and an eco-friendly destination in lines with the popular Goa beaches. This bewitching beach stretches over an area of 36 acres and draws tourists from across the world, making it one of the favored destinations for a wonderful holiday with friends and family.

The Bekal beach and the attractions nearby fall under the purview of the Social Forestry Scheme and tourists from all over the world swarm here to admire its beauty and serenity and enjoy a nice relaxing holiday amidst the beach’s natural environs. A vast belt covering dazing dusky sands, Casuarina orchards and the charming cottages made out of thatched roofs are the fascinating highlights of the Bekal beach. Adventure lovers can even ascend the nearby Bekal fort to get a panoramic view of the beach and the ensuing Arabian Sea. It also serves as an ideal picnic location and enjoys peaceful climate round the year. Pay a visit to the famous Rock Garden on Bekal beach, which consists of murals, sculptures and laterite rubbles of different shapes and sizes arranged graciously to complement the theme of the beautiful garden. There is also a demarcated play area for children with slides, swings, jungle gym, seesaw and other rides.

In totality, the alluring Bekal beach serves as a promising getaway from the concrete life and provides a shield in its quaint and naturalistic paradise amplified by a labyrinth of azure waterways, traditional houseboats, vibrant culture and splendid natural grandeur. An enchanting destination in ‘God's Own Country’ Kerala, Bekal beach is a true paradise for nature lovers, photo fanatics and wanderers. From sunset viewing, bird watching, stargazing, visiting villages and witnessing the everyday life of the farmers and fishermen to seeing the various regions that specialize in the manufacturing of certain products like toddy, coir and unique handicrafts, Bekal beach is one of the most pleasant experiences to have once in a lifetime.

Best time to visit:

The weather remains pleasant and sunny round the year, making it the perfect environment for nature lovers to enjoy Bekal beach. The best time to visit however is between September and March, when the temperature during the day hovers between 17°C to 29°C and the average temperature during night is 14°C. Winter months of November and December bring out the true natural grandeur of the beach.

Visiting this place in the month of January and March also brings with it a chance to get a glance of 'Theyyam Performance', a regional customary dance which is considered a big affair in the towns of Northern Kerala. However, if you like foggy, misty and peaceful landscape, then monsoon months of July to September would be an ideal time for you to plan a striking Bekal holiday trip, when you can enjoy numerous water sports at the enchanting beaches.

How to reach Bekal beach:

Bekal beach is easily accessible by road from any part of Kasaragod. Tourists can take their private vehicles or hire auto-rickshaws and cabs to reach the beach by Kasaragod-Kanhangad Road via NH66.

By Road: Kasargod has a good public transport network to most of the corners of Kerala. You can embark on any of the buses to Kasargod from cities like Mangalore, Kochi, Kannur, Thrissur, and others, or you can hire private taxis and cabs to reach this beach destination.

By Train: Kasargod railway station at a distance of 16 km is the nearest rail head point to reach Bekal Beach, and shares a good-connectivity to some of the important destinations in India.

By Air: The nearest airport is in Mangalore at a distance of 50 km, from where you can hire a taxi to travel to Bekal beach.

Things to do at Bekal beach:

Watch the glorious Sun, sea and sand meet: The enchanting Bekal beach is a perfect location to witness the best of sunsets and the beautiful hues of orange and red sherbet colored evening sky which happens to be one of the top things to do in Bekal. The scenic Bekal beach remains buzzing during evening hours so tourists can merrily spend some time at the seashore after sunset. You can stroll along the fascinating walkway that makes it easy to traverse the beach and enjoy its sights, enjoy the picturesque beauty of the coastal line against the gentle sea breeze and relish the panoramic view of the Bekal Fort.

Explore the backwaters on a houseboat: A short ride in a Kettuvallam or traditional houseboat is also a wonderful idea offering an unparalleled experience of the backwaters, while sailing past clumps of green, fleets of quacking ducks, swaying paddy fields, coconut groves, Chinese fishing nets and little thatched houses on both sides. The beautifully crafted houseboats come in many different forms and you can unwind, relish local seafood, enjoy the picturesque sunset in the balcony of these houseboats and have a memorable time.

While aboard on one of the backwaters trips, keep an eye at the simple everyday life of the villagers and their activities down in the lower backwaters, the variety of avian species that you come across, such as storks, hornbills, swifts and other migratory birds, the most exhilarating sunsets during the afternoon and the majestic sky at nights. You can also try your hands at kayaking, fishing, ferry rides or canoeing.

Learn about history at Bekal Fort: A trip to Bekal beach remains incomplete without discovering the majestic 300-year old Bekal Fort which is one of the biggest forts in Kerala that has been impeccably preserved through ages. Perched comfortably on steep hills bordered by the sea, the keyhole shaped fort provides for an imposing view from the beach, and is flocked by people in great numbers. The fort encompasses many architectural marvels including an observation tower fitted with beautiful peepholes, Anjaneya temple with its famous masonry, a wall adorned with traditional murals created by artisans from Nilambur, two Theyyam sculptures built from laterite, an ancient mosque built by Tipu Sultan and several intricate underground passageways.

The fort rose to fame in the Mani Ratnam film, Bombay which featured a backdrop of Bekal fort in all its glory and grandeur, and offers travelers a stunning view of the sun-kissed Bekal beach overlooking the mighty Arabian Sea, swaying coconut and Casuarina trees, pristine backwaters and beautiful landscapes, making it an ideal place for those who like history and places associated with it.

Savour the local delight of Bekal: Being a popular tourist destination, Bekal beach has several eating options offering diverse, refreshing and tropical Malabar feast and mouth-watering seafood. There are host of vendors on and around the beach that sell a variety of snacks and ice golas.

You can eat freshly caught and cooked fish and grill specialties, authentic South Indian coastal food with crabs, lobsters and other exotic items, steamed and fried preparations like Puttu, Iddali, Idiyappam, fried bananas and Ada or popular Keralan delicacies such as Payasam, Pickled mango drink, coconut water, Toddy, curries with locally grown organic vegetables, Pearl Spot (Karimeen) fry and starchy Cassava (Tapioca).

Experience the surreal Pallikere Beach: Conveniently located at a short distance from Bekal beach, the Pallikere Beach is known for offering a spectacular view of the Bekal Fort in the vicinity while taking you through a journey of tranquility. The dense palm trees, majestic sea, sun-kissed golden sand and mighty walls of the fort combine to form a picturesque location that makes visiting this natural paradise one of the best things to do in Bekal. You can go for a relaxing stroll on the beach or enjoy camel and horse rides and local snacks as well.

Finish off your trip with a little shopping: No vacation is complete without a bit of shopping and your Bekal holiday is no exception. Bekal beach is an ideal place to pick up traditional Kasaragod sarees, spices, aromatic oil, coir artifacts, bell-metal vessels, coconut products and other local collectibles from the several opulent and affordable shops lining the beach.

Places to visit in & around Bekal beach:

Kappil Beach: Spanning an area over 25 acres, the bucolic Kappil Beach is flanked by picture perfect views of the long sandy stretch, clear blue waters of the Arabian Sea, lush green coconut trees and the changing shades of the evening sky, and leaves its visitors completely mesmerized. One good thing about this place is that like most other picnic spots near Bekal, it is not that crowded, so you can peacefully revel in the solitude of nature, partake in various recreational activities like swimming, fishing, parasailing and banana boat ride or simply bask in the sun as you relax in the sand. Food and water are easily available from small shops on the beach that also serve refreshing coconut water, fish curry rice, Puttu, Kerala Appam or other quick snacks.

Chandragiri fort: Walk through the magnificent past at the Chandragiri Fort that lies in the Kasaragod District of north Kerala. The historical masterpiece dates back to the 17th century and is protected under the State Archaeology Department. Replete with inventive and historical significance, the fort marks the monumental expanse of the Vijayanagara empire during its times of prosperity, and is visited by locals as well as tourists to enjoy the breathtaking views of the estuarine engulfing River Payaswini with the Arabian Sea and serves as a vantage point to watch the glorious sunset.

Ranipuram hills: Placed at an altitude of 750 meters above sea level on the Western Ghats, and swathed in shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands, the trekking trails of Ranipuram Hills are popular among travelers, making it just not a natural haven, but also an adventure hotspot. Formerly known as Madathumala, the extensive forests of Ranipuram merge with the varied vegetation in Karnataka, and wildlife enthusiasts can spot wild elephants and deer on a jeep safari.

The Bekal Hole Aqua Park: If you are looking forward to pump your adrenaline and indulge in some thrilling adventurous water rides during your stay in Bekal, then the Hole Aqua Park is a perfect place for you to visit. This famous adventure park offers numerous water rides to its visitors, including pedal boating, water cycle ride and kayaking. Located at a short distance from Bekal Fort, the park is an excellent retreat for families with kids.

Nityanand Ashram Caves: The Nityananda Ashram Caves which are a bunch of forty-five caves located in the heart of Hosdurg. Popularly known as Nityananda Ashram, the main attraction of these caves is the panchaloha (5 alloyed) sculpture of Swami Nityananda. Portraying adroit craftsmanship and famed as an international spiritual hub, these caves are known to have been carved out of a single rock that features six entrances, and attracts thousands of people from all over the world till date.

Places to stay near Bekal beach:

Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala: Imagine floating in your hotel suite where and when you want to and dream about waking up to a new backwater view every morning. Experience opulent stay the Taj Bekal Resort & Spa that features unique rooms with plush architecture inspired by Kettuvallam house boats. The mesmerizing Kappil River flows through the resort and provides opportunity for a selection of activities from fishing, rowing and swimming to boating, kayaking and parasailing.

Treat your taste buds to authentic Kerala cuisine at the in-house multi cuisine restaurants at the property. Pamper yourself at the fitness centre, or hit the outdoor pool and sauna or the Turkish steam bath. The hotel is well located and close to popular fishing and scenic spots.

Kanan Beach Resort: This natural and homely Ayurvedic beach resort in the northern district of Kerala is sought after for its heavenly ambiance of green surroundings, vast seashore, elegant coconut trees and charming estuary where the river meets the Arabian Sea.

The property is most suited for couples who would like to have some calm, quiet and tranquil time, sans any touristy crowds or noise, amidst those immense stretches of water, ample gesture of the fisherman casting his nets, vibrant colors of rice fields and tea plantations and golden sandy beaches.

Malabar Ocean Front Resort & Spa: Get the thrill of a long lasting beach experience and cordial hospitality as you stay at this oceanfront resort, situated amidst the picturesque countryside landscape. The resort features an indoor swimming pool along with spacious rooms that are equipped with swanky furnishings. Guests can enjoy fishing, cycling and boating activities, or request for massage services at their in-house wellness and spa center. The restaurant at the property serves South Indian, Oriental and International cuisines including delectable local cuisines of the land like Karimeen, Kappa and toddy.

Neeleshwar Hermitage: An unrevealed tropical destination cradled in a secluded palm plantation beside the Arabian Sea in Northern Kerala, this luxurious resort breathes quietude and offers you an essence of authentic Kerala. The rooms at the resort are splendidly decorated and are replete with all the modern amenities for your comfortable and convenient stay.

The resort also offers spa for Ayurvedic therapies, western and oriental treatments, private Jacuzzi, airport transfers and sightseeing tours across the city.

Lalit Resort and Spa: Soak in the luxurious living and warmth of Kerala and allow gentle currents of culture to immense you in the true essence of the Bekal beach. From exciting water sports, play areas for children, traditional Ayurvedic massage to sightseeing trips, this 5-star property has something for everyone.

A true natural treasure, visually delightful with the blue of the lake and the green of the palms and vegetation, brimmed with the aquatic life and local villages busy in everyday chores; the resort enthralls tourists with its remarkable comfort and service, and makes for an idyllic escape for leisure travelers. Choose from diverse cuisines at the in-house restaurant or enjoy a drink from poolside cafe and bar.