It is almost unbelievable that right up to the 21st century, the “God’s Own Country” was almost not existent on the tourist map of the India. Thanks to the liberalisation changes made by the government in its policies in the mid-nineties, Kerala has now become a tourist hot spot. On the southwestern tip of India and on the shoreline of Pallikkara village is the Kasaragod district of Kerala and 16 kms into the south of the Kasaragod town, is Bekal. A place that has earned its name and fame for its best-preserved forts. This place is the perfect blend of the land of gods, sea kissed forts, majestic hills and a spellbinding beach.
Bekal is home to India’s first planned beach destination and what stands out is the fact that this beach destination was created without disturbing the fragile ecological balance of the region. A walk down the shallow Bekal beach offers a breath-taking view of the Bekal Fort, which is the largest of the well-preserved forts of Kerala. The beach isn’t short on recreational facilities either.
According to a local writer, Rama Nayak, the name “Bekal” has been derived from the word “Baliakulam” which signifies a big palace. This is because, Bekal is said to have been the home to a big palace in the past. The word Baliakulam morphed into Bekulam and later into Bekal, over the journey of time. Historically, Bekal was an important maritime centre and a crucial part of Tulunadu (old name of Kasaragod) under the feudal reign of Kolathanadu.
The Archaeological Survey of India has now taken control of the Bekal fort in the name of the Government of India and works on its preservation and maintenance. There is also a Traveller’s Bungalow inside the fort, which is maintained by Public Works Department of the State Government. The scenic beauty of Bekal is alluring and casts a spell on every visitor. Besides the Bekal fort, there are a number of other big and small forts around the place, like Chandragiri, Hosdurg, Kumbala, Panaval, Kundamkuzhi, Bandaduka, etc. This gives us an idea about the historical importance of this place, where history and legend are interwoven in their full antiquity.
The amount of people that Bekal has been attracting over the years has been rising with every passing year. People from all over the country who want to pause, unwind and soak in the history of the place, flock Bekal every year. This has led to establishment of some of the country’s best resorts in Kerala. The Lalit Kerala is one such name which stands at the top of this list. Their made to tailor services make Bekal and Kerala an exhilarating experience. Besides, their restaurant also stands amongst the finest and the very best restaurants in Kerala. The God’s Own Country and Lalit teaming up is a promised seamless and thrilling ride that one cannot miss.
