[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Bekal is a small town in Kasaragod district on the West coast of the state of Kerala, India. Its calm, quiet, walking distance from the beach, not a destination which is usually crowded with travellers. So we thought why not explore it out as a weekend trip to bekal.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Why go for Bekal for a short trip?<\/h3>\n

I would say why not? Who wants to miss a chance to visit Kerala, and usually the unexplored areas?[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I wanted to pick something different than the usual, someplace which is not very crowded, as I actually like the idea to travel like a local. But as it was a long weekend (Holi weekend) so obviously most of the hotels will run full. Then I searched for places to visit in Kerala and came to a fellow blogger\u2019s page which introduced me to the majestical world of Bekal and had my heart set on to experience it.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text single_style=””]This post is long and full of details, pin the image above to save it and read again later.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”620″ img_size=”400X400″][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

The first huddle – find accommodation.<\/h3>\n

This trip too was one of those unusual trips where we decided one day prior to the trip. Firstly we had to figure out our stay keeping in mind the simplicity as we wanted it to be a refreshing natural experience as most locals do.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We wanted accommodation which is close to the beach and has beds without bed bugs. For me, MakeMyTrip<\/a> always gets a thumbs up for this, as I got the best deal available from any other travel website and I cross-checked the Hotel reviews from Tripadvisor<\/a>. We finalized on Bekal Palace<\/a>, its only 2.9 km from Bekal beach and there are lots of eating points nearby to the hotel so all set.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Next – our customised road map to Bekal.<\/h3>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_gmaps link=”#E-8_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”][vc_column_text]Thanks to Google maps, we could add the exact route we followed on the map above. Google maps<\/a> show its only 380 km via NH275, NH45, and NH65 in Kasargod. Like always our plan for starting the journey was fixed at 3 am to cross all the city roads before it greats crowded.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”471″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]Roads are good and scenic too on both sides. But be careful as there are some blind turns without the curve mirrors and these roads cut through the forested hilly areas and run parallel to a river (I don\u2019t remember the name of the river and will be more than happy if someone can help in the comments). I especially love the entry to Kerala border, it gives the impression that yes we are going to enter the God\u2019s Own Country. It almost took 9.5 hours to reach our hotel including all my smoke breaks, breakfast break, etc. not so bad huh?[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”465″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1586624856397{padding-top: 4% !important;padding-right: 4% !important;padding-bottom: 4% !important;padding-left: 4% !important;background-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]<\/p>\n

\u201cMy recommendation will be travelling via road, rather than taking a train or a flight otherwise you will miss all the beauty of nature, which can\u2019t be explained in words. Road trips never fail to make the journey more exquisite. And yes, I keep telling this every time and in no mood to end it any sooner.\u201d<\/em><\/h4>\n

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Reached Bekal – what next?<\/h3>\n

Due to summer-time, it was hot, or should I say super-hot. We reached before 1:30 pm and entered the hotel, and placed ourselves on the couch at the hotel lobby. The hotel is easily accessible via road and Google map position is also exact. The gentleman at the reception offered us cold water while he finished all the formalities before check-in to the room. [\/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”478,477″ img_size=”360X300″ onclick=””][vc_column_text]The room is okay nothing extraordinary, a big comfy bed with the TV placed just in front to exploit us and working AC. We didn\u2019t waste too much time and ordered a simple food from their menu and their service was quick enough, by the time we freshened up the food was ready. We were damn hungry and hogged all the food, it was tasty enough. We took a little nap before we could explore the beach as we were fully exhausted. [\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”481″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1586624900057{padding-top: 4% !important;padding-right: 4% !important;padding-bottom: 4% !important;padding-left: 4% !important;background-color: #eaeaea !important;}”]<\/p>\n

\u201cA hot water bath and a good meal after a long journey can make you sleep like a baby. A nap after this is very important as this will re-energize your body and will rejuvenate you for the next round.\u201d<\/em><\/h4>\n

[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]As we had two days of holiday so we started the evening by exploring the near beach. It\u2019s a nice & calm beach with almost no crowd, only locals, just the way I like. The beach also had a park for the kids to play and small eateries to indulge in the local cuisine. After spending some quality time there we came to the hotel, had food and slept off.[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”486″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Next day- Exploration of nearby areas<\/h3>\n

The morning was a little lazy wake-up and left the hotel for breakfast. We tried Appam and Chicken curry from the local joint, it was amazing. There are several attractions in the areas and we planned to visit at least 3 to 4 nearby places and spend the rest of the day at the beach.[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

Places to visit in Bekal \/ Things to see in Bekal<\/h3>\n

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• Bekal Fort: <\/strong>It was built almost 300 years ago in 1965, Bekal Fort is considered as one of the largest and most preserved forts in Kerala. In 1992 it\u2019s declared as a special tourism area by the Government of India. It offers a mesmerizing view of the Arabian Sea from its high observation tower where once the cannons were placed. The keyhole-shaped Fort spread across 40 acres of land the beautiful walkway, the beach and the grand architecture of the Bekal Fort makes this place completely worthy of a visit.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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  This fort was featured in the famous A R Rahman song ‘ Tu hi re<\/a>‘ reminded of my nostalgic childhood memories. We spent almost 2 hours in the fort. We entered the Bekal Fort and explored the interiors of the fort.<\/em><\/h4>\n

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  • Bekal Beach:<\/strong> The beach is spread over an area of 36 acres and it\u2019s located near the Bekal Fort and maintained really well. The breathtaking view of the sea, the golden thick sand, dense palm trees, and the grand walls of the Bekal Fort makes it perfect for a picture. We took a nice long relaxing stroll across the beach and just enjoyed the sunset. The view of the beach from the top of the fort is breathtaking.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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    • Kappil Beach:<\/strong> This is one of the few beaches in India which still has expansive golden sand and clear blue waters of the Arabian Sea. Kappil beach is only 5 Km away from the fort and has a long sandy stretch of 5 Km which is apt for taking strolls across the coastline. This place has everything one can imagine from the sun, the sand, the clear sea lined by lush green coconut trees. The picture-perfect location of the beach is sure to mesmerize us. People lazed on the sand, enjoying a drink some are reading books. The sea usually has strong currents which the Arabian Sea famous for so we stayed out of the waters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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      • Chandragiri Fort:<\/strong> One of the best places to visit near Bekal Fort, Chandragiri Fort was built in the seventeenth century by Siyappa Nayak of Bednore. It is perfectly situated on the banks of the Chandragiri River. What makes it a beautiful vantage point is its wonderful views to watch the sunset. It\u2019s only 6 km from our hotel. We missed the sunset but heard about it from the locals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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        • Valiyaparamba Backwaters:<\/strong> Someone told me once that if I want to go on a Bekal tour, I must include Valiyaparamba to my itinerary. It is a beautiful island situated in River Tejaswini and is widely known as one of the most picturesque backwater destinations in Bekal. It is also a fishing centre that adds to the beauty of the island. Many natural beauties such as a huge variety of seabirds, coconut lagoons are available there.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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          \u201cI would suggest keeping a minimum an hour for enjoying each of these places if not more.\u201d<\/em><\/h4>\n

          [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]And we ended our Bekal expedition like this for now until next time. We had dinner from the local joint. The next day we had the plan to come back to Bangalore. It took us almost 9 hours to reach, but that is thanks to minimal traffic. [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]And we ended our Bekal expedition like this for now until next time. We had dinner from the local joint. The next day we had the plan to come back to Bangalore. It took us almost 9 hours to reach, but that is thanks to minimal traffic. [\/vc_column_text][vc_separator color=”black”][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n

          Some more trip pictures<\/h3>\n

          [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]So this what our weekend trip to Bekal was. Browse through the gallery to glimpse the kaleidoscope of experiences and moments from our trip![\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

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          \r\n Vintage view from Bekal Fort<\/span>\r\n

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          \r\n Landscaping from Bekal Fort<\/span>\r\n

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          \r\n Sea view from the Bekal fort<\/span>\r\n

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          \r\n Bekal Fort view from the beach<\/span>\r\n

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          \r\n Keyhole shaped Fort<\/span>\r\n

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          \r\n Mountains on the way to Bekal<\/span>\r\n

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          \r\n View before Bekal<\/span>\r\n

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          \r\n Open Bekal Road<\/span>\r\n

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          \r\n View from Bekal Fort<\/span>\r\n

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