Bekal Travel Guide

Bekal town is beautifully situated at the Malabar coastline, home to glistening backwaters, splashing beach waves, nature, and spirituality. You can get the best panoramic sea views from the Bekal Fort, and kids can have a gala time at the Bekal Aqua Park. The town offers something meaningful for people from all walks of life. This Bekal Travel Guide is a comprehensive look at famous tourist spots, local experiences, festivals, the best time to visit, and accessibility. And that’s not all! We’ve included insider travel tips straight from the locals!

Why Visit The Coastal Town?

Bekal is a picture-perfect blend of seaside serenity, majestic history, and lush green backdrops.

• Uncrowded Beaches – Unlike other commercial hubs in Kerala, Bekal’s shores are peaceful and perfect for travellers seeking calm and serenity.
• Malabar Cuisine – This is the place to taste authentic North Kerala flavours, everything from spicy seafood to banana leaf meals.
• Majestic Forts – You can explore centuries-old forts, learn about their history, while enjoying the enchanting sea views from the top.
• Traditional Art Forms – It’s your chance to witness the awe-inspiring traditional performances like Theyyam, Yakshagana, and Islamic Duffumuttu & Kolkali.
• Eco-stays and Backwaters – You can stay at charming waterfront cottages that offer the best comfort, and also rejuvenating spa options.

What Are The Top Places to Visit in Bekal?

1. Bekal Fort

The Bekal Fort (Kerala’s largest fort) spreads across more than 40 acres and covers the town on three sides. It has an observation tower on top that gives travellers a splendid view of the Arabian Sea, a zig-zag entrance, three-tier defence holes, underground tunnels, and a water tank.

2. Bekal Beach

A long, peaceful stroll along the shore of the Bekal Beach should be on your itinerary! The waves here are gentle and calming, suitable for a quick swim or dipping your feet. The view of the fort from the beach during sunset is unforgettable.

3. Pallikere Beach

Pallikere Beach is only 1 km away from the Bekal Beach. This is a famous picnic spot where you can spread out your blankets on the golden sand and enjoy sipping on tender coconuts.

4. Bekal Hole Aqua Park

It is a charming water park near Bekal Fort that has fun rides like pedal boats, water cycles, and lightweight canoes. You can come here for serene boating, family fun, and lovely backwater views.

5. Kappil Beach

The Kappil beach is well-known for its smaller crowds and its crystal clear water. This is where backwater merges with the sea, creating a rare twin-shore view.

6. Chandragiri Fort

This 17th-century citadel is every photographer’s dream, owing to its stunning architecture. From the fort, you can see the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Payaswini River.

7. Ananthapadmanabhaswamy Lake Temple

This mystical Kerala temple is believed to be the original seat of Lord Vishnu, and also happens to be one of the richest temples in the world! Surrounded by water and spiritual legends.

8. Nityanandashram Caves

This spiritual retreat is carved from a single laterite rock and has 6 different entrances leading to 45 caves.

9. Malik Deenar Mosque

It is one of the oldest mosques in Kerala, known for its slanted roof, Kerala architecture style. This place has a deep cultural importance in Bekal.

10. Kanhangad Market

14 km from Bekal, this scintillating market sells aromatic Malabar spices, handwoven Kasaragod sarees, traditional brass lamps, coir products, and local snacks like banana chips and halwa.

Local Experiences and Activities

1. Local Fishing Experience

You can interact with the local fishermen and learn the art of hand-line fishing. During the low tide, you can also go crab-hunting!

2. Kayaking Adventures

You can navigate narrow, backwater canals and mangrove routes around Valiyaparamba, spotting birds and traditional riverside life up close.

3. Camel and Horse rides on Bekal Beach

Under expert supervision, gaze at the far-off horizon while on a camel or horse ride along the Bekal Beach during sunset. It is an unforgettable experience.

4. Government Ferry Rides and Houseboats

You can get on one of the registered, state-run ferries (with guides) and houseboat cruises that start from Kottapuram or Chandragiri River banks. This experience will surely satisfy the slow travel lovers.

5. Folk Dance Shows

If you time your trip right, you can enjoy watching the Theyyam rituals in village shrines near Kanhangad. Alternatively, you can also enjoy curated folk dance evenings at cultural resorts and homestays in Bekal.

6. What to eat

• Malabar biryani, fish curry meals, and meen pollichathu.
• Try local specialties like pathiri (rice pancakes) and kallummakkaya (mussels).
• Street food and fresh seafood at beach stalls.
• Filter coffee and banana chips from local bakeries.

When is The Best Time To Visit Bekal?

Bekal is a year-round tourist destination, owing to the silent sea breeze from the coastal shore. The best time to visit the place is during Winters (October to February, 22°C–28°C) when the scorching sun partially hides behind the clouds.

Monsoon (June to September, 24°C–30°C) washes out the heat and brings in splendid showers. This time is perfect for nature lovers and Ayurvedic retreats.

Summer (March to May, 28°C–35°C) is hot and humid, but it is also the tender coconut and mango season! Photographers will get better clicks under the bright, golden light.

How to Reach?

• By Air: The closest international airport is in Mangalore (73km). You will find bus and taxi services to Bekal from here.

• By Rail: The Kasargod Railway Station (13 km) connects Bekal with Bengaluru, Trivandrum, Chennai, Mumbai, Pune, Delhi, and Hyderabad.

• By Road: NH66 leads directly to Bekal, connecting it with Mumbai, Pune, Mangalore, Kannur, Kozhikode, and Kochi.

Bekal Travel Guide: Festivals and Events

1. Bekal International Beach Festival – December

On the Bekal beach, this festival is a 10-day cultural extravaganza with live music, dance, beach sports, exhibitions, food stalls, and helicopter rides, drawing huge crowds from across the world.

2. Bekal Fort Mukhya Prana Temple Festival (Mar-Apr)

The festival is held at the temple within the Bekal Fort. This exhilarating celebration features Kathakali, Yakshagana, Harikatha, dance performances, and Ganamela musical nights, bringing tradition and culture to the historic fort precincts.