Bekal Fort Overview

Remember the famous movie BOMBAY, The song Tu hi Re, Tu hi re was shot over here. Baikal Fort is considered as one of the largest and most preserved forts in Kerala. It is visited by numerous visitors every year. Baikal Fort is a historic fort surrounded by a beautiful beach offering an enchanting view of Arabian Sea from its high observation tower. The beautiful walkway, illuminated beach and the grand architecture of the Baikal Fort make this place a favourite among the visitors.It is spread over an area of 40 acres. Located in the Baikal Village of Kasaragod District of Kerala, Bekal Fort was declared as the special tourism area by the Government of India in the year 1992. Baikal Fort has various unusual features. One of the most important among these is the water tank with its flight of steps. The fort also has a tunnel, opening towards the south and a magazine for keeping ammunition with broad steps that lead towards the Observation tower. This Observation Tower is an extremely famous spot here due to the stunning view it offers of the nearby towns of Kanhangad, Pallikkara, Bekal, Kottikkulam and Uduma. The Fort is open from 8am to 5:30pm. If history is your area of interest then you must visit this fort.

I went to Bekal fort around 4:30 pm. Initially it was sunny and hot but after some time the weather was nice and just right to explore the place.The place has lot of historical significance. It was very importantly used by Tipu Sultan as a base for his military operations in Malabar. Probably the fort was built for fulfilling the defence requirements. The fort was specially designed for attacking the enemy and throws light on their defence strategies.From top of fort the scenery is breathtaking. You can see nearby beach, coconut trees and we even saw few peacocks.And one song 'Tu Hi Re', from movie 'Bombay ' was shot at Bekal Fort in Kerala. So I was very excited to see that place.You need to buy a ticket to go inside and some fee to take camera inside.There was also one well like structure inside with a caution board saying " Don't enter inside this well". But nobody was there to tell us the significance of that well.Overall it's a nice place and you need min 2 hours to visit this place.

This Fort goes down 300 yrs in history. It is just by the Baikal Fort Beach or the Pallikere Beach which is its real name. Fort is well maintained, with landscaped gardens and nice pathways. The highest point of the Fort is a steep climb. So please wear a good footwear while coming, light cloths as it can get really hot and humid, sunscreens, hats and sunglasses and a bottle of water. Come here during Sunset and you will be amazed. There are some nominal charges for entry per person and for professional photography equipments. I have enclosed a pic detailing that. A lot of History to Learn and a good walk at the fort and you are taken back in history to some amazing facts of those times. Family and kids friendly, because of the steep hike elders might find it bit difficult but is definitely manageable.

Bekal fort is very near to city bekal, and also it has a beautiful top view of pallikere Beach. The fort is well preserved fort by archaeological survey of India and it has a history with military camp of tipu sultan the fort was quite big so it takes time to complete, and also it's a mix of green lawn and brown bricks. And it has unique round structures with slope to go up. As a traveller I found this place to click beautiful photos and a less crowded places compared to other forts. And yes perfect time is 5 pm and till sunset..

You can't afford to miss Tipu Sultans Camp which he set up at Baikal Fort in North Kerala. Historically very rich and educational for fat visits specially if you have family travelling with you. Strong forts with stronger outer ring Walla define this fort. Clean and well manicured lawns outline the inside gardens of the fort. Wear good shoes and be prepared to walk. Also visit the Near by Baikal beach which the fort overlooks. There is entry Fees for the fort visit and extra fees for camera and video.

Bekal Fort being the largest fort in Kerala, situated at Kasaragod district, North Kerala, spreading over 40 acres is definitely a place to see. Some important features of this fort are - the ocean with Its flight of steps, the tunnel opening towards the south and the broad steps leading to the Observation Tower, which is a rarity. From there one has an ample view of towns in the nearby like Kanhangad,Pallikkara, Bekal, Kottikkulam, and Uduma. This observation centre had strategic significance in discovering even the smallest movements of the enemy and ensuring the safety of the Fort which is very impressive. At the moment people go there to see the fort for the magnificent view the fort has to offer. Greens as far as you can see on the one side and a huge blue ocean on the other hitting the cliff. Also, an addition piece of information - movie Bombay was shot here - the song Tu he re! That really fascinated me more to this place since I love the song and the movie. My verdict - I could spend hours sitting on the cliff of the shore and hear the waves and watch the sun setting and rising each morning and evening and be in peace with myself for life.

Remember the classic movie - Bombay? This is where it was filmed. That chilling experience and the sounds of waves, goes beyond a good experience. As you enter Kerala by road from Karnataka and most possibly from Managalore once you cross the green/ blue colored welcome to Kerala board on the NH-17 highway. You will find the boards prompting to few get-a ways or places to visit. The fort is really huge and there is lot of walking to do if you want to see it completely. There is so much greenery around the fort along with a well maintained, but small garden. The view of the Sea from the fort is amazing. The forty acres of fort is well maintained and there is an entrance fee of 5INR for Indian citizens. Within the massive greens, the Observatory Tower built by Tipu Sultan, impressive stone walls, amazing views of the sea and the way in which it has been preserved make this a place worth visiting. Fort walls look upon the sea where one can experience and view the full force of an Arabian Sea in high tide with crabs thrown onto the beach. One can easily spend 2-3 hours here. Try to visit in the evening hours. Sept-Feb might be the best time of the year to visit.