Bekal fort, which is the largest and the best-preserved fort in Kerala
is the most important monument of the region.
This fort, located on the highway, is believed to have been built in the
1650's by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty. Later it was transferred
to Hyder Ali of Mysore and then to the British.
The
sea bastions, underground tunnels and the observation tower are
impressive. An old mosque is situated very near the fort, which is
believed to be built by Tipu Sultan. History sleeps here among the
lonely battlements of the Bekal Fort by the sea shore.
This landscape of ethereal quality, its never-ending grasslands and sea
views possess all the potential to be developed into a superb tourist
destination. The Bekal fort is located on a vast 35-acre headland that
runs into the Arabian Sea.
This
imposing structure of laterite rising 130 ft. above sea level has a
chequered history of 300 years ,which adds to its interest as an
archaeology site. Due to its historic relevance, the fort is controlled
by the Archaeological Survey of India |