BEKAL

Kasaragod, the Northern most district of Kerala is renowned as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. The imposing fort at Bekal is one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Kerala.A serene village in Kasaragod district, Bekal is a land with a storied past. Here the ancient forts and golden beaches whisper to the wind legends unknown to mankind. The sun kissed beaches, the regal forts, majestic hills, meandering rivers and the rich cultural tradition of this land all pale in comparison to the ancient stories it has to share. To preserve the rich heritage, natural vegetation and the pristine charm of this quaint village, the Government of KeralaGovernment of Kerala has started the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation Ltd (BRDC). It is a venture intended to make Bekal a 'Beach Tourist Destination' at par with international standards. Located in the southwestern tip of India, the extensive beaches, numerous estuaries and backwaters and the unexplored virgin environs all qualify Bekal as a site with immense potential to become an international tourist destination.Beautification of the site includes installation of two sculptures of Theyyam created using laterite on the beach and a shed the walls of which are adorned with murals created by artisans from Nilambur. Apart, from these a rock garden at the parking area has been developed where laterite boulders of various sizes have been utilised.

Places Around Kasargod

Valiyaparamba Backwaters

This is one of the most scenic backwater stretches in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, this much favored destination offers enchanting house boat cruises. The Bekal Resorts Development Corporation provides house boat services on the Tejaswini River from Kottapuram in Nileshwaram to Kannur, along the Valiyaparamba Backwaters.

Ranipuram

Situated 750 m above sea level, Ranipuram is famous for its trekking trails and varied vegetation, evergreen shoala woods, monsoon forests and grasslands. The extensive forests here merge with the forests of Karnataka.

Bekal Fort & Beach

The 17th century Bekal Fort is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala. This circular structure of laterite rises 130 ft above sea level and stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabian Sea. The shallow Bekal beach offers spectacular view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation.

Chandragiri Cruises

Boat trips to nearby islands and palm groves. Boarding Point- Chandragiri bridge. Chandragiri Boat club: This boat club offers speed boat rides, houseboat cruises, island camping and wildlife tours into the forest interiors. Fishermen near the Chandragiri Bridge will give you ride on the backwaters and arrange trips to nearby islands.

Anandashram

This internationally renowned spiritual centre founded by Swami Ramdas in 1939, offers a quiet, peaceful ambience suited for meditation and spiritual studies.

Manjeswaram

A number of temples and fifteen mosques make this cashew growing town a prominent pilgrim centre. The memorial of the late Goninda Pai, the grand patriarch of Karnataka literature, is also located at Manjeswaram.Temples: There is a Sreemad Antheshwara Temple situated on the Karnataka border. There are two old Jain Bastis at Bengara Manjeswar on the southern bank of the Manjeswar River.

Churches

About 11 km from Kumbala on the Kumbala-Badiadka road is the Mother Dolores Church of Bella. This 100 year old Roman Catholic Church is built in the Gothic style. The Our Lady of Sorrows Church constructed in 1890 is the oldest in the district.

Nileshwaram

Once the cultural centre of Kasargod District, this place is home to the Nileshwar Rajas, said to have come from Kozhikode nearly 600 years ago. Their palaces showcase the fine architecture and spectacular woodwork of the time. The town is also famous for its numerous Kavus (shrines), temple festivals and the Kavil Bhavan Yoga and Meditation Centre.

Theyyam

The oldest ritualistic temple art form in India and one of the most spectacular in terms of artistry and symbolism, Theyyam literally means a form or shape, which is usually the representation of a divine or heroic character from mythology. It is normally performed in houses, tharavads and shrines. The annual Theyyam calendar is available at the Bekal resorts Development Corporation’s information centre at the Bekal Fort.

Theme Village

Get closer to nature in the eco-friendly cottages of Oyster Opera at Padanna. These unique cottages are built on land, water and tree-tops. Surrounded by tiny, palm-fringed islands, the retreat is promoted as a tourist resort where mussel farming on coir and traditional oyster and clam harvesting are key attractions.

Yakshagana

This classical art form of Karnataka is very common in Kasargod. Two variations of this performing art are Bayalattu and Bommayattu. Kannada Parthy Subba, the father of Yakshagana belongs to Kumbala in Kasargod.

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