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 Bekal Fort is one among the five centres selected by the Government of India to be developed into a Special Tourism Area. The Bekal fort was built by Shivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty during 1645 to 1650 AD. The fort was later captured by Haider Ali and eventually after defeat of Tipu Sultan, it got incorporated in the property of East India Company. Due to its historic relevance, the fort is controlled by the Archaeological Survey of India. Coins and other historical artifacts were unearthed by archaeologists making it an interesting excavation site. The Bekal fort is the best preserved fort in Kerala. This historical as well as archaeologically important fort, standing along a beach has been developed as an international tourist spot by Bekal authorities.
The huge fort has a marvelous design. There is a sea side pathway with a magnificent view of the fort. The pathway extends in the sea, giving a Keyhole shape to the fort. The entrance of the fort has a Hanuman temple, which is very popular among locals as well as the tourists. There are many underground passages, which lead to the exit, in various parts of the Fort. There is an observation tower in the middle of the fort. There are large and wide stairs to reach the observation centre. The structure, around 80 feet in circumference at the base and more than 30 feet high, affords a magnificent view of the sea on three sides and the green landscape. The magazine inside the fort is closed to the public. It was used to store weapons and ammunition. Currently it is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India. The sea bastion located on the rocky projection, west of the fort also offers a magnificent view of the sea and the beach.
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