An Old Fort And The Beaches Of Bekal

God’s Own Country, Kerala, had long been on our travel bucket list. Approaching its northernmost tip of the Kasargod district, we entered the humble town of Bekal yesterday. We were welcomed by swaying coconut trees and mysterious backwaters against a perfectly blue sky in the backdrop of religious architecture of different faiths that thrive here.

Tu Hi Re!

Bekal got on to the tourist map only very recently courtesy the massive spa destination properties created by hotel mammoths like the Taj and Lalit groups here. But travel enthusiasts have had the place on their itineraries for long mainly because of the tranquility that reigns here and the massive 17^th Century Bekal Fort – covering 40 acres of land by the Arabian Sea, it’s the largest in Kerala! The dark brick-stone used in its construction offers a delicious contrast to the white noise of the waters and the luscious green of the local flora that grows prancing in abundance. Yes, the acropolis is clean and run by a very prompt and knowledgeable staff. Oh, here’s a fun fact: Remember the picturesque Tu Hi Re song from the film Bombay? Mani Ratnam shot it right here!

Kairali For The Tastebuds

Anything originating from Kerala is lovingly called Kairali. Such a darling word! I am more excited about it after having tasted the local flavours of this spicy land. Our lunch at Hotel Bekal Palace was a gratifying one. Having skipped breakfast, we were terribly hungry as the clock struck 1 and so ordered the South Indian Thali. We were soon served with a sumptuous spread of several small steel bowls each filled with a delicacy of the state. Among the usual suspects of Sambhar, Avial, Papad and buttermilk were Beans Thoran, Yam Kootu Curry and a whimsical Pineapple Pachdi. All these came with a big, slightly salted chapatti and a more than generous bowl of an indigenous variety of rice called Matta. The cost of this thali you wonder? Well, how do 170 bucks sound to you!

A Walk On The Beach

For most part of my life, I had been craving beaches and look at how many I am getting to experience on this road trip! Bekal has two main beaches – while the more popular one is known as Kappil, the other one goes by the name of Pallikarani. We saw the latter unfurl its gorgeous secrets in sand from the murderholes of the Bekal Fort and witnessed the frothy and playful water of the former in person. In close proximity to the prime hotel properties, Kappil Beach, quite surprisingly, barely gets any visitors. Not that we are complaining! The alone time with the Arabia Sea and the orange sorbet sky was quite refreshing. On our way back, we spotted two young couples out for a romantic walk on the grainy, seashell-lined sand. Sigh!

This is our last evening in Bekal and it is pouring outside. Tomorrow sees us on our way to Kozhikode. Do you know the city’s other name?

(Photo Credit: Tariq Khan)