About Bekal
Bekal Fort is the largest fort in Kasargod, Kerala, India, spreading over
40 acres (160,000 m2). An important features of this fort are the
water-tank with its flight of steps, the tunnel opening towards the south,
the magazine for keeping ammunition and the broad and wide steps leading
to the Observation Tower which is a rarity. From there one has ample view
of towns in the vicinity like Kanhangad, Pallikare, Bekal, Kottikkulam,
Uduma etc. The nearest railway stations are Pallikare, Kotikulam,
Kanhangad,and Kasargod.This observation center had strategic significance
in discovering even the smallest movements of the enemy and ascertaining
safety of the Fort.The Fort appears to have been built up from the sea
since almost three fourth of its exteriors is drenched and the waves
continually stroke the citadel. The Mukhyaprana Temple of Hanuman and the
ancient Muslim Mosque nearby bear testimony to the age-old religious
harmony that prevailed in the area. The zigzag entrance and the trenches
around the fort show the defense strategy inherent in the fort.Unlike most
other Indian Forts, Bekal fort was not a center of administration for no
remains of any palace, mansion or such buildings are found within the
fort. Arguably the fort was built exclusively for fulfilling defense
requirements. The holes on the outer walls of the fort are specially
designed to defend the fort effectively. The holes at top were meant for
aiming at the farthest points; the holes below for striking when the enemy
was nearer and the holes underneath facilitated attacking when the enemy
was very near to the fort. This is a remarkable evidence of technology in
defense strategy.
