Kerala Info: beach

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Bekal

Bekal is a tourist place located on the shores of the Arabian Sea in Kasargod district of Kerala. Extremely scenic landscape, extensive beaches and backwaters and unspoilt environment qualified Bekkal as a potential site for an International standard beach destination.

Kasaragod, the northern end of Kerala, is a magical land of forts, rivers, beaches, backwaters, lush green forests, hills and plantations.

The important tourist attractions here are the magnificent 300 year old Bekal Fort and the Bekal beach surrounding the fort.

Bekal fort is the largest and best preserved fort in Kerala. The Fort is built by the Jeheri Nayak dynasty and completed during the period of Sivappa Nayak. Bekal subsequently fell into the hands of the Mysore Sultans. The Tipu Sulthan who died fighting against the British and subsequently the Bekal fort came under the British East India Company.

There is an Observation tower more than 30 ft. high, where a few centuries ago huge cannons used to be placed, offers a magnificent view of the Arabian Sea and the green landscape.

There is an old mosque nearby said to have been built by the Tipu Sultan of Mysore.

In 1992, the Government of India declared Bekal as a Special Tourism Area. Bekal Resorts Development Corporation Ltd (BRDC) was formed in 1995 with the Chief Secretary to Government of Kerala as Chairman, senior Government officials as Directors and Managing Director to develop Bekal as an international standard Beach Tourist Destination. BRDC focuses on planned, environment-friendly and ecologically viable methods of development. Comprehensive infrastructure development at the Bekal Project site includes water supply scheme, roads, street lighting, sanitation, solid waste disposal systems, public amenities, communication systems and basic tourist facilities.

Bekal is a favourite shooting location for the film makers.

Nearest railway station is at Kasaragod, about 16 km away. Nearest airport is at Mangalore, about 50 km away and Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode is about 200 km away.

Important tourist places near to Bekal

Alappuzha

Alappuzha ( Alleppey ), known as Venice of the East is a town in Alappuzha District of Kerala. Alapuzha is beautiful place with the unending stretch of paddy fields, canals, small streams and with lush green coconut palms.

Alappuzha is the hub for backwater tourism in Kerala. "Kettuvallam" (Traditional House boats of Kerala) are available on hire to take visitors on the waterways of Vembanad Lake, the largest Lake in Kerala. Alappuzha is strongly connected by the waterways to various other parts of Kerala, including the famous tourist destination, Kumarakom.

Kuttanad in Alappuzha District is known as the rice bowl of Kerala.

Pathiramanal is a little island on the backwaters is a favorite haunt of hundred of rare migratory birds from different parts of the world. This beautiful island lies between Thaneermukkom and Kumarakom is accessable only by boat.

Alappuzha Beach is one of the most popular picnic spots in Alappuzha. The pier, which extends into the sea here, is over 137 years old. Vijaya Beach Park adds to the attractions of the beach. The Alappuzha Lighthouse here built in 1862 is a major tourist attraction.

Snake boat races involve long thin boats powered by up to 120 oarsmen are the most significant traditional event in Alappuzha. Snake boat races are usually held between August and October. Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in Punnamada Lake is the most famous snake boat race.

Video of Nehru Trophy Boat Race...

Alappuzha is a centre for coir industries.

Alappuzha is the only district in Kerala without forest.

Nearest railway station is at Alapuzha and Nearest Airport is Cochin International Airport.

Important tourist places near to Alappuzha

Kumarakom Backwaters

Munnar

Thekkady

Mattupetty

Kovalam Beach

Athirappilly and Vazhachal water falls

Nelliyampathy

Kochi City

Thiruvananthapuram

Kozhikode ( Calicut )

Kozhikode also known as Calicut is the third largest city in Kerala and the headquarters of Kozhikode district.

In 1498 Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed at Kappad, about 25 km away from Calicut city. Discovery of the sea route from Europe to India gave the Portuguese a significant advantage in the control of international trade that lasted for almost a century and changed the political scenario of India ultimately ending with its colonization by the British.

Kozhikode was an independent kingdom in 14th century, whose ruler was Samoothirippadu ( anglicised as Zamorin). Thus Calicut came to be called the City of Zamorins.

There are many numbers of rivers and lakes in the district. Kallayi Puzha, Chaliyar puzha, Korapuzha, Poonoor puzha, and Iravanjhi puzha are some amongst them.

Kozhikode is the most important coastal city of the north region of state of Kerala.
Kozhikode is the birth place of one of the top Malayalam dailies "Mathrubhumi".

Kozhikode is home to two premier educational institutions in India; the IIMK, one of the seven Indian Institutes of Management and the only National Institute of Technology in Kerala, the NITC.

Places of interest

Kozhikode Beach

The beauty and serenity of Kozhikode beach is not yet developed as a tourist center. Still people from all around gather here to enjoy the sunset and it is a popular leisure option for local people. Two sea piers almost 125 years old extending well inside the sea are a specialty. Lion’s club and children’s park make the evenings pleasant for visiting families.

Kappad Beach

Vasco Da Gama landed in Kappad Beach on 27th May 1498 with three vessels and 170 men. This beach of historical importance is 16 km north of Kozhikode. A monument is here to memorialize the historical landing of Vasco Da Gama. An ancient temple on a hill facing the sea is an added attraction.

Beypore

Beypore is a port city situated 10 km south of Kozhikode at the mouth of Chaliyar River. Beypore is famous for its ancient shipbuilding industry, which constructed Uru, the traditional trading vessels. The place was formerly known as Vaypura and Vadaparappanad. Tippu Sultan named the town “Sultan Pattanam”. It is one of the important ports of Kerala and naturally an important trading centre. It is the major fishing harbour of Kerala. There are two man-made extensions to the sea to facilitate easy access for fishing boats. This is an ideal place for an outing

Vadakara

This ancient place is now the headquarters of the taluk as well as the municipality of that name. There is a ruined fort in the town. Vadakara was the scene of many exploits of 'Thacholi Othenan', the hero of the ballads of north Malabar (Vadakkan Pattukal). Five km South-East of Vadakara is the Lokanarkavu (Temple) which has three rock-cut caves in its vicinity. Annual ceremonies are conducted in memory of Thacholi Othenan, whose birth place is Manikkoth near Meppayil.

Mananchira Square

Mananchira Maithan, in the heart of the city is the sublimation of the concept of a planned modern city. The historic maithan, adjacent to Manachira has been converted into an arcadia with beautiful trees and plants, artificial hill, shrubs, sculpture, an open air theatre and above all a musical fountain. Locals and tourists seekings leisure and relief from the mad rush outside find shelter here. Mananchira Maithan is managed by the Corporation of Kozhikode.

Art Gallery and Krishna Menon Museum

It is situated adjacent to the Pazhassi Raja Museum, the art gallery houses paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and other collections. The museum has a section dedicated to V.K. Krishna Menon exhibiting the personal belonging of the late leader.

Kallai

Kallai was known as one of the world’s best timber trading centre. Even now it is the best place for timber trade in Malabar.

Kozhikode Backwaters

The unexplored and unspoiled backwaters of Kozhikode hold great promises of enchanting holiday options. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is a popular watersport destination.

Kadalundi

The bird sanctuary at kadalundi is a haven for migratory birds. The migratory birds from all over the world gather here during the season which starts from November.

Tourist Places near to Kozhikode

Malampuzha

Nelliyampathy

Athirappilly and Vazhachal water falls

About Kerala

Kerala - A small State at the southern tip of India, known as God’s own country is one of the world’s top tourist destinations, because of its spectacular scenic beauty.

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC TRAVELER selected Kerala as one of the 50 greatest places of a lifetime that a curious traveler should not miss.

What makes Kerala a popular tourist destination and attracting millions of tourists from all over the world? The most important factor is its geographical structure. A narrow strip of land, with Arabian Sea in the west, Western Ghats mountain ranges in the east and networked by 44 rivers, enjoys unique geographical features.

Lush green hill stations, Tranquil backwaters, Stunning wildlife, Waterfalls, Serene Beaches, Sprawling plantations and paddy fields and all these you can access within short distances.

Kerala's Art forms, Festivals and Historic monuments attracts tourists all over the world.

The efforts of Tourism Department and the successive Governments are also been the main part of the development of Kerala tourism industry. Growing at a rate of 13.31%, the state's tourism industry is a major contributor to the state's economy.

Kerala's all villages are well connected by road. Indian Railway’s Southern Railway line runs throughout the state, connecting all major towns and cities. Kerala's major railway stations are Trivandrum Central, Kollam Junction, Ernakulam Junction, Thrissur, Shoranur Junction, Kozhikode and Palakkad.

Major international airports are at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi and Kozhikode.

Kerala's Standard of living statistics, primary level education and health care are among the best in India. Kerala has the highest literacy rate (96.9%) among Indian states and life expectancy (73 years) is among the highest in India.

Tourist Places in Kerala

Kerala Arts

See also

Kovalam Beach

Kovalam beach, the paradise of south India. A fine sandy beach on Arabian sea backed by lush coconut trees attracts thousands of indian and international tourists weekly. Kovalam has been one of the most popular beaches in India among tourists, especially europeans since 1930's. Over the past years Kovalam has been well developed and now figures prominently on world tourism map.

Kovalam is located 16 km away from Thiruvanathapuram, the capital city of Kerala. Thiruvanathapuram international airport is just 10 km away and Thiruvanathapuram central railway station is about 16 km away.

Kovalam beach consists of three crescent shaped beaches seperated by outcrops projected out to the sea. Light house beach, Hawah beach and Samudra beach. There are many private beaches also, owned by Hotels and Resorts. Light house beach is the longest and most popular among tourists. The Light house belong to the British period on the high promontory at the southern end of the beach offers a spectacular view of the sea.

A massive rock promontory on the beach has created a beautiful bay of calm waters ideal for sea bathing. There are plenty of leisure options and activities here. Sun bathing, swimming, surfing, catamaran cruising, special cultural programmes etc. The local fishermen provides cruises in fishing boats. Many Hotels and resorts here offers Ayurvedic body toning massages, Ayurvedic rejuvenation treatments and Yoga(Indian way of meditation).

There are several restaurants provides Indian and Euoropean style delicious food. Kovalam is famous for grilled seafood items like Lobster, King prawns and Kalamari which are got fresh from the sea.

The main tourist season is from September to May. The best time to visit here is November to february.

Kovalam beach photos