Bekal

In the district of Kasaragod in Kerala is the beach town of Bekal. The key to Bekal’s growing popularity is its pristine beaches and the Bekal Fort. Said to have existed from the time of the Chirakkal ruler, the Bekal Fort today is one of the largest and best preserved in the region. The fort fell into the hands of Haider Ali in 1763; there are remains of a gallow from this time. Post this, Bekal fell into the occupation of the British East India Company.

The beach with the fort has undergone beautification. These include installation of two sculptures of Theyyam created using laterite on the beach and a shed the walls are adorned with murals created by artisans from Nilambur. There is also a rock garden at the parking area developed by Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC) of about 7,000 sq m. A walkway has been laid for visiting tourists. A park has been developed here for children below 14 years.

In 1995, Government of India set up BRDC to promote the region exclusively for tourism. BRDC ensures that projects set up observe parameters on the carrying capacity of the region, sustainable limits, architectural guidelines, environmental safeguards and coastal regulations.

Around 178 hectares are under BRDC, of which 24 hectares are set apart for resort centres and 75 hectares for housing sites. There is a fee charged from each visitor and a similar vehicle parking fees is also collected. The BRDC also aims to develop in future another 11 acres of land at the beach for constructing water park, theme park, etc. Besides promoting the Bekal Project, BRDC acts as the premier resource and development agency for tourism in northern Kerala.

The corporation’s main objectives include, to organise scientific studies and surveys for the balanced and planned development of the destination, to facilitate tourism development of the area by setting up necessary infrastructure facilities like water and power supply, sanitation, solid waste disposal and roads, to develop and improve existing as well as new tourist attractions in and around the area and to impart technical and other guidance to all concerned, for tourism and related development in Bekal as well as northern Kerala.