Bekal Fort is the biggest historic wonder in Kerala. Built in circular shape over 30-40 acres of land on the shore of the Arabian sea, even today this fort stands head high and strong, attracting historians and tourists. It is believed that the fort was constructed in 1650 AD by Shivappa Naik. Now it is under the protection of the central Archaeological Reasearch wing. Unlike many other forts built by different rulers, there are no arrangements or constructions indicative of user for governance. There are many observatory holes for watching ships very far into the sea, but it is not possible to easily detect this arrangement from a ship at sea. At the center, there is a wide slanting path leading to the watch tower. Near the entrance there is also a 10 foot wide moat. Some historians opine that the watch tower was built by Tippu sultan. Bekal fort was a significant base for Tippu sultan’s army which came to conquer Malabar. Bekal fort has been declared as an important tourist center by the state government and is also included in the list of special tourism areas notified by the central govt.
