Bekal Fort Snaps

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Kozhikode

Fast Facts District : Kozhikode
Old Name : Calicut
Distance : 440 kms, north of Trivandrum
Attractions : Kappad, Kozhikode Beach, Beypore, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Best Time to Visit : September to February

Location
Kozhikode, formerly known as Calicut, lies sandwiched between the districts of Kannur and Malappuram, in the state of Kerala. The town is located towards the north of the state and is typically a coastal region with the Arabian Sea stretching out in the east. Kozhikode is hooked with all major means of transportation, roads, railways and airways

Introducing Kozhikode
kozhikode is known for its historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers and as a commercial hub in the state of Kerala. The city used to be the commanding centre of mighty Zamorins in the medieval times. The city had well established trade links with Chinese, Arabs and the Europeans and dating backing to good olden times, 8th century. It was here that Vasco De Gama landed in the year 1498, leading to the discovery of trade route to India. The district was however, established in the year 1957 and the period in between witnesses many great events, the impressions of which are still found at some popular sites. The place at present is a popular tourist destination with a number of attractions including tranquil beaches, beautiful hills, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries and popular worshipping places.

Tourist Attractions in Kozhikode

Kappad : This historic beach lies 16 km from Kozhikode and constitutes the place where Vasco De Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498. There is a monument established on the beach that commemorates the event. The beach promontory is a very beautiful place providing great view of the stretched out sea. There is a temple built on the rocks that reach out for the sea. This temple is believed as having been built somewhere in 13th century.

Kozhikode Beach : Kozhikode beach is a fun beach with quite a number of attractions. The sunset, as viewed from this The beach provides the site to view some astonishing sunsets. Present at the beach are two very old piers and a lighthouse that constitute the local attractions. The nearby amusement parks, Lions Park and aquarium, are additional features.

Beypore : Situated on Chaliyar river, some 10 kms south of Kozhikode is Beypore harbour. The old port is a popular attraction and features a community that has been building vessels for more than one and a half millennia. The region used to be a favorite trade center for several Arab countries in the past. The tradition of building vessels, Arab trading vessels, still thrives in the region.

Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery : The museum, located some 5 kms from Kozhikode, houses great collection of arts and antiquities. The exhibitions include ancient murals, ancient bronze articles, coins, models of temples and some megalithic monuments.

Velliyamkallu : The massive rock on the shores is one place that navigators were often afraid of. The rock used to be employed by the Marakkars as a vantage point against the invading Portuguese. On one occasion an entire crew of a Portuguese vessel was killed here.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary : The bird sanctuary is located at a distance of about 25 kms from the city. The sanctuary homes hundreds of bird species including terns, sea gulls, herons, sandpipers, etc.

Planetarium : The Kozhikode Planetarium is located at Jaffarkhan colony. The planetarium reveals the mysteries of the universe, the planets and the galaxies. Daily shows are hosted at the place, at 12 o'clock, 02 p.m., 04 p.m. and 06 p.m.

Kalipoika :About two kilometres from Kozhikode is located Kalipoika with its unique boating experience. Some other attractions located nearby include Thikkoti Lighthouse, Kirtads, , Payyoli, Kakkayam, Varakkal Devi Temple, Tusharagiri, St. Mary's Church, Buddha Vihar, Peruvannamuzhi, Vellari Mala, Wayanad Ghats, Kuttiyadi, Iringal, Mananchira Maidan, Kuttichira, Mishkal Masjid, Pishakarikavu, Lokanarkavu Temple, Mannur Temple, Ponmeri, etc.

Bekal : Bekal Fort

The unique Bekal Fort stands amidst the roaming but heartening music of the seas along with the eternal note of the unending waves, carrying the thrilling memories of a bygone era. This foremost souvenir of the 'Gods own Country' remains undeterred over the ages as a silent witness to centuries of eventful yester years. The Bekal Fort has been a source of attraction for historians, tourists and nature - lovers for centuries since it embodies memories of a glorious past.
The Fort appears to have been built up from the seas since almost three fourth of its exterior is drenched and the waves do stroke the citadel. The Hanuman temple and the ancient Muslime Mosque nearly hold 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 connected with the fort.
Bekal Fort happens to be the biggest fort of Kerala spreading over forty acres. The important features of this fort are the tank with its flight of steps, the opening of the tunnel towards the South, the magazine for keeping ammunition and the broad and wide steps leading to the Observation Tower is a rarity. From there one has ample view of all the important places in the vicinity like Kanhangad, Pallikare, Bekal, Kottikulam Uduma etc. This observation centre has strategic significance in finding out even the smallest movements of the enemy and ascertaining the safety of the Fort.
Unlike most other Indian Forts, Bekal fort was not a center of administration for no remains of a Palace are found within the Fort. Probably the fort was built for fulfilling the defense requirements. The holes on the outer walls of the fort are so remarkable that they are specially designed to defined the fort effectively. The holes at the top are meant for aiming at the farthest points; the holes below are meant for hitting when the enemy is nearer and the holes under neath facilitate attacking when the enemy is very near to the fort. This is a remarkable evidence for the medival technology of defence strategy. Apart from this, the wild and ecstatic beauty of the setting sun is a glorious presence in the fort.

ROUTE MAP OF BEKAL

PHOTO GALLERY

KERALA - GODS OWN COUNTRY

Kerala's fourteen districts are distributed among Kerala's three historical regions: Travancore (southern Kerala), Kochi (central Kerala), and Malabar (northern Kerala).Travancore consists of Idukki, Alappuzha (Alleppey), Kottayam, Pathanamthitta, Kollam (Quilon), and Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum). Kochi includes Thrissur (Trichur) and Ernakulam districts. Malabar includes (from north to south) Kasargod, Kannur (Cannanore), Wayanad (Wynad), Kozhikode (Calicut), Malappuram, and Palakkad (Palghat).

Mahe, a part of the Indian union territory of Pondicherry, is a coastal exclave surrounded by Kerala on all of its landward approaches. Thiruvananthapuram is the state capital and most populous city. Kochi (the most populous urban agglomeration), Kozhikode, Palakkad, Kollam and Thrissur are the other major commercial centres of the state. The High Court of Kerala is situated at Ernakulam. Kerala's districts, which serve as the administrative regions used for taxation purposes, are further subdivided into a total of 63 taluks; these have fiscal and administrative powers over settlements within their borders, including maintenance of local land records.