Bekal Beach
When holidaying in Kerala, visit the Bekal Beach which is located just 14 km from Kasargod, Kerala. This beach is a tourist destination which is truly worth seeing. The beautiful sandy beach here is lined by swaying palm trees, a sight whose beauty cannot be confined in words and therefore one has to see it to believe it. Tourists visit this beach to soak in the serene atmosphere, to enjoy the sandy stretches of lovely untouched beaches and to hear the mesmerizing rhythmic sounds of waves crashing against the sea shore.
Bekal beach is one of those idyllic vacation destinations in Kerala where you won’t feel like doing anything but curling up and relaxing while watching as life passes by. Bekal beach is best visited with family and friends. When you are done with spending time at the beach, you can explore the nearby tourist spots such as Bekal Fort. This fort is a very well maintained historic fort in Kerala which is situated on a headland which extends for thirty five acres and extends into the sea. When inside the fort, be sure to check out the breathtaking view of the beach – its white sand, rolling waves, swaying green palms and the rolling waves.The hill slopes lead towards the Bekal Beach, these slopes are covered with shrubs and attracts a lot of curious explorers to ‘rock climb’ their way to the fort from the beach. The fort’s ramparts have cannon pointing out to the direction of the sea, which reminds one of the past times where the trading ships docking on the Beach were protected from pirates and rivals by the cannon.
Another attraction in this beach is the mosque that was built by Tipu Sultan. This mosque attracts a lot of interested explorers and historians. If you are planning to visit this beach then the best time to do so is during the months of August and March, also ensure that you carry a sunscreen lotion or sun block along with a wide brimmed hat in order to protect yourself from the harsh sun.You can find plenty of accommodation facilities here on the beach, take your pick from guesthouses and lodges which are situated very close to the beach. The nearest airport to this beach is in Mangalore, Karnataka which is about 50 kms away from the beach.The etymology of the name Kerala is uncertain. It is a combination of the word "Kera" which means coconut and "Alam" which means land. Thus the people of Kerala call their home state Keralam which means the land of coconut trees. According to a legend, the great sage Parashurama threw his axe into the sea and a piece of land rose from it. This land is Kerala. Another legend is connected with the Matsya Puranas according to which the Malaya Mountains is the backdrop for the story of Lord Vishnus Matsya Avatar and King Manu.
Some of the popular beaches in Kerala are:
