First public sector caravan park in Kerala to bring in more tourists to Bekal Fort

Source:  The post is based on the article “First public sector caravan park in Kerala to bring in more tourists to Bekal Fort” published in “The Hindu” on 6th October 2023

What is the News?

The Kerala Tourism Development Corporation(KTDC) will develop the caravan park and camp shelter at Bekal Fort.

What is Bekal Fort?

Bekal Fort is located in Kasargod district, Kerala.It is the largest fort in Kerala.

It was built in the 17th century by Shivappa Nayaka of the Keladi dynasty. 

The fort has seen rise and fall of several dynasties and later came under the control of the Kingdom of Mysore.

Structure: The fort appears to emerge from the sea.Almost three-quarters of its exterior is in contact with water.

– An important feature of the fort is the water-tank and the flight of steps leading to an observation tower built by Tipu Sultan.

– The fort’s zigzag entrance and surrounding trenches reveal its defensive strategy.Holes on the outer walls are designed to defend the fort effectively from naval attacks.The upper holes are meant for aiming at the farthest targets; lower holes below for striking as enemy nearer and the lowest holes to attacking enemy closest to the fort.

– The fort’s solid construction resembles the Thalassery Fort and the St. Angelo Fort at Kannur built by the Dutch.