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Sriram L Iyer
From: "Kamal & Co" <kamalco@[Link]>
To: "fos" <fixosign@[Link]>
Sent: Wednesday, December 10, 2003 1:13 PM
Subject: Hari sends details of Bekal Fort...............
Dear All;
When was the last time the word "Breathtaking" really meant Breathtaking....
My last time was on 08th of December..............
The reason was Bekal Fort..
The picture below is a Composition of 6 different snaps. I did not have the time to do the colour correction in
the center of the picture. Hope you find it O.K
If you have seen the MANIRATNAM Film "BOMBAY" - you will remember Bekal Fort..
The song "Uyire.." was filmed here at Bekal
I spent about 2 hours at the fort.
3/22/2004
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The fort is a National Monument.
The fort is on the Sea Shore. The fort is built on a piece of Rockface that juts into the sea.
If you stand on the Fort ramparts at the top, you will see that the fort is surrounded by the Arabian Ocean on two
sides,
I could touch the Laterite rock face and feel the thousands of workers Cutting, Slicing and placing the rocks one at
a time to make this magnificient edifice.
I could also hear the many battles that would have been fought by the many rulers and invaders of this beautiful
land.
The sea bastion ( A projecting part of a fortification ) located on the rocky projection, west of the fort also offers a
magnificent view of the sea and the beach.
If you wanted to feel the presence of the Creator himself - Stand at the extreme end of the bastion and close your
eyes. Shut your ears to the sounds of the Chattering Public - Take a deep breath - Slow down your pulse - Now
open your eyes - See the Ocean - Feel the might of the Beating Waves - Sounds of the Sea Gulls - Keep
watching and hearing for atleast 20-30-40 minutes.....
I was at peace for the rest of the day.
Even as I write this to you all, I can visualize that great moment and savor every bit of it.
How to reach Bekal...
Bekal lies 16 Kms south of Kasaragod on the national highway at the northern tip of the state
Try and make it to Kasargod when you are enroute to Mangalore. If you are visiting Dharmastala, Mookambika
near mangalore (all about 4-5 hours drive) then include Bekal in your itinerary.
Stay at Hotel City Tower at # 30, [Link], Kasrgod - 671 121. It is about 2 kms from the Rail Station. Auto fares
are cheap. They charge about Rupees 310 - 350 per double [Link]: +91-44-4994-230562 / 230564 / 225425
Facilities are basic. Rooms are neat and Comfortable. Water is soft and if you are from Chennai or any similar
Water starved state.. Standing under the pressured water from the shower is heaven.........
When you go to Bekal during the rains(april end - May - June) , make sure you carry an Umbrella or rain
coat. Any rain protection gear will do for your camera.
The distance between the fort ramparts and the approach is atleast 500 meters. So there will be no place for
cover if it should rain suddenly. But if you like it then get wet, It should be a wonderful feeling.
Best time to see the Fort
Since the sea face is West of the Fort.. The sunlight beats on you face in the Evenings.
1. The best time to take pictures of the fort with your back to the sea is between 15.30 hours to 17.00 hours
2. The best time to take pictures of the sea with your back to the fort is between 09.00 hours to 11.00 hours
This means, if you are a avid photographer and tourist you would like to come once in the morning and once in
the evening. It will be worth all the effort and money - I bet !!
The fort is open from 09.00 hrs to 17.30 hrs.
3/22/2004
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Some of the nearby places of tourist interest are Pallikere beach, Bekal Hole aqua park, Kappil beach,
Chandragiri fort, Chandragiri Cruise, Anandashram, Ananthapura lake temple, Valiyaparamba backwaters (an
enchanting resort fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands) and Ranipuram.
Bye
Hari
Sriram L Iyer
#42, Mambalam High Road,
[Link], Chennai 600017
Tamil Nadu, India
Tel: +91-44-2814 0111, 2814 0222, 2814 0333, 2814 0444, 2814 0555
Fax/Tel: +91-44-2814 0814
Mobile: 98410 - 73410
Email:
kamalco@[Link]
fixosign@[Link]
Web:
[Link]
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3/22/2004
