Bakel is a small village in Northern Kerala, famous for the Bakel Fort. This area has only recently caught the attention of the tourist. The authorities have identified the area for further development. Though most of the facilities will come up only later, the area has good stretches of beaches, backwaters and colourful festivals.
In and Out of Bakel
Air : The nearest airports are Mangalore (80 km) and Calicut (200 km), Cochin (390 km), Bangalore (390 km). Calicut and Bangalore have international links. Calicut has very good connections with gulf region. Bangalore has better European, American and Asia Pacific connections.
Rail : Though Kottikulam and Pallikere have railway stations, only the short distance passenger trains from Kasargod and Kannur stop here. Kasargod (12 km north) and Kanjangad (also called Hosdrug)(12km South) are larger stations where most train stop.
Things to do
Bakel Fort : The most important monument in the region, the Bakel Fort, is more than 300 years old. This fort is believed to be built in the 1650's by Shivappa Naik of Thelkkeri dynasty. Later the fort passed on to Hyder Ali of Mysore and still later to the British.
The sea bastion, underground tunnels, and the observation tower are impressive sights. The nearby Pallikere beach is just across the fishing hamlet. One can easily spend a day in and around the Fort & beach. There is a well run 'Facility Center' near the fort, a Cloak room, Bathroom, Toilets, information Center, Restaurant, Fruit Stall and a Handicraft outlet function in the center.
Chandragiri Fort (10 km North) : A smaller fort is set between the sea and the Chandragiri Fort, provides a good place to watch the sunset.
Kodi Cliffs : The cliffs located between the Kappil beach and the Chandragiri Fort provides a good place to watch the sunset.
Kappil Beach : This is yet another good beach south of the Bakel Fort, it can be reached either from Pallikere or one can walk it down from the Bakel Fort.
Pallikere Beach : This is yet another good beach south of the Bakel Fort, it can be reached either from Pallikere or one can walk it down from the Bakel Fort.
Bakel Aqua Park : This is a boating facility in the backwaters near the Pallekere beach.
Nithyanandasram (12 km North) : Spread across 25 acres near the Hosdrug Fort, the ashram exhibits some beautiful sculptures depicting scenes in the Bagawath Gita.
Ananthapura Lake Temple( 30 km North) : This 9th century temple is set in a rock cut lake. This temple is supposed to be the original seat of Ananthapadmanabha, the diety of the Sri Padmanabha Swami temple, Trivandrum.
Ranipuram (55 km East) : This hill station is set amidst coffee, rubber, pepper plantations and the forests. There is a good trekking route. Seeing wild animals is a distinct possibility. The night is full of animal calls.
Theyyam : Theyyam is a festival common in these parts. It is a festival in remembrance of great warriors of the area who have become Theyya (Gods). Theyyam is an art form conducted in the temple premises.
