Set on a rocky promontory looming over the sea (halfway between Kanhangad and Kasaragod), spectacular Bekal Fort (dtpckasaragod.com; adult/child ₹300/free) is Kerala's most expansive fortress and also its most historically intriguing. You can easily spend an hour or two wandering the irregular quadrangular complex, with its well-tended pathways, imposing laterite-brick walls and views of beaches disappearing into the tropical haze.
The fort was constructed between 1645 and 1660 by the Ikkeri Nayaks, a powerful dynasty that emerged from the Vijayanagar empire, and still retains its well-preserved moat and observation towers. It became part of the Kingdom of Mysore in the 1760s, before falling under British control in 1792. The main trail zigzags up past a small Hindu Hanuman temple, then crosses the sprawling grounds before dropping down to a laterite lookout protruding into the sea. A fun way to explore Bekal Fort and surrounds is on a half-day cycling tour with well-established adventure operator Muddy Boots (muddyboots.in; per person ₹3540-4810).
