Bekal fort, the largest and the best-preserved fort in Kerala, lies round 16 kms south of Kasaragod on the national highway at the northern tip of the state. Believed to have been built by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty in the 1650's, the fort is a circular imposing structure of literate rising 130 ft. above sea level and it stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabian sea. The observation tower of the fort offers a bird’s eye view of the unspoiled beach and the vast expanse of sea stretching into the far horizon. At the entrance of the fort, there is a temple devoted to Lord Hanuman (Anjaneya) and there is also an old mosque believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan. The fort and its surroundings is a favourite shooting locale for film makers and it is fast emerging as an international tourist destination. The public works department (PWD) of the State Government has maintained a Traveler's bungalow within the fort. The fort is open to visitors from 9.00 A.M to 6.00 P.M.