Bekal was under the sovereignty of Kolathunadu when it became an important maritime centre and an important port town of Thulunadu (old Kasaragod district). Later, realising the political and economic importance of Thulunadu, many laudatory chieftains successively attacked and annexed this part of the country. The economic importance of the port town prompted the Jeheri Nayak dynasty to fortify Bekal. It is believed that the Kotteyar community found in Bekal, Panayal and other places in Kasaragod were brought here by the Nayaks to build and defend the forts. Bekal subsequently fell into the hands of the Mysore Sultans. It then served as an important military station of Tipu Sultan when he led the great military expedition to Malabar. Coins and other artifacts unearthed by archeologist’s excavation at the Bekal Fort are an indication of the occupancy of the Mysore Sultans. Years later, the East India Company made Bekal the headquarters of the newly organised Bekal Taluk of the South Canara District of Bombay Presidency. South Canara then became a part of the Madras Presidency in 1862 and Kasaragod Taluk was set up in place of Bekal Taluk. Gradually the political and economic importance of Bekal and its port declined considerably. Kasaragod became part of Kerala with the State reorganisation in 1956. Bekal is unarguably one of the best beach resort destinations in Asia with its pristine beaches and a rich heritage culture of Kerala. Yet, unlike most other existing resort destinations, it is still virgin and untouched. With a choice of eclectic cuisines, a decadent spa, and private dining spaces the Vivanta by Taj – Bekal welcomes you to the land of gods, forts and rivers.

Vivanta by Taj – Bekal offers unparalleled services along with the signature Vivanta hospitality and promises to be a soul sanctuary for travellers seeking sentient and sensorial experiences.

Vivanta by Taj is proud to announce the brand’s foray into Bekal a picturesque and delightful destination that is waiting to be discovered. This sprawling 25-acre resort is located in the Kasargod district in northern Kerala, surrounded by a firmament of coconut trees and adorned by laterite sculptures of Garuda (a mythical bird) and consecrated tuskers. Nestled in the midst of a rustic environment, it is located on the meandering Kerala backwaters and Kappil River, in a stimulating, natural environment with easy access to the beach. Secluded and romantic, amidst the charm and lush beauty of Kerala, the resort seeks to recreate the quintessential Kerala experience with a refreshing, inspired touch.

The flamboyant architectural style of Vivanta by Taj - Bekal is inspired by the Kettuvallam house boats that are unique to this region. The design has a deep sense of the local ethos moored architecture with sense of space and elements. The luxurious rooms inspired by the Kettuvallams, some of them with plunge pools, offer a private retreat amidst lush surroundings. The rooms also offer a private courtyard, an outdoor dining area, rain shower and a soak tub. Copper and gold leaf murals inspired from an ancient Sanskrit manuscript, dining nooks inspired by the Bekal Fort booths, custom-made bronze chandeliers, birdcage lanterns, arched ceiling woven entirely by hand from bamboo, timber tables displaying local sculptures and artifacts providing visual interest.

The sensorial and romantic dining spaces include Latitude the all-day dining facility, Ivory – a majestic dome shaped island bar with an enchanting water garden moat around it, barbecue by the pool side, gazebos for intimate private dinners by the Kappil waters and a whole lot more.

The indulgent Jiva Grande Spa offers the full range of Jiva signature treatments, special Indian therapies and dedicated ayurvedic consultations. The expansive spa is spread over 2.5 acres and more with its own dedicated complex of spa suites and Presidential (Nirvana) Suite. The design of the spa is in sync with the unique architectural styling of the resort. All the treatment rooms have their own private courtyards against a setting of serene water gardens and lush tropical landscapes. The spa is equipped with single and double treatment suites, beauty treatment rooms, meditation and yoga pavilions, relaxation pools and a full-fledged fitness centre.

In keeping with the Vivanta promise of unexpected surprises and charming ‘Vivanta Motif’ experiences, this beach side resort offers signature must-dos that will linger for a lifetime. A stone’s throw away from the giant keyhole shaped Bekal Fort, Vivanta by Taj – Bekal promises to be a getaway for the urbane sophisticates.

(Must dos and Must sees at Vivanta by Taj – Bekal, Kerala)

• Trip to Bekal Fort: Kerala’s largest fort will take your breath away as you explore its history, architecture and terrain. Enjoy a lovely drive to Bekal Fort and then take in all the mighty citadel has to offer. Stand at the very points from where Tipu Sultan’s soldiers defended Bekal. Climb up the giant observatory to watch the sea extend into the horizon. The hotel provides mountain bikes at the site for guests who love to cycle. And there are light refreshments while relaxing after the exploration. 

• Romantic dinner by the river: Woo your special someone in a special way! By the murmur of the gentle river. As the sun sets painting the sky in tones of orange and gold. As foot tapping music has you on your feet to dance away as the sky changes its hues. Exchange sweet words as the magic of the night casts its spell. And relax over an exquisite gourmet candle-lit dinner at the gazebo by the pool side. The meal -with a choice of seafood grills if you wish and a bottle of wine-is crafted to perfection by Chef Valentine who loves to delight guests with innovative twists and surprise offerings. 

• Quintessential Kerala: Soak in an indulgent flavour of Kerala. Submit yourself to an authentic aromatherapy massage at the spa and feel your stress melt away.  After the experience is another treat - a traditional Kerala Sadya lunch served on a banana leaf. You’ll discover Kerala’s cuisine is much like its topography – earthy, diverse and delightful! Prepared with farm fresh ingredients; with coconut, tamarind and well-ground spices; and garnished with dry fruits, the traditional dishes are surely to tickle your taste buds.  

• Kettuvallam Cruise: Cruise down scenic waters in a charming kettuvallam, a traditional houseboat with a thatched roof over a wooden hull.  Savour a home-style meal as you hear the whisper of the breeze and the song of the waves. Enjoy the cool of the evening over a cup of tea. 

• Visit to a plantation:  Set off on a journey through the sleepy town of Bekal. Walk down its red mud lanes to come by beautiful falls hidden away by the green cover. Cross narrow streams that part ways only to meet again at various junctures. Enjoy a scenic drive to a plantation where you trek through banana and rubber plantations blessed with nature’s amazing creations. Stop by at a traditional house and chat with the residents to experience life in a village. And savour a delicious home- cooked vegetarian meal served on a banana leaf. 

• Pleasure Hunters:  We’re sure you can name all the ingredients used in a dish just by sampling it. But will you be able to guess the name of a dish by knowing what ingredients go into them?  Enjoy a fun guessing game. We’ll set you and your partner on a mission where you have to team up and crack certain clues to find a set of ingredients that are used in a particular dish. On collecting all of them, you have to guess what the dish is. As a prize the dish will be a part of the three course meal we’ll serve t the end of the game- even if are unable to name it! 

• On the fish trail with the Master Chef: Set off on a drive to the local fish market at Uduma with Chef Valentine. Shop for fish that Chef Valentine will prepare for you just the way you like it for dinner. If you wish a lovely candle-lit can be arranged at the Pavilion.