Key hubs
Bekal airport and railway station
- Airport
- Mangaluru International (IXE), roughly 70-75 km to the north, about 1.5 to 2 hours by road; Kannur International (CNN) is also within about 90 km
- Railway station
- Bekal Fort (BFR) is next to the fort but sees few trains; Kanhangad (KZE), about 10 km away, is the better-served railhead; Kasaragod station is further north
- Getting around
- A hired car or taxi is the practical choice; autos work for short hops and buses run along NH 66 and SH 57. Ride-hailing coverage is limited, so arrange transport ahead for evenings.
How to reach Bekal by air
Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) is roughly 70-75 km north of Bekal, about 1.5 to 2 hours by road depending on traffic. Kannur International Airport (CNN) is also within about 90 km of Kanhangad. Most visitors fly into Mangaluru and take a taxi.
How to reach Bekal by train
Bekal Fort station (BFR) lies beside the fort but is served by only a few trains. Kanhangad (KZE), about 10 km away, is on the Shoranur-Mangaluru line and has more halts, including long-distance services. Check which trains stop before you book.
How to reach Bekal by road
NH 66 runs along the coast from Mangaluru through Kasaragod and Kanhangad, and State Highway 57 links Kasaragod to Kanhangad via Bekal. Buses run along these roads, and a taxi from Mangaluru is the easiest way in.
Getting around Bekal
A hired car or taxi is the practical choice for the fort, beaches and temples. Autos suit short trips, buses run on the main roads, and ride-hailing coverage is limited, so book return transport for evenings.
For parents and senior travellers
Easy transfers to and in Bekal
- Choose a hotel near the fort or at Kappil with a car drop-off at the door. Evening taxis are limited once you leave the main road.
- Plan the Kasaragod temples in the morning and keep the afternoon for rest. Temple floors are often bare stone and can be hot, so carry socks and a shawl for dress rules.
- Hire a car for the whole day when covering Kasaragod or Kanhangad. Public transport exists but waiting times and walks to stops add up.
- Ask the airline or railway for wheelchair or porter assistance when you book, not on the day.
- Pre-book the pickup from the airport or station, so nobody has to negotiate with drivers after a long journey.
- Choose arrivals in daylight where you can, and keep the first afternoon free to rest.