The short answer
Taj Bekal Resort and Spa: what visitors should know first
A good choice for a calm, resort-style stay with older parents or children, if budget allows. It is a few kilometres from the fort, so you will need a car for outings, and rates vary by season.
Useful facts
Taj Bekal Resort and Spa facts at a glance
- Location
- Kappil, near Bekal, between backwaters and beach
- Stay style
- Large backwater and beach resort
- Location trade-off
- Calm and scenic, but you need a car for outings
- Best suited to
- Couples, families and older travellers wanting a quiet stay
- Origins
- Opened March 2012
- Operator
- IHCL (Indian Hotels Company), under the Taj name
Why it matters
Why Taj Bekal Resort and Spa is worth your time
The Taj resort is the clearest example of Bekal's tourism ambitions. After the special tourism zone was declared in 1992, the area gradually gained resorts, and this one opened in 2012 as a flagship property on the backwaters and sea.
For a traveller, it matters as a comfortable base with a distinct sense of place. Its houseboat-inspired design and backwater setting tie it to Kerala, and it offers a more private alternative to a hotel in town.
Highlights
What not to miss
- 01
Backwater and beach setting
The estate lies between the Kappil river and the sea.
- 02
Houseboat-inspired design
Architecture draws on traditional kettuvallam houseboats.
- 03
Spa and dining
Ayurveda spa programmes and several dining options were listed at opening.
Plan your visit
How to experience it
The resort opened in March 2012 on about 25 acres by the Kappil river, with beach access. Hospitality Net, reporting its opening under the Vivanta by Taj brand, describes an architectural style drawn from traditional kettuvallam houseboats. It is a resort-style stay, so most days revolve around the grounds, the pool and the spa.
Hospitality Net lists dining venues at opening including an all-day restaurant, an island bar, poolside barbecue and waterside gazebos for private dinners, plus the Jiva Grande Spa with Ayurveda programmes. Names and offerings change, so check the current list.
Treat it as a base, not a sight. The fort is about 6 km away, so book a car for the fort, Kappil beach and day trips. Choose a room close to the main areas if walking is difficult.
Plan with confidence
Before you book the room.
- Check rates and season
- Ask about room location and steps
- Book a car for outings
- Confirm non-guest access before visiting
Know before you go
Timing, access and comfort
- Area
- Kappil, about 6 km from Bekal Fort, between the backwaters and the beach
- Time needed
- Overnight or longer
- Best time
- November to February
- Walking level
- Easy
- Senior comfort
- The resort is spread over a large estate, so paths can be long, but it is mostly level and has staff to assist. Ask about buggy service, room location and steps before booking.
- Tickets and access
- Non-guest access for dining or spa use varies, so ask the resort directly. Do not assume day passes are available, and reserve ahead for restaurants.
Best for
Plan it with
Book with confidence
Check rates at Taj Bekal Resort and Spa
Compare room types, cancellation terms and breakfast before you book. Ask for a ground-floor or lift-access room if anyone finds stairs hard.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are live on the partner site.
Travelling with parents?
The resort is spread over a large estate, so paths can be long, but it is mostly level and has staff to assist. Ask about buggy service, room location and steps before booking.
Raahzo can arrange an arrival or day companion who handles tickets, queues and pacing, and keeps the family updated.
See concierge supportFAQs
How far is it from Bekal Fort?
About 6 km, near Kappil beach.
Can non-guests visit?
This varies, so ask the resort directly.
When did it open?
In March 2012, according to Hospitality Net.
Sources and further reading
Timings, fees and access rules change. Recheck with the official source before you travel.