Road trip to Bekal

In September this year (2014), we did a drive from Bangalore to Bekal (actually Taj at Kappil beach). Our drive was a bit longer and different from what we had read and I decided to share it in my blog.

We chose the destination mainly because of the beach(es) and the forts were an added attraction. For those who don't know, the iconic scene in Bombay movie where Manisha Koirala runs up in the rain to meet Aravind swamy during the song Tu hi re was shot in the Bekal fort. Well, the picturization does justice - it is a beautiful location! More about that later.

There are two possible road routes to Bekal from Bangalore- one through Hassan, Mangalore. Taj travel desk dissuaded us from taking that route as the Ghat section is longer and not in great condition due to rains. The other route is Mysore, Madikeri, Sulliya, Jalsoor, Cherkala and Bekal, which they said should take about 7-8 hours. From Madikeri, it is also possible to go through Bhagamandala but again we were dissuaded from taking this  route in this season due to rains. We decided to take the Sulliya route from Madikeri. Lesson- always check with the hotel travel desk for latest updates on road condition!

 We started at about 6:30 am on a week day (realised these things matter a lot while planning a driving trip). Stopped at A2B on the Mysore highway for lunch ( a bit overpriced compared to the one on Chennai highway). Since we were in a new car, we were only about 60-80 km an hour and reached Srirangapatnam about 9:30am. We were told that there was some construction work on the shortcut road from near Srirangapatnam which joins near Yeliawala and hence drove on and took the right turn at the Mysore ring road at the Columbia Asia Hospital intersection. After another right turn ( no sign board at that junction, so keep asking) we were at State Highway 22 which is Mysore Bantwal highway. From here, it was a drive through Hunsur, KushalNagara towards Madikeri. We were at Madikeri at 1:30pm.

Before entering Madikeri, there is left turn which is continuation of SH 22; on this road , there is a left  towards Bhagamandala and straight road leads to Sulliya. From here, the drive was very scenic but extremely slow as the road would twist every few metres. 

Hanging bridge at Panjikallu on the way to Sullia (Payaswini tributory of Kaveri?)

One of the numerous 'twisties' on the road

To reach Sulliya which is about 45 Kms, it took us close to 2 hours. After reaching Jalsoor, one should actually drive towards Chatanjal and then take the Uduma road to reach Taj or Lalith resort.
We reached the resort at 3:30pm , 9 hours after we started with only a 20 minute break for breakfast.

Since the resort had many amenities and access to a beautiful secluded long stretch of beach, we barely stepped out. 

The back waters meeting the sea near Taj, Bekal

Sunset at Kappil beach

The Bekal fort was of course the star attraction. We did it in the morning but would suggest evening so that you can stroll around and explore without getting burnt be the sun. The fort is vast and even a tunnel leading towards the sea for escape. It is an ASI property but other than the one main board giving the history ( very impressive of course) , there is sadly no other information. Lots of scope here to do some good marketing.

The view is stunning from all angles. The fort has a beautiful architecture and the floor tiles and walls were eye catching. It oozes history and one can appreciate the significance of each and every aspect , how the rulers tried to protect their Kingdom from sea invaders!  

View of the Arabian Sea from the fort - think of the Portugese invaders in those boats!

Anticipating a long drive, we left early at about 10:30 am from the resort and reached Madikeri at 1:30 pm and had a piping hot , tasty lunch at Raintree which is behind Town hall, Madikeri.  Thereafter, it was a very long drive , especially closer to Bangalore due to very heavy traffic.  We entered Bangalore about 8:30 pm and took more than an hour to reach home! 

Though it was a long drive, this was one of the trips where the journey was as enjoyable as the destination! But you need a good patient driver or chauffeur or husband! 

I am adding this travel tip - it would make a nice long journey if you can combine Bekal with either Mangalore or Madikeri.  Mangalore is just 65 kms from Bekal.