Bekal for a Romantic Escape:

A 2-Day Coastal Riverside Retreat

Waterfront Mornings in Bekal

At Bekal, lagoons thread between coconut groves, and the nearest thing to a crowd is a cluster of egrets along the riverbank. Couples who come here looking for privacy will find it with ease, and hotels in Bekal like Gateway Bekal, positioned along the waterline, make the transition from city buzz to coastal tranquillity almost immediate.

A Slow Afternoon at Bekal Fort

Bekal Fort is the largest fort in Kerala. It was built in the 17th century on a dramatic promontory flanked by the sea on three sides. In the late afternoon light, its stone walls turn a warm ochre, and the coastline below stretches in both directions. Guided e-bike tours to the fort are a popular option for couples who want to explore the coastal lanes on the way, with Gateway Bekal arranging these as part of a curated stay.

Golden Hour by the Backwaters

The backwaters at dusk are one of Bekal's unique pleasures. Watch the water turn copper-toned and palm fronds catch the last light. Embark on an evening walk along a lagoon or riverside path. The biodiversity-rich wetlands attract kingfishers and seasonal migratory birds. The finest 5-star hotels in Bekal, like Gateway, are set within landscapes where these moments happen just outside the door.

Dinner With a View

Malabar cuisine is one of coastal India's most complex and undersung food traditions. Relish fish curries infused with kudampuli, aromatic biryanis, and prawn preparations in earthen pots. The best dining experiences in Bekal, however, are about the setting as much as the food itself. Savour delicious plates at poolside tables, riverside arrangements or a bamboo night raft drifting through the backwaters after dark. Gateway Bekal offers private dining experiences that turn a meal into one of the most cherished moments of the entire trip.

Ayurveda as a Way of Beginning the Day

A traditional Ayurvedic therapy followed by steam and sauna rituals offers the perfect beginning to the day. Kerala's centuries-old wellness traditions attract travellers from across the world, particularly couples seeking journeys focused on restoration and mindfulness.

The emphasis on well-being distinguishes the Gateway resort in Bekal. Here, wellness experiences draw inspiration from local healing philosophies and natural ingredients.

Post-Brunch Adventures for Two

Romance and adventure make excellent travelling companions.

Couples seeking activity can explore riverside cycling trails, paddle through tranquil waters in kayaks, or embark on leisurely boat rides through the backwaters. Fishing excursions introduce visitors to another dimension of Bekal's relationship with water, while archery sessions and cricket bowling experiences add moments of light-hearted competition to the itinerary.

Those looking for a bit of an adventure can head out on an ATV ride through scenic landscapes or try a range of water-based activities. Flying kites beneath open skies, friendly games of chess, carrom, or pool carry an old-world beauty that modern travel often forgets.

Gateway Bekal has thoughtfully curated its range of activities to reflect this diversity, recognising that a romantic escape looks different for every couple.

An Afternoon Among Kerala's Artists and Artisans

Kasaragod district is home to one of Kerala's richest artistic traditions. Theyyam, the ancient ritualistic art form performed on nearby temple grounds, is vivid and visceral in ways that leave a mark. Mohiniyattam, Kerala's classical dance, is also deeply moving when witnessed. Traditional craft workshops and interactions with local artisans reveal a more honest version of the destination.

A romantic escape is only as good as where you spend it. Gateway’s luxury hotel in Bekal delivers on that front with a property that earns its reputation through both its natural setting and what it offers within it.

The rooms, cottages, and suites are designed around garden and river views, with interiors that draw from traditional Kerala architecture and deliver on comfort. The retreat presents couples with a rich tapestry of experiences to share together.

Plan your anniversary, mini-moon, or weekend retreat at Gateway Hotels, where Kerala's beauty, heritage and signature hospitality come together in one destination.