Chandragiri Fort or Chandragiri kotta is an ancient heritage centre, situated in Bekal, Kasargod district. The fort built in the 17th century by Shivappa Nayak of Bedanore has a great significant history owing to its glorious past. Chandragiri Fort resides on the banks of the Payaswini River and offers a mesmerizing view of the river merging into the majestic Arabian sea. In the ancient era, the Payaswini River bordered the two distant kingdoms of Kolathunadu and Tulunadu. When the Vijayanagara empire attacked the dynasties they lost the Chandragiri region to the empire which lost its power in the 16th century.
It was later in the 17th century Shivappa Nayaka took over the reigns and built the chain of forts that included this citadel, Chandragiri fort. This fort was subsequently passed on from one to another local and European powers and at present, the heritage building is under the control of the State Archeological Department. There is nothing much to see in this square-shaped fort ruins that stand in glory for its ancient past and historical associations, yet it is frequently visited by the locals and other tourists for its breathtaking views of the river, the confluence, the tiny islands, groves etc. The sunset view from Chandragiri Fort is simply mesmerizing. One can go for boat rides to the nearest islands and camp over there, you will have the local fishermen accompanying you to the island and you could hear all the local myths and legends relating to the fort, the river, and much more.
