Houseboat cruise in Bekal from Mangalore: Backwaters and fort

Cruise the backwaters past palm trees and villages, then explore a keyhole fort rising from the sea

A day trip from Mangalore to Bekal combines a visit to the 9th-century Ananthapura Lake Temple, a tour of the 17th-century keyhole-shaped Bekal Fort, and an afternoon houseboat cruise through the backwaters with lunch served on board. The drive takes about two hours each way, and the full outing runs seven hours from pickup to return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bekal day excursion from Mangalore

• Drive from Mangalore to Bekal
• Visit Ananthapura Lake Temple
• Tour 17th century Bekal Fort
• Board houseboat for backwater cruise
• Enjoy lunch on houseboat
• Return to Mangalore or hotel

The experience

The day starts with a two-hour drive from Mangalore to Bekal, a coastal town on the Arabian Sea. En route, you stop at Ananthapura Lake Temple, a 9th-century shrine dedicated to Vishnu that sits in the middle of a lake. The temple is home to a single crocodile: considered the guardian by locals and notable for being vegetarian, fed only by devotees. After the temple, you continue to Bekal Fort, a 17th-century structure shaped like a keyhole with nearly three-quarters of its walls touching water. From the ramparts, you get views of the beach and ocean. From a distance, the fort appears to rise directly from the sea.

Once you've walked the fort, you board a houseboat for the afternoon cruise on Bekal's backwaters. The boat glides past palm trees, green fields, villages and temples while you settle in for lunch: a typical Kerala meal cooked and served on board, with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Beverages are not included, but two bottles of mineral water per person are provided. The cruise is the centerpiece of the day: unhurried, water-level views, and the kind of pace that lets you actually notice the landscape instead of rushing through it.

Transport is by private air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off, so you don't arrange your own way to Bekal. Entrance fees to both the temple and fort are included, as is the boat cruise and meal. Once the houseboat returns, you're driven back to your hotel or a fixed point in Mangalore.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• private air-conditioned transport.
• entrance fees to Ananthapura Lake Temple and Bekal Fort.
• houseboat cruise on the backwaters.
• lunch on board (vegetarian and non-vegetarian options available).
• two bottles of mineral water per person.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by SITA World Tours

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you have a free afternoon or morning in Mangalore and want to see a coastal temple, a historic fort and the backwaters without arranging your own transport: the houseboat lunch and the water-level pace through the villages make it worth the drive.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (under 3): free.

How long is the drive from Mangalore to Bekal?

The drive takes about two hours each way. The full day from hotel pickup to return runs seven hours.

What is Ananthapura Lake Temple known for?

Ananthapura Lake Temple is a 9th-century shrine to Vishnu built in the middle of a lake. It's home to a single crocodile that locals consider the temple's guardian. Unusually, the crocodile is vegetarian and eats only food offered by devotees.

What makes Bekal Fort distinctive?

Bekal Fort is a 17th-century structure shaped like a keyhole, with almost three-quarters of its walls in contact with water. From a distance it appears to emerge from the sea, and the ramparts offer views of the beach and ocean.

What kind of meal is served on the houseboat?

Lunch is a typical Kerala meal cooked and served on board the houseboat. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available. Beverages are not included, but two bottles of mineral water per person are provided.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, along with transport by private air-conditioned vehicle for the entire day.