- ODO: 7565 – 7682km
- Location: A Highway in India
- Weather: 18-34 Clear and Hot
As the sun began to set last night, my route began to merge with the coastline. During the day I’d caught the glimmer of rivers, pools and beaches from many bridges that connect the lowlands here in Kerala. My mind drifted gently over to thoughts of sleeping on the beach. The waves lapping in the sand below. The more I stopped at beaches to look for somewhere to camp, the more despondent I became. Each beach had hundreds of children playing volleyball. Or fisherman cocking their heads at my bike. I was resigned to sleep in the bushes.
Then a tourist sign signalled Bekal Fort. I rarely heed these signs when I’m on the bike, preferring to travel far and fast(-ish) on two wheels and truly exploring when I’m stopped, showered and with friends. But as the sun closed in on the haze that always lingers out to sea, I turned in to check it out. The deep dark stone walls stood across a shallow dry moat. I peeked inside to see a temple (the price 5 rupees for Indians, 300 for foreigners). Then ducked down a side path not much wider than my bike. Why not?
I followed the track down the walls past a deep and dry well to a wide and steep beach of golden sand. Hiding my bike I sat and watched the sunset. A group of vailed young women sat on the rocks watching the sunset with their phones to their ear. To my right, a group of guys did the same – sans vail. An old man appeared to be fishing. An old woman sifted shells. The waves, which has travelled from the coast of Yemen crashed violently into rock and sand alike.
Returning to the bike I setup camp a the base of the wall under the palm trees.