Millennium Opportunity

Realizing the importance of tourism sector in the economic development, the Government of Kerala has declared tourism as an industry. Tourism is the fastest growing and foremost income-generating sector after Information Technology. Bekal offers vide variety of investment opportunity from large scale to small-scale investment. This opportunity can be regarded as the best investment opportunity of the millennium.  

Attractions and importance of ‘Bekal'
Bekal is a ‘Green field' destination and offers the best for the investment due to:

•  Other beach destinations are over crowded, Bekal is unhampered by mass tourism.

•  Easy Road, Rail and Air accessibility.

•  Infrastructure being developed matching international standards.

•  The first planned eco-friendly destination

•  Rich cultural heritage.

•  Beautiful beaches and backwaters

•  The land of Forts and Temples

•  Tourism attraction in the surrounding places

•  Accessibility to the important tourist and pilgrim centres in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu

•  The resort sites identified and developed are the prime sites having natural attractions and ideal for resort/hotel and other tourism based purposes.

•  Provision of all infrastructure facilities

•  Control and regulation of development activities from the beginning so as to make the destination development in a planned manner.

•  Well planned beautiful public beach at Pallikkere.

•  Investment Subsidy and other incentives are available subject to the rules in this regard.

•  Easy availability of loans for setting up the hotel project.

•  Possibility of getting concessional rate for water, electricity etc.

The above shows that Bekal is the ideal place in Kerala where a new investor in resort/hotel industry can invest.  

Investment Options  

1. Tourism related  

Various opportunities available in Bekal Project area includes:  

Resort/Hotel Industry

Bekal Resort Development Corporation has acquired land for the development of resorts and hotels of star category. Initially there will be six resorts of varying sizes extending from 25 to 45 Acres.

Attractions of the Resort Site includes:

•  Beach frontage to most of the resort sites

•  Backwater coverage to most of the resort sites

•  Historical monument “Bekal Fort” nearby

•  Preplanned sites

•  Easy accessibility by the road. Accessibility through waterways to some of the
resort sites

•  Fenced and clearly demarcated boundaries

•  High tension electrical line to al the resort sites

•  Water supply scheme to all the resort sites

•  All the sites having greenery of coconut garden

•  Street lighting in the project area

•  Friendly neighbourhood and local community

•  Access to Railway and Bus Terminus

Infrastructure of international standards is being developed by BRDC. All the resort sites are easily accessible by road. Separate road access has been provided to each resort site. Railway Station is within short distance from the resort sites.

Besides Hotels/Resorts other important investment options in and around Bekal are:

a) Ayurveda Health Holiday Centre

Ayurveda is traditional health care system of Kerala followed since ages, which has got long standing effects without any side effect. In today's hectic schedule and activities of people, ayurvedic massaging and other treatments on a periodical basis is always a welcome step to have ayurvedic rejuvenation for better health not only by curing but also by preventing diseases. Ayurveda is becoming more and more popular among the domestic and international tourists.

At present there is no major Ayurvedic Health Centres in Bekal area, which offers facilities to the tourists. It will be a golden opportunities to invest in Ayurvedic Health Holiday Centre.

•  The investor can avail Government fiscal incentives

•  No major competitions

•  Unique for this region

b) Heritage Homes

Bekal is the land of forts and rich cultural heritage. Bekal region has some old houses built in the traditional Kerala style.  These houses, which are more than 50-years-old, can be converted into excellent accommodation options maintaining their traditional architecture.  This category of accommodation has been accorded special status for the purpose of investment subsidy, classification of hotels.  This option is becoming very popular and the domestic/international tourists prefer to stay in this kind of accommodations.  This is an excellent option for investment.

c) Theme Parks

Theme Parks are the order of the day especially from the tourist point of view.  Domestic as well as international tourists prefer and enjoy this facility. In Bekal, land is available for setting up amusement/theme parks. The land along the coastal belt in Pallikkere near the public beach is ideal for the purpose. However, the development has to be made subject to the CRZ regulations in force from time to time.  The number of domestic and international tourists visiting Bekal has increased to many folds.  Considering the above points it will be an excellent option for investment.

d) Development of Garden

The land along the public beach has got another alternative use for development of a beautiful garden with facilities for children play equipments like mini train etc. The centre is run on commercial basis by charging suitable fee.  This can be run as an independent activity.

f) Tourism Allied Industries

With the development of the area, there will be new demand for various articles and items needed for the tourists. Therefore, new units of small and medium size industries may be set up for production of such articles to cater to the demand.  This is the right time for setting up of such units so that the product can be launched in the market before or simultaneously with the creation of demand.  Therefore, setting up of such units can be considered now.

Some of the allied sectors identified include:

•  Mineral water units

•  Coconut paste

•  Sweet toddy

•  Mechanized Washing System

•  Baking 

•  Fruits and preservation

•  Manufacturing of organic manure from the solid waste generated

•  Hotel accessories (tissue paper, tooth picks etc)

•  Handicrafts articles

•  Meat products

•  Landscaping

•  Nursery & Floriculture

•  Tour Travel Operators

•  Organic Vegetable Farms

•  Areca nut leaf plates/crops

•  Handicrafts/curios 

Details of Site Developed

Mode of disposal of land and development of resorts

The site will be given to the potential developer on long-term lease basis. Out of the 6 resort sites developed by the Corporation, four resort sites have already been allotted to M/s Khanna Hotels (Private) Limited, Bharath Hotels Limited and Holiday Group of Hotels. Two more sites are available on similar terms for development.  

The lease scheme will feature the following broad conditions:

•  The land will be leased for resorts and other tourism purposes for 30 years, with an option of renewal.

•  The transfer of land on lease basis will be governed by the provision of the Transfer of Property Act, 1872.

•  Price alone will not be the sole consideration, brand equity will also be given due importance.

•  The annual lease rent will be a percentage of land value fixed by the Corporation in an investor friendly manner.

•  The annual lease rent will be revised, once in 10 years.

•  The developer will also pay BRDC a fixed percentage of annual gross turnover.

Advantage of the scheme 

•  The terms of lease will be friendly and options are attractive.

•  Lease rent will be payable at the end of two years from the date of handing over possession or completion of project, which ever is earlier.

•  The initial investment will be less, as the lessee is not required to make a lumpsum payment.

•  The cost of transfer will be less as registration fee and stamp duty payable are less compared to that of a sale.

•  Land being an asset is not eligible for depreciation under the Income Tax Law, where as lease rent is eligible for deduction from taxable profit.  

(Below given is the text for the Link ‘Resort Sites' given in the Page – The Investment Opportunity in Bekal)

Resort Site 1

(This site is allotted to m/s Khanna Hotels (Private) Limited)

This rich tapestry of coconut groves and paddy fields with meandering waterways also offers a beautiful view of the sea. A short ride along the backwater takes you to the beach. A small plot with direct access to secluded beach comes as a package with this site.

Location : Coastal site adjacent to the backwaters of Chithari, with nearby beach Access : Developed road leads to NH 17, about 2 km away

Area : 12.9364 hectares

Elevation above mean sea level : Very low. From ½ ft. (0.15 m) in the marshy areas to 2 ft. (0.6 m) in the coconut grove

Geology/ Soil : Sandy soil with no visible presence of bedrock

Topography : Generally flat with one higher terrace with a coconut grove. Rest of the site consists of low terrace networked by medium sized water channels.

Hydrology : Groundwater table is very close to surface. Flowing water in open earthen channels indicates that these are hydrological part of the backwater.

Vegetation : Mostly coconut groves. Marsh grass covers the open swampy areas.

Backwater edge : Marshy in some areas. Earthen embankment in others.

Fauna : Several species of birds inhabit the marshy areas. Kites, eagles, kingfishers and storks indicate the presence of fish and other aquatic creatures - a complete eco system.

View : Good view of the backwater

Beach access : The beach nearby is accessible by boat and from the plot.

Resort Site 2

(Available for development)

Sandwiched between the backwaters and the beach, this exotic resort site is a vast expanse of paddy fields and coconut groves.

Location : Coastal site adjacent to a large backwater stretch 

Access : Well-developed road leads to NH 17, about ½ km away.

Area : 18.4884 hectares

Elevation above mean sea level : Low. From 2 ft. (0.6 m) near the backwater to 5 ft. (1.5 m) in the elevated terrace areas.

Geology/Soil : Sand, mixed soil in elevated areas

Topography : Generally flat with some elevated terrace areas

Hydrology : Groundwater table is close to the surface, probably an inclined plane sloping from inland towards the backwater.

Vegetation : Mostly open fields with coconut trees in clumps and hedge-rows and some mixed planting

Backwater edge : A continuous earthen embankment

Fauna : Presence of seasonally wet areas attracts birds

View : Good view of the backwater and beach

Beach access : Direct access from the property

Resort Site 4

(Available for development)

This unique plot takes the shape of a triangular peninsula embraced by two arms of a backwater stretch. Even though you cannot see the beach from here, you can access it by boat through the backwater. A small plot with direct access to the beach comes as a package with this resort site, from where it is accessible through the backwater from the main resort site.

Location : Coastal site. A triangular peninsula within inside two arms of a large backwater stretch.

Access : A well-developed road leads to NH 17 about 1 ½ km away.

Area : 11.9735 hectares + 1.262 hectares (small plot); Total = 12.2355 hectares.

Elevation above mean sea level : Low. From 1 ft. (0.3 m), in the marshy backwater edge to 6 ft. (1.8 m) in the inland terrace areas.

Geology/Soil : Sand mixed soil in the inland areas

Topography : Generally flat with raised inland terrace areas

Hydrology : Groundwater table close to the surface matches backwater level

Vegetation : Mostly open fields with coconut groves and mixed planting

Backwater edge : Wild marsh observed in most areas including the tip of the peninsula. Possibly an earthen embankment in other areas.

Fauna : Marsh edges harbour aquatic bio-diversity

View : Excellent backwater views from three sides

Beach access : The beach at a short distance is accessible by boat through the backwater or by road.

Resort Site 5

(This site allotted to M/s Khanna Hotels Kanna Hotels Pvt. Ltd, 197, D. N. Nagar, Andheri(West), Mumbai-400 053)

A lovely backwater stretch on one side, a vast expanse of beach on the other, a large rocky outcrop jutting out into the sea, elevated landscapes. This singular plot will offer a curious mix of diverse wonderful experiences. Covered with mangrove coves and paddy fields, the resort site with an area of 11.9735 hectares has direct access to the beach.

Location : Beachfront site with three topographic sections:

low dune areas next to the beach and backwater and higher flat, builtable areas

a rocky promontory next to the beach

a paddy field/mangrove across the backwater

Access : Good road leads to NH 17, about 1.250 km away

Area : 11.9735 hectares

Elevation above mean sea level : Varies widely from 1-3 ft. (0.3-0.9 m) in low areas behind the primary dune, and 6 ft. (1.8 m) or more in inland areas behind the backwaters. The rocky promontory is at least 40-60 ft. (15-20 m) high.

Geology/Soil : Sand, possibly mixed soil in elevated areas. The higher areas may be non-laterite rock or this may even be the tertiary dune. The promontory is solid laterite rock typical of the headland.

Topography : Flat higher areas, lower areas sloping to the backwater, undulating dune areas

Hydrology : Groundwater table close to the surface

Vegetation : Mostly coconut groves, mangroves and aquatic planting around parts of backwater, and dune vegetation on primary dune

Backwater edge : Natural slopes and earthen embankments

Fauna : Mangrove/aquatic planting harbour aquatic bio-diversity

Views : Direct view of the sea. Views from the higher terraces with coconut grove towards the backwater.

Beach access : Direct pedestrian access across dunes

Resort Site 6

(This site is allotted to m/s Bharath Hotels Limited)

Sprawled lazily on the backwaters, this stretch of coconut groves offers a breathtaking view of the bay nearby. A cruise along the estuary takes you to the beach.

Location : Beachfront site adjacent to a medium sized backwater body

Access : Well-developed road leads to NH 17, about 3 km away

Area : 10.3479 hectares

Elevation above mean sea level : Varies from 1-2 ft. (0.3-0.6 m) near backwaters to 5 ft. (1.5 m) or more in inland paddy field areas.

Geology/Soil : Sand, mixed soil in elevated areas

Topography : Lower terraces adjacent to water with flat high terraced inland.

Hydrology : Groundwater table close to the surface. Backwater almost divides low dune area from higher terrace.

Vegetation : Mostly coconut groves. Paddy field areas on the inland terrace.

Backwater edge : Earthen embankments

Fauna : Cranes and other local birds, sea gulls at the lagoon region

View : Good view of the backwater and beach

Beach access : Beach at a short distance. Access by boat through the backwaters.

Resort Site 7

(This site is allotted to M/s Holiday Group of Companies, P.O. Box.4214, Ajman, UAE, Who have already started construction work at site)

This stunning property is flanked by the backwaters and the beach, and has direct access to the bay. Though most of it is covered by coconut groves, the plot has hilly terrains rising 40-50 m above sea level. The hilltops offer a picturesque view of the bay.

Location : Coastal site with complex topography. Hilly terrain adjacent to medium sized backwater body with direct beach access.

Access : Well-developed road leads to NH 17, about 3 km away.

Area : 12.8503 hectares

Elevation above mean sea level : Varies widely from 1-23 ft. (0.3-0.6 m) near the backwater to 120-150 ft. (40-50 m) on the top of the hill.

Geology/Soil : Hill consists of solid laterite rock exposed in places, with pockets of soil in cultivated areas. Sand in lower paddy fields, possibly with mixed soil in cultivated areas.

Topography : Convex hill, gently sloping top, sides sloping down at 30 o to flat lower terraces.

Hydrology : Groundwater table close to the surface in low fields. At least 60 ft. (20 m) below surface on top of the hill.

Vegetation : Coconut groves on lower terraces. Moderate tree cover (less saline tolerant) and high grass on hill slopes, shorter grass and scrub on hilltop and sandalwood plants on the hill. Casuarina trees at the backdrop of the beach.

Backwater edge : Earthen embankment

Fauna : Mixed vegetation and high grass on hill slopes probably harbour a moderate amount of bio-diversity in niche habitat to fauna. Cranes are seen in the backwater area. Sea gulls are seen in the lagoon portion.

Views : Direct view of the sea. Views from the higher terraces with coconut groves towards the backwater.

Beach access : Direct pedestrian access across dunes.

(Below given is the text for the Link ‘Foreign Investment in India' given in the Page – The Investment Opportunity in Bekal)

Hotel & Tourism related industries are declared as priority sector industries.  Foreign Investors/Overseas Corporate Bodies are allowed to invest upto 100% equity on repatriation basis.  Foreign investors can form an Indian Company with minority shareholding with locals and can buy the required real estates for running the Hotel business.  Subsequently, this new Company can acquire shares held by the local investor, thereby holding 100% equity by the Foreign Investor.

Foreign direct investment by Overseas Bodies/Companies can also be approved, in Tourism Sector, under the automatic route (i.e. they do not require any Govt. approval).

The Foreign investment in tourism sector in India is subject to the conditions imposed from time
to time by Government of India.

The FDI Policy and its analysis along with details are also available in the following Internet Sites – http://www.myiris.com/ and http://www.indiainfoline.com/0R at Indian Investment Centre.

The details of investment policies and procedures of Government of India are now available in the site http://www.iic.nic.in/

Indian Investment Centre
(A Government of India Organisation)
Jeevan Vihar Building, Sansad Marg
New Delhi - 110 001
Tel: 3733679, 3733679 Fax: 3732245, 3733712

Email: iic@giasdl01.vsnl.net .in
http://www.nic.in/iic

Invest in Asia 's finest beach destination

It's a one-of-its-kind tourism promotion venture in India , and perhaps the whole of Asia .

The Bekal Project . A project that envisages the creation of a new, integrated tourist destination with comprehensive infrastructure, holiday resorts and every possible service support. A model destination where eco-tourism is the abiding principle. A project, which, on completion, will be India 's first well planned tourist destination.

To the discerning investor, the Bekal Project opens up a variety of sound investment opportunities. With the sole right of operation in the resort complex, you will be creating an exclusive and perfect destination of premium properties that offer world-class holiday facilities. And participating in a destination development model that will set standards for the future.

If you are in the infrastructure, leisure, hospitality or destination management business, Bekal Resorts Development Corporation invites you to invest in the destination of the future, the mega tourism project at Bekal.

Bekal is in Kerala, God's Own Country

Kerala, the breathtakingly beautiful land, home to Bekal, lies at the southwestern tip of India . This is a land where people the world over want to holiday. Because Kerala enjoys international acclaim as a destination of the millennium. With very high global attention and an increasing number of tourist arrivals, Kerala is adding on more facilities that will help the visitor experience the land in its entirety. Hence the Bekal Project.

Bekal Resorts Development Corporation Ltd
Corporate Office

'Jesovil'
T.C. 3/2408
Marappalam
Pattom P.O
Trivandrum - 695 004
Telefax - + 91 471 - 2531567, 2531678

Email: bekal@vsnl.com

Bekal Resorts Development Corporation Ltd
Project Office
‘Thanal'    
Near Bekal Fort
Pallikere P.O.
Kasaragod- 671316
Phone: +91-467-2272900, 2272007
Email:mailto:brdc@sancharnet.in