Kasargod

Kasaragod, the northern-most district of Kerala, is known for its Coir and Handloom Industries. Fishing is a prime source of livelihood. A district with a rare and different beauty. Kasaragod is poised for growth in the area of tourism. Kasaragod is known as the land of Gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful sea shores.

The Fort at Bekal is the largest and the best preserved.

Kasaragod offers a variety of patterns in the temple architecture, the unique style of Madhur Mahaganapathy temple, the typical Kerala style of the historic Malik Deenar Great Juma Masjid and many other structures speak in silence of the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The district has water, forest and mineral resources. It is flanked by the forest-covered, Western Ghats in the East and the Arabian Sea in the West, demarcating the North and South are two rivers - the Talapadi and the Trikaripur. Grey rocks, and barren land amidst dense vegetation as well as calm lagoons are visible through the coconut palms along the coast belt.

Access
Air : The nearest airport Mangalore (50 km)
Rail : On the Kozhikode (Calicut)- Mangalore- Mumbai route.
Road : An excellent network of roads connects Kasaragod to major towns in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Places of interest - Kasaragod
Ananthapura Lake Temple : This 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala and is the Moolasthanam (original abode) of Anandapadmanabba. The diety of Sree Padmanabha Swami temple.

Bekal Beach : The Bekal beach is a shallow beach flanked on two sides by long, ravishingly beautiful palm fringed beaches. The Bekal Fort stands proud on a promontory. The fort’s commanding position, with views across the bays to the north and the south are truly breath-taking.

Bekal Fort : The largest and the best preserved Fort in Kerala, Bekal Fort, is 16 km south on the National Highway. The beautiful Bekal beach with the historic and archaeologically significant Bakel fort in the background is now being developed, into an international tourist destination.

The imposing circular structure of laterite rises 130 ft above sea level and stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabian sea.

Still later it became part of the Vijayanagar empire. In the late 18th century Tipu Sultan captured it. An old mosque near the fort is believed to have been built by him . After he was overthrown by the British, the fort came under the East India Company.

Read more on Bekal Fort

Chandragiri : The Chandragiri fort are a chain of forts built by Sivappa Nailk of Bedanom, offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian sea. It is a vantage point to watch the sunset. Situated on the Chandragiri river, south east of Kasaragod town, this town is known for its large 17th century fort built by Sivappa Nailk of Bedanom.

Madiyankulam temple : This Shadralkali temple at Kanhangad in Hosdurg is famed for its Bhutha Dance (pootham) performed in connection with the annual festivals in May/June and December/January.

Manjeshwaraam : A number of temples and fifteen mosques make this cashew growing town a prominent pilgrim centre. The Memorial of the late Sri Govinda Pai the great patriarch of Kannada literature is situated at Manjeswaram. Kansvatheertha beach 13 km from Manjeswaram is a large swimming pool like formation of the sea, the vast beach is the main attraction here.

Sree Mahalingeswara Temple : Adoor, 45 km from Kasaragod, located in wooded surroundings on the southern banks of the River Payaswini. This ardent Siva temple contains a Sanskrit inscription in Kannada script which has been ascribed to the Western Chalukya King Kirthivarman.

Kappil Beach : Remote and secluded, this beach is fast becoming a major tourist attraction. The Kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea, situated 6 km from Bekal Fort.

Valiyaparamba : This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and solid with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises. Valiyaparamba is 30 km from Bekal.

Malik Deenar Mosque : Kasaragod acquired over the years considerable importance as a centre of Islam on the west coast. The historic Malik Deener Juma Masjid built in the typical Kerala style is believed to have been founded by Malik Ibin Dinar. The Juma Masjid, which is one of the best kept and most attractive in the district is located at Thalankara.