Kasargod

The northern most district of Kerala, Kasaragod is situated on the sea coast bordered by hilly Kodagu and Mangalore districts of Karnataka in the east and north. Fishing is a prime source of livelihood along with the coir and handloom industries. With its unique natural and cultural attractions Kasaragod is known as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. The Bekal Fort, which stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabiansea, is the largest and best preserved fort in the State.

Bekal The Bekal Fort (16 km south of Kasragod): The 500 year old Bekal Fort is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala. This imposing circular structure of laterite rises 150 ft. above sea level and stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabian Sea. Buses are available every 10 minutes from Kanhangad and Kasaragod.

Bekal Fort Beach (1 km from Bekal Fort):This shallow beach offers facilities for recreation and a spectacular view of the fort.

Bekal Hole’ Aqua Park (1 km from Bekal Fort): The only one of its kind in northern Kerala, the Park provides watersport facilities.

The Bekal Tourism Project: 130 acres of pristine land with all the attractions including backwaters, beaches, hill stations etc. is being developed Into what will be Asia’s Finest beach destination.

 

 

 

Ananthapuram Lake Temple (30km from Rekal): This 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala and is the moolasthanam (original abode)of Ananthapadmanabha, the deity of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Thiruvananthapuram.
Tejaswinl-Valiyaparamba Backwaters (50 km from Bekal) : This is one of the most scenic backwater stretches in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, this much favoured destination offers enchanting boat cruises.
Trikkaripur : The old seat of the Thazhekattu Mana, Trikkaripur is the hometown of T S Thirumumb, poet and freedom fighter, and Guru Chandu Panikkar, the famous Karthakali artist.Madhur Temple (8 km north of Kasaragod Town): The Srimad Anantheswara V”inayaka Temple, with its rich architecture and copper plate roofing, rises majestically against the beautiful landscape of the Madhuvahini River.

Chandragiri (12 km from Rekal): Situated on the Chandragiri River, southeast of Kasaragod town, this town is known for its large 17th century fort. The fort offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea. It is a vantage point to watch the sunset. The ancient Kizhur Sastha Temple at Chandragiri celebrates the annual Pattutsavan.

Chandragiri Cruises: Boat trips to nearby islands and palm groves.Boarding point : Chandragiri bridge.

Manjeswaram: A number of temples and hkeen mosques make this cashew growing town a prominent pilgrim centre.

Jain temples : There are two old Jain Bastis at Bengara Manjeswar on the southern banks of the Manjeswar River.

Churches : About 11 km from Kumbia on the Badiadka road is the Mother Dolorus Church of Bela. The hundred year old Roman Catholic church is built In the Gothic style. The Our Lady of Sorrows Church constructed in 1890 is the oldest in the district.
The memorial of the late Govinda Pal, the grand patriarch of Kannada literature, is also located at Manjeswaram.

Kanwatheertha Beach (3km from Manjeswaram) : There is a large swimming pool-like formation of the sea on the vast beach here.

Kanhangad/Hosdurg Fort: Renowned for the chain of forts built by Somashekara Nayak of the lkkeri dynasty and for the Nithyanandashram, an internationally renowned spiritual centre.

Edneer Mutt (10km north east of Kasaragod) : Renowned as a seat of art and learning, the Mutt belongs to the Sankaracharya tradition.
Possadigurnpe (18 km east of Mangalpady in Dharmathadka): This ideal picnic spot is located on a hillock 1060 ft. above sea level.

Tulur Vanam (4 km east of Panathur): The temple here is consecrated to Kshetrapalan and Bhagavathi. The eight day annual festival commencing from Sivarathri, attracts large crowds from all over the district as well as from Coorg.

Pandiyan Kallu: A rock rising In the sea about 2 km from theTrikkannad Temple, Pandlyan Kallu Is an ideal spot for adventurous swimmers. Legend has It that the ship of one of the Pandlya Kings who attacked the Trikkannad Temple was converted into a rock.

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

Nileswaram: The cultural centre of the district, this was the seat of the Nileswar Rajas. The Nileswaram Palace today functions as the folklore centre of the Dept. of Archaeology. The town is also famous for its numerous kavus (shrines), festivals and the Kavil Bhavan Yoga and Cultural Centre which offers rejuvenation and naturopathy treatments like mud and herbal baths.

Central Plantation Crops & Research Institute (CPCRI): The Institute was established In 1970 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and has its headquarters in Kudlu, 5 km north of Kasaragod. The CPCRI serves as a national forum for improving the genetic potential of plantation crops, to conduct basic and applied research and to produce genetically superior planting materials for coconut, arecanut, spices and cashewnut.

Ranipuram (56 km from Rekal): Situated 750 m above sea level, Ranipuram is famous for its trekking trails and varied vegetation – evergreen shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands. Formerly known as Madathumala, the forests of this region merge with those of Karnataka. Wild elephants can be seen on the top of themountains. Jeep services are available from Panathady, which is linked to Kanhangad by frequent buses.
Kottancherry (70 km east of Bekal) :Shola forests, grasslands, spice plantations and monsoon forests have given this land great scenic beauty. The rain forests near Konnakkad is ideal for trekking. Regular buses are available from Konnakad and Kanhangad.