Kasargod

Lying at the northern tip of Kerala bounded by the Western ghats in the east and Arabian sea in the west; twelve rivers flowing across its terrain, Kasargod is an enchanting beauty of Nature’s creations. The district has famous tourist centres, including the international fame BEKAL FORT & BEACH. There are 12 rivers in this district.The longest is Chandragiri (105 kms) originating from Pattimala in Coorg and embraces the sea at Thalangara, near Kasargod.

Kasargod is a land of different languages. The languages without script are also used here. Tulu, Kannada, Malayalam, Konkani, Tamil and other local languages are the popular. Though the people speak different languages there is no barrier on the cultural unity. Mosques, Temples and Churches stand side by side as symbols of communal cohesion.

Must see places in Kasargod

• Bekal Fort 

The Bekal Fort is situated about 16 km south of Kasaragod on the national highway. The Bekal Fort is about 300 year old and one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala. This imposing circular structure of laterite rises about 130 feet above sea level and stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabian Sea. The Bekal Hole Aqua Park is situated near the Bekal fort. This park is the one of the unique Aqua park in northern Kerala and provides water sports facilities like paddle boats and water cycles.

• Bekal Fort Beach

The Bekal fort Beach is situated about 1 km from Bekal Fort. This shallow beach offers a spectacular view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation.

• Kappil Beach

The Kappil Beach is situated about 6 ks. from Bekal fort. The Kappil beach is the remote and secluded beach. Now, this beach is fast becoming a major tourist destination. The Kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

• Ananthapuram Lake Temple

Ananthapuram Lake Temple is situated about 30 km from Bekal. This 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala and is the moolasthanam (original abode) of Ananthapadmanabha, the deity of Sri Padmanabha Swami Temple, Trivandrum.

• Madhur Temple

Madhur Temple is situated about 8 km north of the town of Kasaragod. The Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka Temple, with its rich architecture and copper plate roofing, rises majestically against the beautiful landscape of the Madhuvahini River.

• Ranipuram

Ranipuram is located about 85 km from the town of Kasaragod at 750 m above sea level. Ranipuram is famous for its trekking trails, evergreen shoal woods, monsoon forests and grasslands. This area was formerly known as Madathumala. The extensive forests of Madathumala merge with the forests of Karnataka. The natural beauty of Ranipuram can be compared to Ooty. Wild elephants can be seen wandering on the top of the mountains.

• Kanhangad or Hosdurg Fort

Kanhangad or Hosdurg Fort is mainly known for its chain of forts built by Somashekara nayak of Ikkeri dynasty and also for the Nithyanandashram, an internationally recognized spiritual centre. The Bhadrakali temple at Kanhangad in Hosdurg is famous for its Bhutha dance (pootham) performed in connection with the annual festivals in May – June and December – January.

• Malik Deenar Mosque

The historic Malik Deenar Juma Masjid is one of the best kept and attractive mosque of Thalankara at Kasaragod. The Malik Deenar mosque is built in the typical Kerala style of architecture and believed to have been founded by Malik Ibin Dinar.

• Sree Mahalingeswara Temple

Sree Mahalingeswara Temple is located in Adoor, about 45 kms. from Kasaragod. This temple is located in the wooded surroundings on the southern banks of the Payaswini river.

• Bela Church

Our Lady of Sorrows Church – oldest in the district constructed in 1890 AD. 15 KM north of Kasargod. This Gothic style Roman Catholic church which is under the Manglore Diocese, has celebrated its centenary recently and also renovated.

• Chandragiri Fort

Chandragiri lies three kms. south of Kasargod town. It has a large square situated high above the Chandragiri river on its southern bank. The fort it said to have been built in the 17th century by Sivappa Nayak of Bednore, who established his authority over the area and built a chain of forts. The Chandragiri river, on the bank of which it rises, marked the traditional boundary between Kerala and the Tuluva Kingdom. There is a beautiful bridge over the Chandragiri river at Thekkil, five miles from Chandragiri.

• Kottancheri Hills

The rain forest near Konnakkad 30 KM north- east of Kanhangad. Beautiful picnic centre and ideal for trekking. Thalakkaveri in the Brahmagiri mountain of Coorg is near this hills. Reflection of genetic beauty of Kodaikkanal.

• Posadigumpe 

An ideal picnic centre and tourist resort located on a hillock 487.68 metres above sea level in Dharmathadka 30 KM north-east of Kasargod. From the hill top one can see the Arabian Sea, Manglore, Kudremukh, etc.

• Povval Fort

An old fashioned fort on the Kasargod-Mulleria route about 10 KMs from Kasargod.