Ever Green Nature

Kasargod DistrictKasaragod the northern most district of Kerala, is known for its coir and handloom industries, Fishing is a source of employment. A district with an unusual and different beauty, Kasargod is known as the land of Gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful seashores. The fort at Bekal is the major and the best preserved. Kasargod offers a mixture of patterns in temple architecture.Lying in the northern tip of Kerala, surrounded by the Western Ghats in the east, Arabian Sea in the west,Karnataka State in the north and Kannur District in the south, the district is blessed with water, forest and mineral resources.
Altitude : 935 to 2817 m above Sea Level
Best Season : September to March
How to reach Kasargod
Air : Nearest Airport : Mangalore (50 km); Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode (200 km).
Rail : On the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai route.
Road : An excellent networks of roads connect Kasarkod to major towns in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
Nileshwaram (cultural Centre)
The cultural centre of this district was once, the seat of Nileshwar Rajas, who are the patrons of art and culture for centuries. Nileshwaram Palace today functions as the legends centre of the Archeological Department of the state. In and around, this cultural centre are several ' Kavus ' (shrines) where nature, god and man commence in serene silence. Major among them is the Mannampurathu Kavu where the grand annual festival of the region takes place. There is also a famous yoga centre in this place which offers rejuvenation therapy and naturopathy treatments like herbal baths, mud baths etc. for which this centre has been flourishing for decades.
Valiyaparamba (Backwaters)

30 kms from Bekal, this is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with a cute little island, four rivers and dotted with a cute little island, Valiyaparamba is fest turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.


Pallikere Beach

Situated 1 km from Bekal Fort, this enchanting beach offers a spectacular view of the fort.The Kappil Beach
This beach is remote and secluded. The Kodi Cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea. Situated 6 kms from Bekal fort.


Kanwatheertha Beach
The swimming pool like formation of the sea water is the main attraction of this beach. It is situated 3 kms from Manjeswaram.
Pandiyam Kalluat Trikkanda

Pandiyam Kallu - where a rock is protruding in the sea, about 2kms. Trikkanda Temple is an ideal spot for adventurous swimmers. The legend has it that a ship of one of the Pandiya king, which attacked the Trikkannadu Temple, was converted into a rock.
Kottancherry (Trekking Spot)30 kms north of Konnakkad and 30 kms north east of Kanhangad, is Kottancherry, which is a forest area and is ideal for trekking.
Ranipuram

Situated 780m above sea level, Ranipuram, which is also, known as Madathumala, is famous for its trekking trails and varied vegetarian, which includes evergreen Shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands. Its beauty and bounty of nature is comparable to Ootty.

Bakel Fort

The 300 years old Bakel Fort is the largest and best-conserved fort in Kerala, which is 16kms south of Kasargod on the national highway. This imposing circular structure of laterite, rising 130 feet above sea level, stands on a 35-acre headland that runs into the Arabian Sea. The beautiful Bakel beach with the traditionally and archeologically significant Bakel fort in the background is now being developed into an International.. The alluring scene of the sea shore and its exhilarating natural scenery and beauty attracts the visitors. Fast emerging as an International tourist centre.
Chandragiri Fort

Built in the 17th century by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore, the Chandragiri Fort is situated on the River Chandragiri, south east of Kasargod. This fort is one among the chain of forts built by the same ruler, which offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea. It is a lovely point to watch the sunset. 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. A mosque is situated nearby and the view of the bridge with the mosque in the background is one of the most attractive sights on a drive along the NH 17 from Kannur to Kasargod. A longest railway tunnel in Kerala passes through Chandragiri Hills. A boat club has been recently started here.
Verramala
Verramala hills have the ruin of a Dutch fort, built in the 18th century, which has beautiful scenery around it. This makes the place into a lovely picnic spot.
Adoor
45 KMs eat of Kasargod town. Famous for its ancient Siva Temple belonged to have been founded by Arjuna. The place where the Kiratha Yuddham battle between Arjuna and Lord Siva took place according to legend. The adjacent forest not frequented by men is considered the abode of Lord Siva and his divine consort. The stream below the valley is nature bounty.
Ajanoor
The famous Madiyan Kulom temple is located in Ajanur village. It is about five kms. from Kanhangad, the headquarters of Hosdurg taluk. The main divinity of the temple is Lord Bhadrakali; but there are also other deities like Kshetrapalan, Bhagavathi and Bhairavan. A idiosyncrasy of this temple is that a Brahmin priest performs pooja only in the noon, while the morning and evening poojas are performed by a sect called Maniyanis. The festivals in the temple fall during the months of Edavam (May, June) and Dhanu (December, January) and on these days all the poojas are performed in connection with this festival.
Anandashram & Nityanandasramam

These are the two notable asramams in Kanhangad.Anandashramam, located about five kms. east of the Kanhangad Railway Station, was founded in 1939 by Swami Ramadas, a great Vaishnava saint of modern times. The main asramam and other buildings have a beautiful setting in the midst of shady mango, coconut and other groves. There is a hill to the east of the asramam, to which the devotees retire for quiet meditation and from its west; the surrounding wide landscape can be seen in its natural grandeur. The spot at the highest point of the hill is so fascinating that the devotees, who go up the hill and sit silently, are blessed with deep peace and tranquility.

The Nityanandasramam, which is situated on the hillock about half a km. south of the Hosdurg taluk office, was founded by Swami Nityananda. The spot was at first part of a forest area. Here Swami Nityananda constructed 45 guhas (caves) in a mountain slope. There is a temple built in 1963, after the style and design of the famous Somanatha Temple in Gujarat. A full size statue of Swami Nityananda in sitting posture made of panchaloha is one of the attractions of the asramam.
Anathapura Lake Temple
The only lake temple in Kerala and the Moolasthanam (original seat) of Ananthapadmanabha Swami (Sri Padmanbha Swami Temple) Thiruvananthapuram. is 5 km. from Kumbla. Local belief is that Ananthapadmanabha had settled down here originally. The industrial park of KINFRA is situated here.
Bela Church
It is the oldest in the district constructed in 1890 AD. 15 KM north of Kasargod. This Gothic style Roman Catholic church which is under the Manglore bishopric has celebrated its centenary recently and also renovated.
Belikoth
Another centre in Ajanoor village renowned as the birth place Of Poet P.Kunhiraman Nair, veteran freedom fighter and playright Vidwan P.Kelu Nair and Rasika siromani Kanan Nair. A cultural centre of the district.
Cheruvathur
The place of illustrious poets and scholars of Kuttamath Kunniyur family. The Veeramala hills at this place has the ruins of a Dutch fort built in the 18th century, is a picnic spot.
Hosdurg Fort
The fort with its round bastion looks imposing from a distance. Somashekara Nayak of Ikkeri dynasty built the fort. The place made well known by the Nithyanandasram with 45 caves.
Kammatam Kavu
An evergreen forest of about 50-60 acres with a perpetual stream is a centre of respect connected with Kammadam Bhagavathi Temple.
Kottancheri Hills
The rain forest near Konnakkad 30 KM north- east of Kanhangad. Attractive picnic centre and best for trekking. Thalakkaveri in the Brahmagiri mountain of Coorg is near this hills. Reflection of genetic beauty of Kodaikkanal.
Kudlu
Kasargod suburb - 4Km. towards north, where famous eight day discourse between Madhavacharya, the great Dwaita Philosopher and Trivikrama Pandit, the famous Adwaita Scholar took place, in the presence of King Jayasimha of Kumbla ended in the victory of Madhavacharya and the acceptance of Dwaita philosophy by Trivikrama Pandit. The 75 year old CPCRI - the premier plantation crop research institute is located here.
Kumbala

13 Km. north of Kasargod. The olden seat of Rajas of Kumbala. The town stands on a bold cape in a lagoon divided from the sea by a sand spit and connected to it by a narrow channel. Parthi Subbha, father of Yakshagana was born here in the 18th century. Famous Lord Gopalakrishna temple situated here.
Madhur temple

The rich architecture, impressive structure of the temple, with its turrets and gables and the copper plate roofing rises royally against the beautiful scenery of hills paddy fields and gardens with the river Madhuvahini flowing leisurely in front of it.
The Madhur Temple is a Siva temple with Srimad Antheswara as its presiding deity. But importance is given to the deity Maha Ganapathi. The Sivalingam of the temple is said to have been found by a harijan woman, Madharu.
The special festival of the temple is Moodappa Seva, which is covering the large figure of Maha Ganapathi with appam made of ghee and rice. The festival is conducted only periodically in view of the huge expenditure involved. It was celebrated in April 1962, after a lapse of about 160 years, and recently in April 1992.
Namaskara Mandapam of the temple has been decorated with beautiful figures of puranic heroes in wood. A closer examination of the wood carvings would disclose the various episodes of the Ramayana, beginning with the Seethga Swayamvaram. The Mantapam in the interior of the temple building as well as the outside facade of the second and third storey of the main building are also profuse with attractive and exquisite wood carvings.
It is said that the temple was attacked by Tippu Sultan of Mysore during his invasion and he felt thirsty and drunk the water from the temple well, which changed his mind and left the temple without damaging it. There is a mask on the temple which is said to be made by Tippu with his sword.

Malik Dinar Mosque
Over the years, Kasargod obtained the substantial importance as a centre of Islam on the west coast. It is the site of one of the mosques believed to have been founded by Malik Ibn Dinar. The mosque, Juma Masjid, which is one of the best kept and most attractive in the district, is located at Thalangara. It contains the grave of Malik Ibn Mohammed, one of the descendants of Malik Ibn Dinar and the place is sacred to Muslims. Another notable mosque, in Kasaragod is the Theruvath Mosque which is in the centre of the town. An important local celebration takes place every year in commemoration of the arrival of Malik Ibn Dinar. The Uroos attract pilgrims from all over India.
Mallikarjuna Temple
Situated in the heart of the Kasargod town is one of the famous temple in Kasargod district. The temple festival and yakshagana are most attractive.
Manjeswar
Lies in the northern most boundary of Kerala and a place of past and spiritual importance. For a long time it was the seat of a successful community Gowda Saraswatha or Konkini Brahmins. Famous for the two old Jaina Bastis at Bangra Manjeswar. Manjula Kshethra Mahathmya a legend which deals with the history of this place. The birth place of Rashtra Kavi Govinda Pai.
Nileshwar
Abbreviated form of Nilakanta Iswar. Formerly seat of Nileshwar Rajas who belonged to the Kolathiri family. The place witnessed the battle between Bednore Nayaks and Nileshwar Rajas. The cultural centre of the District. In and around there are several Kavus where nature, God and man commune serene silence. Major among them is Mannan purathu Kavu, where the grand finale of the annual temple festival of the region takes place. Porattu of Anjoottambalam Veerarkavu draws large crowds. Porattu is the satrical representation of everyday life presented in pageantry during the Poram.
Psadigumpe
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.
Trikkanad & Pandyankallu
A famous temple on the sea shore near the Bekal fort, dedicated to Lord Siva. Also known as Dhakshina Kashi. Pandyan Kallu, a rock rising in the sea about 2 KM from Trikkannad is an ideal place for adventurous swimmers. It has the legend that ship of one of the Pandya King who attacked the Trikkannad temple was converted into a rock by Lord Siva. Palakkunnu Bhagavathi Kshethram, one KM north of Trikkannad is famous for annual Bharani festival, which attracts thousands.
To know more about kasagode
http://kasargod.nic.in/
www.kasargod.com/
www.kerala.com/villages/kasargod.php