WELCOME TO KASARGOD

The name, Kasaragod, is said to be derived from the word Kusirakood meaning Nuxvomica forests (Kanjirakuttom). Kasaragod is situated at the extreme northern tip of Kerala over looking Arabian Sea.It is with the intention of bestowing maximum attention on the development backward areas that Kasaragod district was formed on May 24, 1984. With the formation of the new district, comprising the erstwhile Kasaragod and Hosdurg taluks, it has become possible to develop this coastal area fruitfully.Kasaragod is known as the land of Gods, beaches, rivers, hills and forts. It is also a land of temples, mosques and churches. Kasaragod is bordered by west Arabian sea, north east Karnataka and south kannur.

Having three main religions of Hindu, Muslims and Christians, the Kasargod district is rich in folk-culture, visual arts and festivals. Some of its contributions are the Theyyam, the Kolkali, the Daff mutt, the Mappila patt, the Poorakkali, the Yakshaganam, the Kallampattu, the Porattu, the Oppana, and the Mappillapattu art forms.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.

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. The river assumes its name Chandragiri from the name of the place of its source Chandragupta Vasti; where the great Maurya emperor Chandragupta is believed to have spent his last days as a sage.

                      PILGRIM CENTRES IN KASARGOD                   

ANANTHAPURA LAKE TEMPLE

This 9th century temple,30 km from Bekal is the only lake temple in Kerala and is the moolasthanam (original abode) of Anandapadmanabha, the deity of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. The temple is open to all visitors irrespective of caste, creed, and colour. It is situated in Kumbala, Kasargod. The temple stands at the centre of Ananthapura Lake, which is on a remote rocky hill in a calm isolated region. From the temple a visitor gets a bird's eye view of the green landscape around. According to the folk lore there is a lone crocodile living in the lake. The shrine is encircled by a 'Chuttambalam' (an enclosed verandah running around the building), its walls are adorned by murals and there is a cave within that opens out to a small pond where the water level remains steady regardless of climatic changes. Thapotsavam is the annual one-day festival celebrated on the fifth day after 'Vishu' in the Malayalam month of Medam (April) here. The idol of the main deity is carried in a ceremonial procession along the lake surrounding the shrine on two canoes tied together. Popular performing art form, 'Yakshaganam' of the neighbouring state of Karnataka is performed here on the night of the festival.

MADIYANKULAM TEMPLE

It is situated near Kanjangad in Hosdurg. The main diety of the temple is Bhadrakali. The festivals in this temple falls during the month of May/June and December/January. The most ceremoniously performed Bhutha dance is held here in connection with the festival. There is another temple at Adoor known as Sree Mahalingeswara temple which is situated in picturesque surroundings on the southern banks of the river Payaswini. It contains a sanskrit inscription in Kannada script which has been ascribed to the Western Chalukya King Kirthivarma II by scholars.

MALIK DINAR MOSQUE

  

Thalankara Malik Dinar Mosque is located in The Kasargod city itself. Thalankara Malik Dinar Mosque is one of the ten mosques built in Kerala and Karnataka by the team lead by Malik Ibnu Dinar who came to Kerala. It is assumed that he used this Mosque as his head quarters to spread Islam in the Malabar area. This Mosque made in Kerala sculpture style, makes it different from the others. Carrying the message of religious harmony, thousands of people participate in the Uroos conducted here. Irrespective of the religion anybody can visit this Mosque. During the vacation the courtyard of this Mosque will be crowded with tourists from Karnataka and North India. Malik Dinar Mosque is located on the road starting from the bus stand towards the railway station. The distance is only one kilometer.

ANANDASHRAM AND NITYANANDASRAMAM

Anandashram and Nityanandasramam are the two well known asramams in the district. The Anandashram was established by Swami Ramadas in 1939, near the Kanhangad Railway Station. The highlights of the ashram are the beautiful surroundings of the asramam and other structures that lie amidst the groves. For meditation in peace, one can visit the hill located on the east of the asramam.Swami Nityananda was the founder of the Nityanandasramam and built 45 caves on the mountain slope. A temple is located near the asramam, which has architecture similar to that of the Somanatha temple in Gujarat. The main attraction of the asramam is the beautiful idol of the Swami Nityananda, built of Panchaloha.

MADHUR TEMPLE, KASARAGOD

The Madhur Temple is a Siva temple with Srimad Anantheswara 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. This temple is located 8 kms north east of Kasargod.

BELA CHURCH

Bela church is the first church in Kasargod District. It was built in 1880. In 1784, Tippu Sultan brought the Christians of Tulunadu to Sreerangapattanam, accusing them as traitors. Some of theem escaped and came to Kumbala. These Christians, belonging to Kongani community were staying in various places. The church in Bela was built to bring them together. The construction of this church is in Gothic style.Bela church is situated on the road side, 2 kilometers ahead of Seethamgoli in Kumbala-Badiyadukka road. The distance from Kasargod to Kumbala is 10 kilometers, and from there 7 kilometers to Bela.The main tourist attraction of Bela church is the tunnel under the courtyard of the church inside the church; you can see Jesus Christ in laying position wearing the crown of thorns, in a square pit, in front of the Altar. After coming out of the church you can enter this pit through the left side.Reaching there you can see a square tunnel through which only on man can enter. You can go through this. There are electric bulbs inside. After walking for three or four minutes the tunnel will open to the meditation center. A small pond-Betseda healing pond. There is chilled water in it. From there the tunnel will open to the right side of the church.

MALLIKARJUNA TEMPLE

One of the oldest and important temples in Kasaragod, the Mallikarjuna temple is devoted to lord Shiva known here by the name Mallikarjuna. The temple is situated in the heart of the Kasaragod city near the taluk office. The Kumbala River flows close by to the south of the temple.  Legend has it that the idol of Lord Shiva in the temple is adorned by Arjuna (Arjuna in classical Sanskrit is one of the Pandavas, the heroes of the Hindu epic Mahabharata.)

                      PLACES TO VISIT IN KASORGOD                     

BEKKAL FORT

This magnificent fort with its circular laterite structure about 130 ft. is situated 16 km south of Kasargod on the National Highway. The Bekkal fort is of great historical and archaeological interest. This is the largest and best preserved fort of Kerala. This fort overlooking the Arabian Sea was built 300 years ago. It was in ancient days under the Kadampa dynasty and later under the Kolathiri Rajas. Subsequently it became a part of the Vijayanagar Empire. Tippu Sultan captured this fort in the late 18th century. After the overthrow of Tippu Sultan Bekkal was incorporated into the domain of the English East India Company. The fort is now managed by the archeological department of the Government of India. Bekkal is also a health resort. An old mosque is also situated very near to the fort and it is believed to have been founded by Tippu Sultan.

CHANDRAGIRI FORT

Chandragiri Fort is in proximity to the town of Kasargod. It has a square that lies on the southern bank of the Chandragiri River.The ancient and stunning Kizhur State Temple lies here, from where the idol is carried to Thrikkanaya Temple at Bekal during the yearly festival. In the vicinity of Chandragiri Fort, there also lies a mosque. Visitors are sure to get fascinated on sighting the alluring architecture of the bygone era. Chandragiri fort is 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. You can have boat trips to the nearby Malik Dinar Mosque that had been founded by Malik Ibn Dinar, a disciple of Prophet Mohammad, who introduced Islam in Kerala. Chandragiri lies three kms south of Kasargod town.

HOSDURG FORT

Hosdurg Fort was constructed by Somashekara Nayak, who belonged to the Ikkeri dynasty. It can be recognised from a distance due to its round bastion. The Nithyanandasram is situated nearby which consists of around 45 caves. The Hosdurg Fort comprises a few government offices and a school. The Poonkavanam Karpooreshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is in proximity to the Hosdurg Fort.

CHERUVATHUR

Cheruvathur, a fascinating picnic located 10kms south of Nileshwaram, is the home of the illustrious poets and scholars of Kuttamath Kunniyur family. The tourist attractions of this place are the Veeramala hills and the Cheruvathur Kota Palli.

MANJESWARAM

Manjeswaram is the most famous cashew growing town and a famous pilgrimage centre. A large number of temples and fifteen mosques are located in this town. There are two old Jain Bastis at Bengara Manjeswar on the southern banks of the Manjeswar River. The Memorial of the late Sri Govind Pai, the great patriarch of Kannada literature is situated at Manjeswaram. A large swimming pool like formation of the sea on the Kanwatheertha beach is the main attraction of this place.These natural formations have become the major attraction of the beach. One can relax whilst sitting on the sands and gazing the mesmerizing charm of the sea against the colorful sky and lush greens.

KOTTANCHERI HILLS

A beautiful rain forest near Konnakad, the Kottancheri Hills is a part of the Western Ghats in Kasaragod district and an extension of Ranipuram wildlife sanctuary. The place is 30kms north-east of Kanhangad. The picnic centre at Kottancheri Hills makes it a favorite among the travellers. The hills are also ideal for trekking and are credited as trekker’s paradise. The nearness of the Talakaveri in the Brahmagiri mountain range of Kodaku adds to the charm of this place. The Forests of Kottancherry is packed with wildlife and merges with reserved forests of Kasaragod. Wild elephants, wild dogs, deer, wild pigs, rare birds, butterflies are all abundant here. The spot resembles much of the scenic beauty of Kodiakanal.

MAIPADY PALACE

Maipady Palace is eight kilometer east of Kasargod on the Kasargod-Perla road. There are ancient palaces of Kumbala Rajas. The Maipady Palace is located in proximity to the Madhur Village.

RANIPURAM HILLS

Ranipuram hills is located 750m above sea level on the Western Ghats in Kasaragod district. Covered with evergreen shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands, this beautiful land is known for its trekking trails. Ranipuram was earlier known as Madathumala and its extensive forests merge into those of Karnataka. Wild elephants can be seen wandering on the mountain tops here. Tourist cottages provide comfortable stay on the hills. Jeep and bus services are available from Panathady and Kanhangad in kasaragod town. Ranipuram in its natural beauty is comparable to Ooty - a popular hill station in South India.

KAPPIL BEACH

Kappil beach is a pristine holiday spot along the Malabar shore line, located about 15 kilometres south of Kasaragod town.The beach has captivating beauty that attracts tourists who are looking for a serene location, to spend an evening, or even to settle for a few days of relaxing beach holidays.Nature has gifted the area with splendour.The reddish tinge of the sandy beach looks elegant against the backdrop of black rocks.Long coconut palms appear slender over the slant of the shore side cliff.Incessantly waving to the tune of sea breeze, they spread green magical shade over the distant coastline.Calm emerald backwaters of the region flow into weary minds as a soothing delight.

PALLIKERE BEACH

Pallikere Beach is one of the most fascinating beach located in Kasargod District. It is located about 1km from Bekal Fort. The beach offers captivating view of the Bekal fort. Pallikere beach is a favorite haunt for the tourists in Kasargod. Tourist can enjoy the beach scenario and relax here in amidst of coconut grooves all along the beach. It is at walking distance from the fort , tourist mainly come here to relax in the peaceful place which rejuvenate their body. Pallikere beach is an ideal place for tourist leisure.Cochin festival is celebrated here which attracts lots of tourist to this beach. The sea water is clean and clear for swimming and sunbath. Coming to this peaceful and serene beach refreshes the body and mind.