Kasaragod

Kasaragod is the northernmost district of Kerala and point for the tourists who are coming from the north to the enchanting state of Kerala. The name 'Kasaragod' is derived from the word Kusirakood which means the Nuxvomica forests (Kanjirakuttom). It covers an area of 1961 sq km. Kasaragod is bordered by the Arabian sea in the west, in the east by the forested slopes of the Western Ghats, in the north east by Karnataka and in the south by Kannur. Kasaragod is mainly known all over the world for its coir and handloom industries. Kasaragod is also known as the land of gods, forts, temples, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. This place is like a heaven where nature still plays an important part in the everyday life. It is a very beautiful place with forests, palm trees and beaches.

Festivals in Kasaragod

Some of the festivals celebrated in Kasaragod are Pattutsavam, Madiyan Kovilakam, Kanhangad, Chaliyaporatu festival, Palakunnu Bharani, Nileswar Poorakali, Utsavam, Pooram, Theyyam, Kanathur Theyyam Kaliyattom, Kalom Kanipu Utsavom. Pattutsavam, Madiyan Kovilakam, Kanhangad are the 9 day annual festival, celebrated in January. The main features of this festival are the cultural performances, religious rites and and elephant processions. Chaliyaporatu festival is named after the popular folk art, prevalent in North Kerala. This annual festival is celebrated in March. Palakunnu Bharani festival is marked by processions and brilliant fire works. The Theyyam festival is performed in houses, tharavads and shrines. Nileswar Poorakali is a folk dance of men performed at the Nagacherry bhagavathy temple. This dance is performed in the last week of March to the first week of April.

Bekal

Bekal, situated on the seashore of Pallikara village, is an important place of tourist interest in the district. It lies 12 km south of Kasargod town. The word, Bekal is derived from the word Baliakulam, meaning Big Palace. The place is said to have been the seat of a big palace in the past. The term Baliakulam got corrupted as Bekulam and later as Bekal.

Adoor

45 km east 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 situated in Ajanur village. It is about 5 km from Kanjhangad, the headquarters of Hosdurg taluk. The main deity of the temple is Bhadrakali; but there are also other deities like Kshetrapalan, Bhagavathi and Bhairavan. A pecularity 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.

Ananthapura 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.

Bekal Fort

The largest and best preserved fort in the State. The alluring scene of the sea shore and its exhilarating natural scenery and beauty attracts the visitors.

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 3 km 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, 5 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.

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.

By Air

The nearest airport is located at Mangalore and Kozhikode, about 50 and 200 km respectively.

By Rail

The railway station is located on the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai route.

By Road

An excellent network of roads connects Kasaragod to major towns in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.