» Introduction
» Prime Attractions of Kasaragod
» Tour from Kasaragod
How To reach Kasargod
By Air
The nearest airport is at Mangalore, 50 km away.
Kochi airport is 420 kms south.
By Rail
Kasargod has a railway station, which is linked to several important towns.
By Road
Motorable roads connect Kasargod to towns in Kerala and neighbouring Karnataka.
Climate
Temprature
Tropical.
Max: 31.2°C
Min: 23.6°C
Kasargod - The Land of Coir and Handloom
Kasaragod is the northern-most district of Kerala . It was formed on 24th May, 1984. Kasaragod, the district with natural splendour has been a key contributor to the cultural, religious, political and industrial heritage of the State. Kasaragod is also the cradle of many colourful art forms and folk music of Kerala. Kasaragod has a large population of tribals, who maintain an ethos distinctly different from the mainstream culture.It is world renowned for its coir and handloom industries. The district has water, forest, and mineral resources. It is flanked by the forest-covered Western Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west.
Demarcating the north and the south are two rivers - the Talapadi and the Trikaripur. Grey rocks and barren land amidst dense vegetation as well as calm lagoons visible through the coconut palms along the coastal bet lend this district a rare and distinct beauty. Kasargodedisplays a variety of styles in temple architecture.
The unique style of Madhur Mahaganapathy temple, the typical Kerala style of the historic Malik Deenar Great Juma Masjid and many other structures speak in silence of the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Kasargod is a land with resonant past . Myths and legends abroad. The land of great antiquity. Very colourful and unforgettable.The district is bounded by Karnataka State in the north and east and Kannur district in the south. Tucked far away from the madding crowed lies Kasaragod,the most enchanting district of Kerala. The scene is breath taking.
Kasaragod displays a variety of patterns and styles in temple architecture - the unique style of the Madhur Mahaganapathy temple, the typical Kerala style of the historic Malik Deenar the Great Juma Masjid and so speaks volumes about the rich cultural heritage of the region.The rich pageant of 'Theyyam's deities impersonated rises Kasaragod into a land of fabulous fantasies.
Prime Attractions of Kasaragod
Ananthapura Lake Temple
The temple is situated in the centre of the Ananthapura Lake, on a remote rocky hill in a calm isolated region 30 kms away from Bekal. From here one can have a bird's eye view of the green landscape around. The local people believe that there is a lone crocodile living in the lake.
The presiding of the temple is Lord Vishnu seated on the serpent god, Adishesha. The temple is open to all visitors irrespective of caste, creed, and colour. The temple is situated in the centre of the Ananthapura Lake, on a remote rocky hill in a calm isolated region. The temple affords a bird's eye view of the green landscape around. It is believed by the local people that 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. |
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This is the only lake temple in Kerala. The beautigul lake temple is regarded as the 'Moolasthanam' (original seat) of Anathapadmanabha, the diety of Padmanabhaswamy temple, Thiruvananthapuram.
Significance : Original Seat of Anathapadmanabha
Main Attraction : Only Lake Temple In Kerala
Anandasram
This internationally renowned spiritual centre founded by Swami Ramdas in 1939, offers a quiet, peaceful ambience best suited for meditation and spiritual studies. A 40 minutes drive away, is the unique Valiyaparamba Backwater stretch. The most scenic Backwaters of Kerala, it is fed by four rivers and is dotted with numerous islands. Valiyaparamba is perhaps the most scenic Backwaters of Kerala.
Bekal Fort
Bekal fort which is the largest and the best preserved fort in Kerala is on the National Highway. It is more than 300 years old. Believed to be built in the 1650's by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty, it was transferred to Hyder Ali of Mysore and later to the British. The sea bastions, underground tunnels and the observation tower are impressive. An old mosque is situated very near the fort which is believed to be built by Tipu Sultan. Once huge Cannon emplacements perched on hill top. The Pallikere beach is fast developing as a tourist destination.
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The Bekal beach fort is located on a vast 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabian Sea. The Fort stands on a promontory between two long classically beautiful palm fringed beaches. The sea can be viewed from the Obsevatory tower of the Fort. |
An Anjaneya temple stands in the entrance of the Fort. and a mosque constructed by Tipu Sultan is just outside the fort. Another main attraction of the beach is the Bekal water park, which attracts tourists in droves. The Bakel aqua park offers boating facility in the backwaters near the Pallikere beach.
This imposing structure of laterite rising 130 ft. above sea level has a chequered history of 300 years ,which adds to its interest as an archaeology site. Due to its historic relevance, the fort is controlled by the Archaeological Survey of India
Speciality : Largest Fort In Kerala.
Madhur Manantheswara Festival
The five day annual festival at Sree Manantheswara Vinayaka temple at Madhur in Kasargod is a colorful event. On the fourth day, the image of the deity (Thidampu) is taken out in a long procession. |
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The presentation of various folk arts and 'Yakshagana', the dance-drama of Karnataka add to the festivities and excitement. The temple is dedicated to Sree Vinayaka (Ganesha), the destroyer of obstacles.
Manjakkudam Festival
Manjakkudam is a seven day festival held at Manjadukkam Thularuvana Bhagavathi Temple in Panathur of Kasargod District.
This colorful festival falls in the Malayalam month of Kumbham/Meenam (February/March). The highlight is the largest assemblage of Theyyams, which are staged on the concluding day of the Utsavam.
The largest assemblage of Theyyams is presented on the concluding day of the Utsavams at the Manjadukkam Thularuvana Bhagavathy Temple at Panathoor in Kasaragod district.
Best Time to Visit : March.
Thapotsavam
Thapotsavam is the annual one-day festival celebrated on the fifth day after 'Vishu' in the Malayalam month of Medam (April) at the Ananthapura Lake Temple in Kumbala, Kasargod.
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.
The temple is dedicated to Sree Padnabha Swamy (Lord Vishnu) who is depicted as seated on the serpent god Adhisesha (Anantha).
Timings : April.
Bekal Hole Aqua Park
North of the fort, off the highway is a unique 'Aqua Park', the only one of its kind in north Malabar. Here, Pedal boats and water cycles offer along hours of relaxation on the coolstretches of the Bekal Hole backwaters.
Fort at Chandragiri.
The fort, a large squarish one by the side of a river, is at Chandragiri, south-east of Kasargode. It was built in the 17th century by Sivappa Nayaka of Bedanore. It has a mosque nearby. The ancient Kizhur State temple is also located here, where during the annual festival, the deity is taken to Thrikkanaya Temple at Bekal.
Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC) was set up by the Government of Kerala to develop Bekal as a tourist destination. BRDC focusses on planned, environment friendly and geographically viable methods of development. The company concentrates on setting up comprehensive tourism infrastructure, at the same time ensuring that the development is beneficial to the local community.
Kanwatheertha Beach
Kanwatheertha Beach is situated 3 kms from Manjeshwaram, the large swimming pool-like formation of the sea on the vast beach is the main attraction.
Kappil Beach
For those who prefer Thoreau to Harold Robbins, the secluded and relatively unexplored Kappil Beach should prove idyllic. The Kappil Beach, remote and secluded is fast becoming a major tourist destination, offering an unmatched experience of wide beaches and calm waters. The Kodi Cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of the bluea waters of the Arabic Sea.
anjeshwaram
At Manjeswaram, a quaint little cashew-rich town at the northern tip of the district, which is home to 15 mosques, is the memorial to Govinda Pai, the grand patriarch of Kannada literature. Near Kanjangad in Hosdurg, is the Madiyankulam dedicated to Bhadrakali. The ceremonious Bhutha dance is performed during the temple festival in May/June and December/January.
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 Department of Archaeology. The town is also famous for its numerous Kavus (Shrines), temple festivals and the Kavil Bhavan Yoga and Cultural Centre, which offers rejuvenation therapy and naturopathy treatments, like mud baths and herbal baths.
Pallikere Beach
This beautiful expanse of shallow waters and beach offers a spectacular view of the Bekal Fort.
The public beach has ample space for recreation and relaxation. With international standard facilities to be developed here, Pallikere will rank among the best beaches in the country.
Sri Mahalingeshwar
The Sree Mahalingeswara at Adoor is located in pretty surroundings on the banks of the river Payaswini. In the temple is a Sanskrit inscription in Kannada script, which are ascribed to the Western Chalukya king Kirthi Varma II, by the scholars.
Tour from Kasaragod
Ranipuram
How to Reach
By Road
Jeep services are available from Panathady, which is linked to Kanhangad by frequent buses.
Situated 55 kms from Kasargod, Ranipuram, the enchanting hill station stands at an altitude of 750 m above sea level. Ranipuram is famous for its trekking trails and varied vegetation, consisting of 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 roaming on top of the mountains.
Altitude
750 m Above Sea Level
Veliyaparamba
Veliyaparamba is 30 kms away from Kasargod. This is perhaps the most scenic Backwater Stretch in Kerala fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured Backwater. |
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