Kasargode - Kerala
Bekal Fort:
(16 km south of Kasaragod on tbe national bigbway. Open 0900-1730 hrs) The 17th century Bekal Fort is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala, This imposing circular structure of laterite rises 130 ft above sea level and stands on a 35-acre headland that runs into the Arabian Sea.There is an observation tower with a score of picturesque peepholes, an ancient Anjenaya Temple with stucco images of Gods on its walls, an ancient mosque said to have been built by Tipu Sulthan, a sea bastion and underground passagesthat are great crowd pullers. An adjacent guesthouse built by the British in 1909 is now being renovated into an accommodation bungalow for tourists.
BekalFortBeach:
(1 kmfrom Bekal Fort) This shallow beach offers a spectacular view of the fall and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation.
Chandragiri Fort and River:
(4 km from Bekal) South-east of Kasaragod Town, situated near the confluence of the Payaswini River and the Arabian Sea, the Chandragiri Village is known for its large 17th century fort built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore. The Chandragiri Fall, one among a chain of forts built by the same ruler, perched atop a hill is in ruins now. But the location offers a breathtaking view of the convergence of the river and the Arabian Sea,the sandbanks separating the two, and is a vantage point to watch the sunset. There is a mosque nearby. The ancient KizhurStateTemple at Chandragiri celebrates the annual festival called Pauu Utsauam.
Kappil Beach:
(6 km from Beeal Fort) Remote and secluded, this beach is fast becoming a major tourist attraction. The Kodi Cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea and two km away is the PallikunnamTemple.
Anandashram:
(15 km from Bekal) This internationally renowned spiritual centre founded by Swami Ramdas in 1939, offers a quiet, peaceful ambience suited for meditation and spiritual studies.
Ananthapura Lake Temple:
(30 km from Bekal on the Kumhala-Badiadha road. Open 0530 -1230 hrs, 1730 -1930 hrs) This 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala and is the moolaslbanam (original abode) of Ananthapadmanabha, the deity of SreePadmanabhaSwamyTemple, Thiruvananrhapuram. The sanctum sanctorum is reachable only by a bridge. A crocodile at the temple pond, said to be 150 years old is a major attraction.
Valiyaparamba Backwaters:
(30 km from Bekal) This is one of the most scenic backwater stretches in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, this much favoured destination offers enchanting houseboat cruises. The Bekal Resorts Development Corporation provides houseboat services on the TejaswiniRiver from Kottapurarn in Neeleshwaram to Kannur, along the Valiyaparamba Backwaters. Day cruises and night cruises are avaiJable as also canoeing, bonfire dinners on nearby islands, homestays, ayurvedic -theraples, visits to temples, forts and tribal villages.
Puliyamkulam:
(35 kmfrom Bekal) The highlight of this village is the Kareem Forest Park situated in a place that was once a wasteland. The singlehanded dedication of a man transformed an arid area into a nature-rich zone teeming with rare plants, trees and birds. 25 years of hard work have earned him the praise of botany experts who certify that he has grown 300 species of flowering plants and increased the water table in the area. The 'Kareem Model Story' has found its way into textbooks as well.
Manjeswaram:
(15 km north of Kasaragod) A number of temples and fifteen mosques make this cashew growing town a prominent pilgrim centre. The memorial of the late Govinda Pai,the grand patriarch ofKannada literature, is also located at Manjeswaram.
Kanwatheertha Beach:
(3 km from Manjeswaram) A large swimming pool-like formation of the sea on the vast beach is the main attraction.
Possadi Gumpe:
(East of Manjeswaram and 15 km south of Bekal) This is an ideal picnic spot, located on a hillock 1060 ft above sea level. Facilities are minimal at this beautiful destination, so it is best to go well-equipped with food, water and trekking gear.
Kanhangad, Hosdurg:
(15 km south of Bekal) Renowned for its chain of forts built by Somashekara Nayak of Ikkeri Dynasty, another popular landmark here is the Nithyanandashram, an internationally famed spiritual centre.
Madiyankulam Durga Temple:
This Bhadrakali Temple at Kanhangad in Hosdurg is famous for the Bbutba Dance performed in connection with the annual festivals in May/June & December/lanuary.
Sree Mahalingeswara Temple, Adoor:
(45km from Kasaragod) Located in sylvan surroundings on me southern banks of the RiverPayaswini,this ancient SivaTemple contains aSanskrit inscription in Kannaclascript which has been ascrbed to theWestern ChalukyaKing Kirthivarman II (745 - 755 AD).
Nileswaram:
(40 km south of Kasaragod) Once the cultural centre of Kasaragod District, this place is home to the Nileswar Rajas, said to have come from Kozhikode nearly 600 years ago. Their palaces showcase the fine architecture and spectacular woodwork of the times. The Nileswaram Palace today functions as the folklore centre of the Dept. of Archaeology. The town is also famous for its numerous kauus (shrines), temple festivals and the Kavil Bhavan Yoga and Cultural Centre.
Kavil Bhavan Yoga and Meditation Centre:
Situated next to Mannapurathe Kavu Bhagavathy Temple, this yoga centre combines procedures slldl as mud baths, acupuncture and meditation in treating ailments like asthma, obesity etc.
Kottappuram:
(5 km southwest of Nileswaram at Thadapuram) The backwaters of Kottapuram is a great place for leisure activities like boating. One of the oldest coir factories in Malabar is situated here.
Cheruvathur:
Home of the illustrious poets and scholarsofKuttamath, this is also a fascinating picnic spot. 111eruins of aDutch Fort built in the 18th century can be sighted at the Veeramala Hills.
Kota Palli:
(45 em south of Kasaragod) Meaning mosque within a fort, there is actually no fort at the Cheruvathur Kota Palli, other than the large laterite outcropping on the top which gives it a fort-like appearance. Devotees flock to the grave of the sage buried here, believed to have miraculous powers. It is said that all wishes will be granted.
Kottancherry:
(30 km northeast of Kanbangad) Lying close to Cauvery, this idyllic spot covered in lush vegetation and hilly terrain is a favourite with nature lovers and ecotourists, The nearby scenic village ofKonnakkad, replete with rainforests and verdant surroundings, is ideal for trekking.
Ranipuram:
(85 kmfrom Kasaragod) Situated 750 m above sea level, Ranipuram is famous for its trekking trails and varied vegetation - evergreen shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands. This area was formerly known as Madathumala, The extensive forests of Madathurnala merge with the forests of Karnataka. With its rich greenery, abundant blooms, misty moors and the wild elephants occasionally Sighted wandering around, Ranipuram makes for a great getaway.
Trikkaripur:
The old seat of the Thazhekattu Mana,Trikkaripur is the hometown of T S Thirumumbu, poet and freedom fighter, and Guru Chandu Panikkar, the famous Kathakali artist.
Madhur Temple:
(8 km northeast of Kasaragod, on the banks of the Madhuuabini River. Open 0500 -1230 hrs, 1730 - 2000 hrs) The Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka Temple, with its unique three-tiered dome, copper-plated roofing and a cloistered court rises majestically against the beautiful landscape of the Madhuvahini River. Believed to contain the essence of spirituality, a cleansing dip here is considered to be purifying.
Edneer Mutt:
(10 km northeast of Kasaragod) The Mutt of Edneer renowned as a seat of art and learning belongs to the Sankaracharya tradition.
Tulur Vanam:
(4 km east of Panathur) Also known as Kekulom (the eastern place), the temple here is consecrated to Kshetrapalan and Bhagavathi. The eight-day annual festival commencing from Sivarathri, attracts large crowds from all over the district as well as from neighbouring Coorg in Karnaraka.
Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI):
The Institute was established in 1970 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and has its headquarters in Kudlu, 5 km north of Kasaragod. The CPCRl serves as a national forum for improving the genetic potential of plantation crops, conducting basic and applied research on various aspects of these crops to produce genetically superior planting materials for coconut, arecanut, spices and cashewnut.
Malik Ibn Deenar Mosque:
(Located at Tbaianhara. 1hmfrom Kasaragod on Station Road) This historic mosque built in the typical Kerala style is believed to have been founded by Malik Ibn Dinar who is credited with having bought Islam to the Malabar region.
Pandiyan Kallu:
A rock rising in the sea about 2 km from the Trikkannad Temple, Pandiyan Kallu is an ideal spot for adventurous swimmers. Legend has it that the ship of one of the Pandiya Kings who attacked the Trikkannad Temple was converted into a rock and hence the name Pandiyan Kallu.
Ummichipoyil and Varikulam:
(23 km from Nileshvaram) Rock cut caves called Muniyaras dating back to 2000 years are seen at Urnmlchipoyil. At Varikulam overlooking the Chandragiri River you will find more such architectural forms.
Thalankara:
This quite suburb of Kasaragod rose to international fame because of the caps made here. The flat round caps with intricate designs woven out of gold threads on its side bands were once exported to Arab and African countries aswell as to the Muslim traders in Lakshadweep.
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