KASARGOD
Location: Northern Most District Of Kerala
Main Attraction: Bekal Fort
Best Season: August to March
Main Languages: Malayalam, English
THE LAND OF COIR AND HANDLOOM: The northern-most district of Kerala, Kasargod is known for its Coir and handloom industries. Fishing is a prime source of livelihood. The district has water, forest, and mineral resources.
The forest-covered Western Ghats in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west flank it. Demarcating the north and the south are two rivers - the Talapadi and the Trikaripur.
Grey rocks and barren lands 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. Kasargode displays 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.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Bekal Fort: The fort with historical and archaeological significance affords a magnificent view of the sea from its tall observation towers, which were once huge cannon emplacements. The largest and best-preserved fort in Kerala, the Bekal Fort is perched atop a hill, thus giving a strategic view of the countryside.
Fort at Chandragiri: The fort, a large squarish one by the side of a river, is at Chandragiri, southeast of Kasargode. Savanna Nayaka of Bedanore built it in the 17th century. 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.
Kappil Beach: 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 blue waters of the Arabic Sea.
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.
Kanwatheertha Beach: 3 kms from Manjeshwaram, the large swimming pool-like formation of the sea on the vast beach is the main attraction.
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 is ascribed to the Western Chalukya king Kirthi Varma II, by the scholars.
Ananthapura Lake Temple: Situated at a distance of 30kms from Bekal, it is the only lake temple in Kerala. It is regarded as the 'moolasthanam' (original seat) of Ananthapadmanabha, the deity of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Thiruvananthapuram.
Nileswaram: The cultural center of the district, this was the seat of the Nileswar Rajas. The Nileswaram palace today functions as the folklore center of the Department of Archaeology.
The town is also famous for its numerous Kavus (Shrines), temple festivals and the Kavil Bhavan Yoga and Cultural Center, which offers rejuvenation therapy and naturopathy treatments, like mud baths and herbal baths.
Manjeshwaram: 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.
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 cool stretches of the Bekal Hole backwaters.
Anandasram (15 km from Bekal): This internationally renowned spiritual center 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. A cruise center offering exciting boat rides will soon be opened here.
Ranipuram (55 km from Bekal): It offers ample opportunity for exciting treks along the wide vistas of nature. This land of cool weather, situated at a height of more than 750 m above sea level, is known for its varied vegetation.
Veliyaparamba (30 km from Bekal): 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 favored Backwater Resort that offers enchanting boat cruises
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is at Mangalore, 50 km away. Kochi airport is 420 kms south.
Rail: Kasargod has a railway station, which is linked to several important towns.
Road: Motorable roads connect Kasargod to towns in Kerala and neighboring Karnataka.
NEARBY CITIES
Kannur66 km
Kozhikode156 km
Malappuram196 km
Palakkad275 km
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area:1,961 sq.km.
Population:1,070,629.
Altitude:Sea level.
Temperature:
Mean Max:36.5°C; Mean Min: 27.25° C
Rainfall:344cm (Annual).
Clothing:Tropical Cottons.
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