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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.
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. 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.
FORTS & PALACES
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. more...
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.
BEACHES
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 bluea 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.
TEMPLES
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.
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. more...
CITIES
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.
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.
OTHERS
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.
CITIES
Anandasram (15 km from Bekal): 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. A cruise centre 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. more...
BACKWATERS
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 favoured
Backwater Resort that offers enchanting boat cruises
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
neighbouring Karnataka.
Government Guest House, Kasargod.
PWD Guest House, Kasargod.
PWD Guest House, Bekal.
PWD Guest House, Hosdurg.
Tourist Bungalow, Kanjangad.
Madhur
Manantheswara Festival
Manjakkudam
Festival
Thapotsavam
Kannur (66 km)
Kozhikode
(Calicut) (156 km)
Malappuram (196 km)
Palakkad (275 km)
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.
STD Code: 499.