Places of attraction in and around Kasaragod


1.   Bakel Fort

      Bakel is the most well maintained and largest fort in Kerala, having an area of 40 acres. It is believed that the fort was built in the 17th century by Shivappa Naik of Thelkkeri dynasty. Later the fort passed on to Hyder Ali of Mysore and even later to the British. The fort is located on the National Highway 16 kilometers from Kasaragod town. The fort lies 130 feet above sea level and that offers a thrilling sight of tides smashing the basement of the fort. The construction of the fort is a manner that overlooks Arabian sea. The fort was built only for defense requirements and not for administrative purpose. There is 30 feet high Observation tower here which offers panoramic view of the surrounding  areas and nearby beach. The underground tunnels leading to the sea and the moat on the eastern side are the main attractions here. The important attractions in this fort are the tank with its flight of steps, the tunnel opening towards the south, the magazine for keeping ammunition (It is now not accessible for visitors) and the broad and wide steps leading to the Observation Tower.  The Bakel Fort is one of the leading tourist attractions in the state. One can easily spend a day here. A 'Facility Center' is located adjacent to the fort, which includes a Cloakroom, Bathrooms, Toilets, Information Center, Restaurant, Fruit Stall and a Handicraft outlet function in the center. The fort permits visitors only in day time except certain celebration days. It is one of the main cultural centers in Kerala. Presently the protection and preservation of Bekal fort has been entrusted to the Archaeological Survey of India.

The Anjaneya Temple lies near to the fort. The temple is dedicated to 'Anjaneya' (Lord Hanuman). The temple walls here are adorned with images of Gods. The temple is believed to be as old as the fort. It is one of the main pilgrimage centers in this region. Just a little away from the fort and temple, there is an ancient mosque having tall minarets and arched entrance. It is believed that the fort was built by Tipu Sulthan of Mysore.

The Paliakara beach lies near to the fort, which also knows as the Bakel fort beach and is located 1 kilometer away from the fort. The beach offers spectacular views of the fort and is an ideal place for sunset viewing, evening walks and relaxation. An Aqua Park is also located here, which provides water sport facilities like water cycle, diving and swimming, pedal boats etc.

2.    Chandragiri Fort

       The Chandragiri fort is located on the confluence of Payaswini River and Arabian Sea. This fort was built by Tipu Sulthan of Mysore in the 17th century (Controversies are also here stating that the fort was built built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore). The fort stands on a hillock and facing the horizon. The fort offers breathtaking views of the river, the Arabian Sea and the tiny neighboring islands and also the Palm Groves. Boat ride is possible here. You can contact the Changragiri Boat Club or local people for a fantastic boat ride through thrilling water. The fort lies 4 kilometers from Bakel. It is an ideal place to view sunset. An ancient mosque and Kizhur State Temple are located near to the fort. The temple celebrates its annual festival called 'pattu utsavam' and during the celebration the deity here is taken to the Thrikkanaya Temple at Bekal. The longest railway tunnel in Kerala passes through Chandragiri Hills.


3.      Anandashram

         The Anandashram was founded in 1931 by Swami Ramdas and Mother Krishnabai. The monastery is located 5 kilometers from Kanhangad and is easily accessible from Kasaragod town. The monastery is dedicated for Universal Love and services to the entire humanity. The monastery is occupied with a huge prayer and meditation hall and numerous cottages. The cottages here are meant for the accommodation purposes of the visitors.


4.       Nithyanandashram

          This internationally recognized spiritual center was founded by Swami Nithyananda in the early 20th century.  Here Swami Nityananda constructed around 50 caves each having an area of 6x3 feet. It is believed that the Swami lived in this caves in the early 20th century. Photographs and belongings of the inhabitants indicate the simplicity of their life. One of the attractions in Nithyanadasram is full size statue of Swami Nithyanda made of Panjaloha (mixture of five metals). It is one of the main recreation centers like Anadashram in this region. The monastery is located near to the Hosdurg Taluk Office and is easily accessible.

5.     Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque

        It is believed that the Sufi Saint Malik Ibn Dinar constructed this mosque and is located at Thalankara one and a half kilometers from Kasaragod town on the Station road.  Malik Ibn Dinar was a Sufi Saint from Arabian and the first one came to Kerala for spreading the word of Islam. It is believed that he constructed nine mosques in the Malabar region and only one exists still in its original form and that is the Malik Ibn Dinar mosque at Thalankara. The mosque has a unique architectural style, which strongly resembles a traditional Kerala kovilakam. The some parts of the mosque will remind you about the ancient Arabic architecture. The main attractions in the mosque are the massive wooden beams with Arabic Verses carved on it. The tomb of Malik Ibn Mohammed is enshrined in the mosque, a disciple of Malik Ibn Dinar and belongs to the Dinar family. Controversies are also here, because some historians believe that the tomb is in fact of Ibn Dinar, not of Ibn Mohammed. The mosque is one of the leading Muslim religious centers in northern Kerala and the annual uroos festival here attracts devotees from all over the nation.

6.   Madhur Sreemad Anantheswara Vinayaka Temple

      The madhur Sreemad Anantheswara Temple is located 8 kilometers northeast of Kasaragod town on the banks of the Madhuvahini River. The main attractions in the temple are its unique three-tiered dome, copper-plated roofing and a cloistered court rises. This temple is dedicated to Mahaganapathi. The idol here made of alluvial soil. This idol was later installed in the temple and thats how the Madhur Mahalingeswara Temple (dedicated to Lord Siva) became Madhur Mahaganapathi Temple. It is one of the most important Ganapathy temples in South India. People from all over South India throng in to the temple during the time of festivals happen here. The temple offers Veda classes to young students. During Ganesh Chaturthi and Madhur Bedi the temple will become crowded and that are the auspicious periods to visit the temple. Lord Ganapathy is knows as the god of food and thats why most of the offerings at this temple is in the form of food. Poojas (worships) are performed here daily at 8:00am, 12:30 noon and 8:00pm. The adjacent Madhuvahini River is believed to be a center of the spiritual essence, a dip here is considered to be purifying.


7.   Kappil beach

      The Kappil beach is located 6 kilometers from Bakel. This remote and unexplored beach area is now becoming a major tourist center at this area. This sun-drenched beach is a perfect getaway after a hectic tour of the nearby Bekal Fort and surrounding areas. Adventure loving people can even ascend the nearby Kodi cliff which offers  a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.


8.    Ananthapura Lake Temple

       The Ananthapural Lake Temple is located 30 kilometers from Bakel and 5 kilometers from Kumbala. This is the only lake temple in Kerala. The temple is believed to be the 'moolasthaanam' (original abode) of 'Ananthapadmanabha', the presiding deity at padmanabhaswami Temple, Trivandrum.  The temple is surrounded by a lake and is home to a crocodile, which is supposed to be the guard of the temple. It is believed that when one crocodile dies, another mysteriously takes its place. The lake also occupied with fishes. The place Kumbala and the temple can easily reach. In  fact the temple draws more tourists than devotees. It is a must watch in this region.

9.    Kanwatheertha Beach

       The Kanwatheertha Beach is located 3 kilometers from Manjeswaram and is easily accessible. This charming lagoon is a ideal place only for tranquil lovers but also for fun loving people. What makes this beach more attractive is the massive pool-like formation of the sea on the beach, which is ideal for swimming.


10.    Possadigumpe

         Possadigumpe is a small mountain located 18 kilometers east of Mangalpady in Dharmathadka and 30 kilometers northeast of Kasaragod town. The hillock is located 1060 feet above sea level. This is an ideal place for trekking. The facilities here are minimal. If you are trying to reach the hillock by bus you will have to trek 5 kilometer from the last bust stop to the top of the hillock. It is a fest growing tourist spot in this region and an ideal place for tranquil lovers.

11.    Hosdurg / Kanhangad Fort

         Kanhangad is renowned for its chain of forts built by Somashekara Nayak of Ikkeri dynasty, and the most attractive is Hosdurg Fort. Several public offices are located inside the fort. The famous temple Karpooreshwara temple is attached to this fort. The fort is located 15 km away from Bekal at Kanhangad and is easily accessible. The Nithyanandashram lies near to the fort.

12.    Kottanchery

         The famous hill station Kottanchery is located 30 kilometers northeast of Kanhangad. This scenic beautiful place will remind you one of the most beautiful hill stations in South India, the Kodiakanal. The place is also occupied with dense rain forests and thats why the place offers fantastic trekking options.

13.   Ranipuram

       The dense forest area Ranipuram is located 85 kilometers from Kasaragod town and lies 750 m (2,461 feet) above sea level adjacent to the Bhagamandala forest range in Karnataka. The land Ranipuram is famous with the dense evergreen forests, mansoon woods and beautiful grasslands. This place was formerly known as Madathumala until the 1970 and later the land was purchased by the Kottayam Catholic Diocese for the purpose of people’s settlement. The early settlers named the place as Ranipuram in memory of Virgin Mary. This place is a fantastic option for trekking. This scenic Ranipuram forest with rich in flora and fauna attracts a lot of visitors abroad. The proposed Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary may protect and maintain the overall biodiversity of the area in a better way. The Government and also tourists now considering this place as ideal for Eco tourism. Several rare types of Butterflies and birds like black eagle, crested serpent eagle and little spider hunter can be seen here. Elephants, Leopard, wild dogs, Deer, wild boar, macaques, jungle cats, Leopard cats slender loris, porcupine, Malabar giant squirrels, Malabar civet etc are some of the wild animals reside here. Some of the rare medicinal plants are also found in this forest. The place is only accessible by Jeep, which are readily available from Panthady near Kanhangad.

14.   Sree Mahalingeswara Temple, Adoor

        The Sree Mahalingeswara Temple is located at a small village namely Adoor which is 45 kilometers far from Kasaragod town on southern banks of the Payaswini River. This ancient temple has Lord Siva as the presiding deity.  The temple has inscriptions written in Kannada language belongs to the 8th century AD. It is observed that the scripts belong to the era of Western Chalukya KIng Kirthivarman II.

15.   Madiyankulam Durga Temple

        The Madiyankulam Durga Temple dedicated to Sree Bhadrakaali is located at Kanhangad in Hosdurg. The temple is famous for the 'Bhooth Dance' (Monster dance) performed here during the annual festivals in May-June and December-January.

16.   Cheruvathur

        This calm and beautiful village is the home of the famous illustrious poets, scholars and social reformers popularly known as Kuttamathu Kavikal. The ruins of a Dutch fort believed to be built in the 18th century is the main attraction here. The Veeramala hill where the fort stands is a fantastic option for picnic and trekking. An ancient mosque is also enshrined within the fort and thats why the area is known as 'Cheruvathur Kottapalli' in local language. It is located 50 km from the district headquarters, Kasaragod town. The hilltop offers panoramic view of the Kariangode River and surrounding areas.

17.   Valiyaparamba Backwaters

         One of the most delightful backwaters in Kerala, the Valiyaparamba backwaters is fed by 5 rivers and surrounded by lush green landscape. The place derives its name from the Valiyaparamba Island located on the backwaters. It is the longest in this region with 24 kilometers length from Azhithala to Ezhimala. The place is located around 10 kilometers from Nileswaram. The backwaters offer mesmerizing boating through calm water stretch. The place is accessible by road and Valiyaparamba is connected to Kottapuram through water bodies. Several houseboats are waiting here for travelers. A must visit place in this region.

18.    Ummichipoyil

         The place Ummichipoyil with historical importance is located near Karithalam village on the banks of the Nileswaram River. You can see ruins from the Megalithic era here. Several rock cut caves, known as 'Muniyara' in local language, are here with certain antiquity that makes this place important than other archeological forms in Kerala. One can see rock pillars, benches, and beds inside the cave. It is observed that these monuments are at least 2000 years old. Its an ideal place for History and Archeology lovers. The place is located around 23 km from Nileshwaram and is easily accessible.

19.    Varikulam

         Varikulam is located 10 kilometers from the Kolathur Village on the banks of Chandragiri River (Payaswini River) One can find more such architectural forms here like in Ummichipoyil. The main attractions here are rock cut caves including beds, benches, carved door frames with funerary offerings and the vary majestic umbrella stones (Kuda kallu in Malayalam). Nowadays historians and archeologists around the world counting these places as important. These two places, Ummichipoyil and Varikulam are under the control of the Archeological Survey of India.

20.    International Centre for Folklore and Culture

         The institution ICFC is dedicated for the nurture and preservation of traditional folklore arts and culture existed in this area. This non-government, non-profit organization is located at Trikkaripur, 15 kilometers from Nileswaram. Seminars, discussions and debates, symposiums and art workshops are conducted here time to time. The institution is well stored with more than 2000 folk songs and rare photographs and also costumes used in folk arts. The institution is an ideal spot for the history lovers.

         The place Trikkaripur located on the south of Kasargod was the old seat of the Thazhekattu Mana. The village is famous for  'Theyyam' performances, a ritual art form. Trikkaripur is the hometown of many famous personalities such as Guru Chandu Panikkar(renowned Kathakali artist); T S Thirumumb( poet and freedom fighter), K.M.Kunhambu ( artist and social servant).

21.    Edaneer Mutt

         The Edaneer Mutt is located 10 kilometers northeast of Kasaragod. The monastery here is renowned as a seat of art and learning belongs to the Sankaracharya tradition, ie Advaitha Vedantha tradition.

22.    Tulur Vanam

         The Tulur Vanam is also known as Kekulom (means 'eastern place'), and is located 4 kilometers from Panathur. The temple here have Bhagavathi as the presiding deity, An edict of Kshethrapalan (guardian of the temple) is also here. The annual festival of this temple falls on February. The Sivarathri celebration here draws devotees from all over the district as well as from Koorg in Karnataka.

23.    Pandiyan Kallu

          The Pandiyan Kallu is a rock rising in the sea, 2 kilometers away from the Trikkanad temple, which is dedicated to Lord Siva. It is an ideal place for adventurous swimmers. There is a legend behind the rock and that is the Pandiyan Kallu was the ship of a Pandiyan King who attacked the temple and Lord Siva converted that in to a rock. This place is also a fantastic outing spot.

24.    Bela Church

         The Our Lady of Sorrows church popularly known as Bela Church is located 15 kilometers from Kasaragod town. It is the oldest church in this district believed to be constructed in 1890 AD. This Gothic style Roman Catholic Church is now under the Manglore Diocese and recently the Church celebrated its centenary and renovated.

25.     Mallam Durga Parameshwari Temple

          One of the leading Durga temples in the state, the  Mallam Durga Parameshwari Temple is located in Muliyar Village near Bovikanam, 10 kilometers from Kasaragod town. The presiding deity of this temple is Goddess Durga Parameshwari. The special feature of the temple is the daily Annadanam, which consists of giving food among the devotees. Tuesdays and Fridays are the auspicious days at this temple and the temple become crowded on those days. Devotees pray here for better living and prosperous future. The annual festival of this temple falls on February-March and lasts for 7 days.

26.    Mallikarjuna Temple, Kasargod

         It is one of the most important Siva temples in the district. It is believed that the idol here was adorned by Arjuna. The annual festival of this temple falls on March, lasts 5 days and attracts a huge crowd. The temple is located at the heart of the town near Taluk office.