kasaragod:The northernmost district of kerala,Kasaragod is world renowed for its coir and bandloom industries,fishing is a prime source of livelihood.Kasaragodis known as the land of gods,forts,rivers,hills and beautiful beaches.The fort at Bekal is the largest and best preserved in the state.Kasaragod displays a variety of styles in temple architecture – the unique style of the Madhur Mahaganapathy Temple , the typical Kerala style of the historic Malik Deenar Great Juma Masjid and so on speak volumes about the rich cultural heritage of the region.Spectacular pageants of Theyyam,Yakshagana,Kumbla,Poorakkali etc.enchant visitors.
places to visit
The Bekal Fort:The 300 year old 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.
Bekal Fort Beach:This shallow beach offers a spectacular view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation.
Bekal Hole Aqua Park:The only one of its kind in northern Kerala,this unique Aqua Park provides watersport facilities like pedalboats and water cycles.
Kappil Beach:Remote and secluded,this besch is fast becoming a major tourist attraction.The Kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of Arabian sea.
Anandasram:This internationally renowed spiritual centre founded by Swami Ramdas in 1939,offers a quiet,peaceful ambience best suited for meditation and spiritual studies.
Ananthapuram Lake Temple:this 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala and is the moolasthanam(original abode)of Ananthapadmanabha,the deity of sree Padmanabha Swami Temple,Thiruvananthapuram.
Chandragiri:Situated on the Chandragiri River,southeast of Kasaragod town.The Chandragiri Fort,one of a chain of ports built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore.it is a vantage point to watch the sunset.
Manjeswaram:A number of temples and mosques make this cashew growing town a prominent pilgrim centre.
Cheruvathur:This is the home of the illustrious poets and scholars of Kuttamath.The ruins of a Dutch Fort built in the 18th century can be found in the veermala Hills .Cheruvathur is also a facinating picnic spot.
Ranipuram:Situated 750m 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 Madathumala merge with the forests of karnataka.Ranipuram in its natural beauty is comparable to Ooty.
Trikkaripur:The old sea of the Thazhekattu Mana,Trikkripur is the hometown of T S Thirumumb,poet and freedom fighter,and Guru Chandu Panikkar,the famous KAthakali artist.
Possadigumpe:This is an ideal picinic spot,located on a hillock 1060 ft.above sea level.
Tulur Vanam:Also known as Kekulum.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 Coorg.
Pandiyan Kalu:A rock rising in the sea about 2 km from the Trikkannad Temple,Pandiyan kallu is an ideal spot for adventurous swimmers.
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 Dept.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 and herbal baths.
The famous Idukki Arch Dam is situated in Idukki.