KASARAGOD

Kasaragod is one of the districts in the northern tip of Kerala. Kasargod is surrounded by Kannur district in the south, Mangalore in the north, Western Ghats in the west and Arabain Sea in the east. Like other districts of Kerala, Kasaragod district too has a high literacy rate, around 85.17%. The district has got mixed culture and is highly influenced by the neighbouring states. The Malayalam spoken here has influences from Tulu, Kannada Urdu, Konkani etc. Kasaragod has enchanting beauty and is a land of historical importance. The district is home to the most fascinating forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. The fort at Bekal is the largest and best preserved fort in the state.

The northernmost district of Kerala, Kasaragod is world renowned for its coir and handloom industries. Fishing is a prime source of livelihood. Kasaragod is known as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. 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 (buffalo race), Poorakkali, Kolkali etc. enchant visitors.

POPULAR TOURIST SPOTS

Malom Wildlife Sanctuary

A popular tourist attraction of Kanhagad region, Malom Wildlife Sanctuary is all about lush green tropical green forest and variety of wildlife. The sanctuary inhabits a variety of animals and birds including peacock, the Malabar hornbill, wild pig, flying squirrel, rhesus monkey and porcupine etc.

Kumbala

The ancient town of Kumbala situated about 13 km from Kasargod has once served as the seat of power for Raja of Kumbala. Today, this place offers a famous temple of Lord Gopalkrishna which is quite popular among the devotees. The humble Kumbala Fort is an old fortification situated close to Arikkady in Kumbala.

Bekal Fort

Around 16 km to the south of northernmost district in Kerala, Kasaragod, lies the massive Bekal Fort. It is among the biggest forts in Kerala and has been impeccably maintained throughout the years. It rises to 130 feet above sea level and is situated on a headland spanning 35km.

Ranipuram Hills

Ranipuram is a renowned tourist destination in the northern tip of Kerala. Located in Kasaragod, it is situated 750 m above sea level. It makes for a perfect picnic spot where one can even come across the occasional herd of elephants.

Chandragiri Fort

Seeped in history, the Chandragiri Fort in Kasaragod lies at the confluence of the Payaswini River and the Arabian Sea. This 17th century fort was built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore. People come here to watch the sunset from the ancient Kizhur Siva Temple.

Hosdurg fort

In Kanhangad lies the Hosdurg Fort, among the legendary chain of forts built by Somashekara Nayak of Ikkeri Dynasty. Lying nearby is the internationally renowned spiritual centre, the Nithyanandashram. These form an intriguing set of places that add to Kasaragod's charm.