Kasaragod

Myths and legends abound in Kasaragod, the northernmost district of Kerala, with a 293 kilomtres long coastline. But it is also a land rich in history, once of significant military importance. Home to the largest and the best preserved fort in the state, abode of the historic Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque, it also has the only lake temple in Kerala. Situated on the banks of the Payaswini River, Kasaragod’s mountains bring out the essence of this erstwhile port town of the Kolathiri rajas.

Best time to visit

Temperature range between a minimum of 26°C and a maximum of 36°C, the best time for Kasaragod tour Kerala is towards the end of the monsoons as the region looks beautiful just after the rains.

Getting There

By Air
The nearest airport is Bajpe Airport in Mangalore about 69 km away. Calicut International Airport, Karipur is about 200 km away.

By Rail
Kasaragod Kerala is well connected to all stations in the state.

By Road
Kasaragod Kerala is an hour’s drive from Mangalore (50 km) and 8 hrs from Bangalore. The coastal highway NH 17 connecting Cape Cormorin and Mumbai runs through Kasaragod.

Sights and Attractions

Bekal Fort

The fort has been maintained well. There is a 30-foot-high observation tower, situated in the middle, which affords a grand view of the blue-grey sea and the green palm forest. The walkway along its periphery also offers views of fiery sunsets from its platform. There is also underground tunnels leading to the sea and the moat on its eastern side. A magazine used for storing weapons is now closed to the public. Next to the gates is Anjaneya Temple with colorful stucco images of gods on its walls. Outside, just a little away from the gates is an ancient mosque with tall minarets and arched entrances. Near the fort you will find the grand sweep of Pallikere beach. Other attractions when on a Kasaragod tour Kerala include a Bekal hole aqua park and boat rides in the backwaters of Kerala.

Chandragiri Fort

The village of Chandragiri, situated near the confluence of the Payaswini River and the Arabian Sea, is famous for its fort perched atop a small hill overlooking the estuary. The location offer a spectacular view of the gently flowing river, the sandbanks that separate it from the sea shimmering just beyond and the convergence of the two where there is a breach. In the distance, you can see a longish bridge spanning another estuary.

Kappil Beach

Secluded Kappil Beach, fringed by palms and occasional casuarina groves, is a great place to visit when on Kasaragod tour Kerala. The approach is a winding lane meandering through palm-shaded fields that peter out when the trail meets the white sandy loam. A slow walk past clusters of coconut palms and the few houses straggling between them will take you to the wide shore. Nearby Kodi cliff offers panoramic views of the sea and the beach while the Pallikunnam Temple, 2 kms away, promises spiritual salvation.

Ananthapura Lake Temple

Considered to be the only lake temple in Kerala, this shrine, the beginnings of which date back to the ninth century, is unique in other ways too. Set in the middle of a picturesque lake, its sanctum sanctorum is reachable only by a bridge and is a must visit if you are on a tour to Kasaragod.

Two other structures stand separately in the lake housing other deities. The outer walls of the sanctorum are covered with ancient murals depicting scenes from the Vedas. On the northeastern corner of the lake is a large cave with a small pit that holds water perennially. A single crocodile inhabits the lake and strangely, only one has been spotted since time immemorial.

Kanwatheertha Beach

About 15 kms north of Kasaragod Kerala, is Manjeswaram, an ancient town on the banks of the Manjeswar River, once a small cashew growing centre that has become a pilgrim centre because of the numerous mosques, Jain and Hindu temples around it. There is also a scenic beach known as Kanwatheertha, the high point of which is a small lagoon poking into the broad white sands, looking almost like a swimming pool. The beach is not very well known so the only people it attracts are locals, mainly on weekends. However, it is ideal for leisurely beachcombing and wading in the pool.

Activities

What to buy

• On tour to Kasaragod, saris are a good buy. The Kasaragod co-operative society manufactures them and markets them through Hanveev. You could also visit them at their exclusive showrooms near the bus stand.
• Kasaragod in Kerala is also famous for cane furniture like hanging swings and bamboo rocking chairs. Check out Rajdhani Cane Furniture.
• You can also buy Muslim caps and Yakshagana models in wood from a local artisan Ramesh and theyyam models from Folkland.

Where to eat

Non- vegetarian hotels outnumber the purely vegetarian ones. Try Hotel Victoria near the new bus stand or Hotel Meghraj on MG Road. However, for traditional Kerala delicacies, try Metro Hotel, MG Road or Vasant Vihar in the basement of Hotel City Tower. Crispy fried snacks are generally offered at the smaller eateries. Fruit juice and ice cream stalls cluster in and around the two bus stands.

Trekking options

Kottancherry

East of Kanhangad, bordering the picturesque Coorg district of neighbouring Karnataka is a scenic village called Konnakad. Barely a few kilomtres to the south, close to Tala Cauvery, is the idyllic spot known as Kottancherry. Covered in lush vegetarian and surrounded by undulating hilly terrain, the area is ideal for trekking in Kerala. A favorite with nature lovers, the place attracts eco-tourists, especially in the cool winter months.

From Nileswaram, you can reach Parappa through inner roads. Once here, drive another seven kilometres to Vellarikundu. This is a rubber country. Miles of rubber plantations flank the twisting road or gently sloping hillsides, interspersed with areca. Rustic villages like Ponganchal and Malom fall along the way. Next, it is Nattukkal and then Konnakad. From here, the trekking trail to the peak really begins. From the base at Vazhathattu a tarred road goes up for about a kilometres before petering out to a dirt track that winds up almost three kilometres to the top. The verdant surroundings are ideal for serious trekkers. There is also the option for a four-wheel drive to reach the peak. A jeep can be hired at Konnakad at Rs 300 for a return trip.

Ranipuram

Situated on the highest peak in the district, Ranipuram is 750 feet above sea level. Known formerly as Madathumala, Ranipuram is ideal territory for trekking in Kerala, and draws enthusiasts the year round. With its forests, abundance of wild flowers, verdant grasslands, misty moors and the odd elephant sighting, Ranipuram is a great gateway from a coastal area to a hilly altitude in a matter of a few metres. In some parts, the forests stretches all the way to neighbouring Karnataka. Buses ply from Kanhangad up to Panathady from where jeep rides can be availed of to reach the peak.

Trekkers have to go down a flight of steps from the DTPC centre to reach a delightful, gurgling stream and go across an arched wooden bridge. The summit is only half a kilometre from here, but it is best to avoid the trek during wet months as the place teems with leeches. On the return trip, stop at Nellithode where a dirt track branches off leftward and disappears behind a cluster of thatched houses. Heal down the track to reach a spot that is absolutely idyllic.