KASARGOD
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| 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 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 belt lend this district a rare and different beauty. Not surprisingly, Kasargod is poised for growth in the area of tourism |
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 regiond different beauty. Not surprisingly, Kasargod is poised for growth in the area of tourism
History
Lying on the north western coast of the State, Kasargod was famous from time immemorial. Many Arab travellers, who came to Kerala between 9th and 14th centuries A.D., visited Kasargod as it was then an important trade centre. They called this area Harkwillia. Mr.Barbose, the Portuguese traveller,who visited Kumbla near Kasargod in 1514, had recorded that rice was exported to Male Island whence coir was imported. Dr.Fracis Buccanan, who was the family doctor of Lord Wellesly, visited Kasargod in 1800. In his travelogue, he has included information on the political and communal set-up in places like Athiparamba, Kavvai, Nileshwar, Bekkal, Chandragiri and Manjeshwar.
Kasargod was part of the Kumbala Kingdom in which there were 64 Tulu and Malayalam villages. When Vijayanagar empire attacked Kasargod, it was ruled by the Kolathiri king who had Nileswar as his headquarters. It is said that the characters appearing in Theyyam, the ritualistic folk dance of northern Kerala, represent those who had helped king Kolathiri fight against the attack of the Vijayanagar empire.
During the decline of that empire in the 14 century, the administration of this area was vested with the Ikkeri Naikans. They continued to be the rulers till the fall of the Vijayanagar empire in 16th century. Then Vengappa Naik declared independence to Ikkeri. In 1645 Sivappa Naik took the reins and transferred the capital to Bednoor. Thus they came to be known as Bendoor Naiks. Chandragiri fort and Bekkal fort are considered to be part of a chain of forts constructed by Sivappa Naik for the defense of the kingdom.
In 1763 Hyder Ali of Mysore conquered Bednoor and his intention was to capture entire Kerala. But when his attempt to conquer Thalassery Fort was foiled,
Hyder Ali returned to Mysore and died there in 1782. His son, Tippu Sulthan, continued the attack and conquered Malabar. As per the Sreerangapattanam treaty of 1792, Tippu surrendered Malabar except Tulunadu (Canara) to the British.
The British got Canara only after the death of Tippu Sulthan in 1799. Kasargod was part of Bekal taluk in the South Canara district of Bombay presidency. Kasargod taluk came into being when Bekal taluk was included in the Madras presidency on April 16, 1882. Though Vengayil Kunhiraman Nayanar moved a resolution in 1913 on the floor of Madras Governors Council demanding the merger of Kasargod taluk with the Malabar district, it had to be withdrawn because of the stiff opposition of the members from Karnataka. In 1927,a political convention held at Kozhikode, passed a resolution stressing the above demand.
In the same year, an organisation titled Malayalee Seva Sangham was constituted. Thanks to the efforts made by many eminent persons like K.P.Keshva Menon, Kasaragod became part of Kerala following the reorganisation of states and formation of Kerala in November 1,1956.
Rivers
There are 12 rivers in this district. The longest is Chandragiri (105 km) originating from Pattimala in Coorg and embraces the sea at Thalangara.
The river assumes its name Chandragiri from the name of the place of its source Chandragupta Vasti; where the great Maurya emperor Chandragupta, is believed to have spent his last days as a sage. The second longest river is Kariankod (64 km), across which a dam is being built at Kakkadavu. Shiriya (61 km), Uppala (50 km), Mogral (34 km), Chitari (25 km), Nileswar (47 km), Kavayi (23 km), Manjeswar (16 km), Kumbala (11 km), Bekkal (11 km) and Kalanad (8 km) are the other rivers. These rivers provide ample irrigation facilities.
Agriculture
Agriculture forms the mainstay of the population of the district. The soil in the three natural divisions generally fall under three types. In the highland region it is laterite. In the midland, the soil is a red ferruginous loam of lateritic origin with an admixture of clay and sand. The coastal strip is sandy. Diversity of crops and heterogeneity in cultivation are the key notes of agriculture here.
The eastern tract comprises of forests and hilly areas. The forests comprise of a variety of timber with teak and other plantations. The hilly areas are mostly cleared and put to private cultivation; the important crops being rubber, cashew and ginger. In the skeletal plateau areas, cashew trees are cultivated, while in some patches, arecanut, pepper and cocoa are grown. In the coastal tract, paddy, coconut, arecanut, cashew, tobacco, vegetables and tapioca are cultivated.
The cultural centre of this district was once, the seat of Nileshwar Rajas, who are the patrons of art and culture for centuries. Nileshwaram Palace today functions as the folklore centre of the Archeological Department of the state. In and around, this cultural centre are several Kavus (shrines) where nature, god and man commence in serene silence. Major among them is the Mannampurathu Kavu where the grand annual festival of the region takes place. There is also a famous yoga centre in this place which offers rejuvenation therapy and naturopathy treatments like herbal baths, mud baths etc. for which this centre has been flourishing for decades. Valiyaparamba
30 kms from Bekal, this is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with a cute little island, four rivers and dotted with a cute little island, Valiyaparamba is fest turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruisesThe swimming pool like formation of the sea water is the main attraction of this beach. It is situated 3 kms from Manjeswaram
Pandiyam Kallu - where a rock is protruding in the sea, about 2kms. Trikkanda Temple is an ideal spot for adventurous swimmers. The legend has it that a ship of one of the Pandiya king, which attacked the Trikkannadu Temple, was converted into a rock.
30 kms north of Konnakkad and 30 kms north east of Kanhangad, is Kottancherry, which is a forest area and is ideal for trekking.
Situated 780m above sea level, Ranipuram, which is also, known as Madathumala, is famous for its trekking trails and varied vegetarian, which includes evergreen Shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands. Its beauty and bounty of nature is comparable to Ootty. 
The 300 years old Bakel Fort is the largest and best-preserved fort in Kerala, which is 16kms south of Kasargod on the national highway. This imposing circular structure of laterite, rising 130 feet above sea level, stands on a 35-acre headland that runs into the Arabian Sea. The beautiful Bakel beach with the historically and archeologically significant Bakel fort in the background is now being developed into an International Tourist destination.Built in the 17th century by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore, the Chandragiri Fort is situated on the River Chandragiri, south east of Kasargod. This fort is one among the chain of forts built by the same ruler, which offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea. It is a lovely point to watch the sunset.
Verramala
Verramala hills have the ruin of a Dutch fort, built in the 18th century, which has beautiful scenery around it. This makes the place into a lovely picnic spot
Pilgrim centres
Madhur Srimad Anantheswara Temple
The famous Madhur Srinad Anantheswara Temple is situated at Madhur, 8 kms north east of Kasargod. The imposing structure of the temple, with its turrets and gables and the copper plate roofing, rises majestically against the beautiful landscape of hills, paddy fields and gardens with the river Madhuvahini flowing leisurely in front of it. The Madhur temple is a Siva temple with Srimad Anantheswara as its presiding deity. The Sivalingam of the temple is said to have been found by a harijan woman, Madharu, a special festival associated with the Madhur Temple is the Moodappaseva. The ceiling of the Namakshara Mandapam of the Madhur Temple has been decorated with beautiful figures of puranic heroes in woodcarving.
Ajanur Madiyan Kulam Temple
The famous Madiyan Kulam temple is situated in the Ajanur village, situated at a distance of about 5kms from Kanhangad, the head quarters of Hosdurg taluk. The main deity of the temple is Bhadrakali; but there are also other deities like Kshetrapalan, Bhagavathi and Bhairavan. A peculiarity of this temple is that a Brahmin priest performs pooja only in the noon, while a sect called Maniyanis performs the morning and evening poojas.
Adoor Temple
This temple is situated at a distance of 45 kms, east of Kasaragod town. The Adoor Temple is renowned for its ancient Siva Temple , believed to have been founded by Arjuna. The temple, which is known as Sri Mahalingeswara temple, is situated in picturesque surroundings on the southern bank of the river Payaswini. The Makara Samkramam is a very important festival day in the temple.
Mallikarjuna Temple
Lies in the heart of town near taluk office, Mallikarjuna Temple is one among the most important and oldest temples in Kasargod, devoted to Lord Shiva known by the name Mallikarjuna. Legend says that the idol of Lord Shiva in the temples was adorned by Arjuna. The annual five day long temple festival falls in the Malayalam month Meenam (March/ April) attracts huge crowds. During the festival days several cultural programmes are performed in the temple courtyard . The main highlight is the yakshagana which is performed on the concluding evening and the show goes on till daybreak. Payasam ( a sweet dish cooked with rice and jaggery) is the main offering here.
Kizhur Sastha Temple
Kizhur Sastha Temple is an ancient temple located near the Chandragiri fort which is about 6kms away from Kasargod town. The temple is renowned for its annual festival called Pattu Utsavam held in the month of November. Live performance of professional singers are conducted as a part of the festival to praise the greatness of the deity.
Ananthapura Lake Temple
Situated at Kumbla, 12kms north east of Kasargod, Ananthapura Lake temple is the only lake temple in Kerala. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Ananthapadmanabha), this 9th century temple is considered to be the original abode ( Moolasthanam) of Vishnu and the idol of the deity is in sitting posture. The temple is positioned in the middle of a picturesque Ananthapura lake and its sanctum sanctorum can be reached by a foot-bridge built across the lake. The outer walls of the sanctorum have beautiful mural paintings depicting scenes from the vedas. On the north eastern corner of the lake there is a large cave with a small pit that holds water perennially.
Madiyam Kovilakam (Koolam) Temple, Ajanur
Situated at Ajanur at a distance of 5kms from Kanhangad, the Madiyam Kovilakam temple is the abode of Goddess Bhadrakali. Apart from the main deity, the temple contains other deities like Kshetrapalan, Bhagavathi and Bhairavan. This ancient temple has intricate wood carvings on Palazhimadhanam, Sitaswayamvaram and Dakshayagam. Here, the morning and the evening pooja's (worship) are held by a sect called Maniyanis while the noon poojas are performed by Brahmin priests.
The temple festivals namely 'Kalasam' and 'Pattulsavam' are celebrated respectively in the months of Edavam (May/ June) and Dhanu (December/ January). Among the two festivals, the nine day long pattutsavam is the most important. The major attraction of these festival is the Theyyam performance. Various cultural and religious programmes, grant procession, fire works displays are also held as a part of the festival.
Madhur Anantheswara Vinayaka Temple
The imposing structure of Madhur Ananteshwara Vinayaka Temple locally called Madhur Temple on the banks of Madhuvahini river is a Shiva temple with Ananteshwara as its presiding deity. Located 8kms north east of Kasargod, it is the most renowned one among the four temples built by the Mypadi kings of Kumbla around the 10th century. The temple was renovated in the 15th century and was built in a distinctive style in a three storied oval structure adorned with copper plate roofing. The unique architectural style make this temple different from other shrines which is noted for its archaeological value.
Though devoted to Lord Shiva, equal importance is given to the deity of Maha Ganapathi (Vinayaka). The idols of Shiva and Vinayaka are installed in mukhamandapam and sukasanas. The Shivalingam of the temple is said to be founded by a harijan woman, Madharu. The ceilings of the namaskara mandapam (praying hall) are exquisitely carved, depicting scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata and the interior as well as the outside facade of the second and third storey of the main building are profuse with beautiful wood carvings.
The annual festival is celebrated for 7 days in the month of March/ April. During the festival, the presiding deity is taken out on a grand procession accompanied with folk dance and music. A special festival named Moodappa Seva is also celebrated here which is held once in many years and records says during the last 40 years, this festival has been held only thrice. During this festival, the giant figure of Ganapathi is covered with appam (a delicacy made of ghee and rice). The sacred thirtham (water) of the temple pond is said to possess spiritual power to cure all diseases.
Trikkanad Sree Thrayambakeshwara Temple
Devoted to Lord Shiva, Trikkanad temple popularly known as Dhakshina Kashi is located on the shores of Arabian sea, about 1km from Bekal. It is one of the most important Shiva temple and the only one in the district which faces to the west. It is the sacred place blessed by the presence of great sages and swamis. The temple is known for its various customs and rituals performed for the well - being of the souls of the dead. On the new moon days, thousands of devotees flock to this temple to pay homage to their forefathers (pithrutharpanam) with idols made from gold and silver. They perform rituals and take a dip in the sea.
The annual temple festival that lasts for one week is held in the month of March- April. The festival starts with the Kodiyettam (flag hoisting). The festival celebrations include performances of Theyyam and Thitambu Nritham, a ritual art form of North Kerala more than 700 years old. It is mainly performed by Namboothiris of this part of Kerala. Ashtami Villakku and Pallivetta are the two rituals associated with the festival. Pallivetta or the hunting expedition of the Lord takes place on the last day of the festival. This hunt is symbolic of the destruction of Kama (desire), Krodha (anger) and other such evils that plague us in our life. Thousand of devotees from all over the district attend the festival.
It is a unique temple where unlike in other temples, Shiveli is done thrice a day. (Shiveli is a ritual in which its believed that Lord Himself comes out of the temple to see whether His Boothaganams are satisfied with the Pooja offered;). Another interesting aspect is that this is one of those very rare temples with its face to the west.
The tourist spot named Pandian Kallu is just 2kms away from this temple.
Sree Gopala Krishna Temple
One of the oldest temple in Kerala with Santhanagopalakrishna as the presiding deity, the famous Sree Gopalakrishna temple lies at a distance of 12kms north of Kasargod in Kumbla. Believed to be 400 years old, this temple has been built in honour of Lord Krishna who had destroyed the demon Kamsha to the relief of mankind. The temple belongs to Bhakta family and the idol of the deity is seen holding a baby in the hands as if to be handed over to the devotee. Apart from the main deity, the temple also houses deities of Benne Krishna, Kalingamardana, Hanuman, Garuda and Mahaganapati.
The annual temple festival which last for 7 days is held during the month of January and this colourful event is attended by thousands of devotees from across the country. The major attraction of the festival is the folk opera Yakshagana, held during the festival nights.
Bela Church (Our Lady of Sorrow Church)
Bela Church also known as Our Lady of Dolours (Sorrows) Church under the Mangalore Diocese is the oldest church in the district, located 11km from Kumbla on the Kumbla-Badiadka road and 15kms north of Kasargod. Originally, it was a small thatched church built at Kudrepady by the migrated Konkani Catholics and for better convenience it was shifted to the present location. Dedicated to Mother of Dolours, this Roman Catholic Church in Gothic style of Architecture was established in 1890AD. The miraculous statue of the Mother of Sorrows was lifted to this church from Kudrepady with great solemnity. The church was later renovated in the year 2001. The annual perunal (festival) of the church is celebrated in the month of December.
Daily mass of the church is held at 8.00 a.m. and the Sunday mass is at 10.00 a.m.
Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque
The Juma Masjid of Kasargod, Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque is located in the heart of the town at Thalangara, 2kms away. Built in typical Kerala style of architecture, it is one of the most attractive and well-maintained mosques in the district which is believed to have been founded by Malik Ibn Dinar. Dinar was a missionary from Arabia who is credited with propagating Islam to the shores of Malabar. Of the 10 mosques built in Kasargod by Dinar and his followers, only this mosque survives today. The original mosque was a small structure with a thatched roof and later his followers constructed it as an elaborate structure. The mortal remains of Malik Dinar can be seen inside the mosque and some of the descendents of the prophet are also buried here.
The festival of Urs (Uroos), commemorating the death anniversary of Ibn Dinar is held here, once every three years with great pomp and gaiety. On this occasion, thousands of devotees throng the premise of the mosque to pay homage to their revered saint. Religious speeches are held and food and clothes are distributed among the pilgrims.
Nellikkunnu Mosque
Also known as Nellikkunnu Muhayuddin Juma Masjid, Nellikkunnu Mosque renowned for its Uroos in the name of Thangal Uppappa is about 2kms away from the Kasargod town. Mohammed Haneef Valiyullahi Thangal Uppappa, an Auliya (sahib) from the same place is said to possess lot of supernatural powers and during the urs pilgrims gather at his memorial tomb to pay their respect. Celebrated once in two years, usually in the month of January/February, this nercha celebration lasts for seven to eleven days. Religious speeches by scholars are conducted as a part of the festival.
Cheruvathur Kota Palli
Cheruvathur Kota Palli is a little Muslim shrine located within the ruined Dutch fort in the veeramala hills at Cheruvathur, 10kms from Nileshwaram. It was built in memory of an Arab sage belonged to the time of Malik Ibn Dinar. His masonry tomb is housed inside the kotapalli and devotees flock here with the belief that one's wishes will be fulfilled by praying here.
How to reach
By Air
Mangalore is the nearest airport from Kasargod located at a distance of 50 kilometers. The next closest airport would be at Cochin, which is almost 400 kilometers away from Kasargod.
By Rail
The city of Kasargod has a railway station and there are many trains that ply from this place to other parts of the country.
By Roadways
Kasargod has a wide network of roads that connect it with the rest of Kerala and in a way, the whole of India. You can always hire private buses and cabs to reach this place by road.
Hotels
Hotel City Tower Resorts Pvt. Ltd.
M.G. Road, Kasarkod-671211, Kerala, India.
Tariff Range: Rs. 215-1400.
Couvery Lodge
Behind Municipal Bus Stand, Kasarkod
Tariff Range: Rs. 65-500. Reserve Now
citytwrkskd@hotelskerala.com Reserve Now
couverykskd@hotelskerala.com
Hotel City Palace
North Kottachery, Kanhangad, Kasarkod
Tariff Range: Rs. 100-425.
Fort Land Tourist Home
Main Road, Uduma, Kasarkod,Kerala, India.
Tariff Range: Rs. 75-400. Reserve Now Reserve Now
Eeyam Boarding & Lodging
Palakunnu, Bekal P.O., Kasarkod-671318, Kerala, India.
Tariff Range: Rs. 55-400.
New Happy Tourist Home
Highway Jn., Nileshwar, Kasarkod-671314, Kerala, India.
Tariff Range: Rs. 70-385.
Welwisher Boarding & Lodging
Anangoor, Kasarkod-671123, Kerala, India.
Tariff Range: Rs. 50-350.
National Tourist Home
Oberle Complex, Badiadaka Road, Kumbala, Kasarkod-671321, Kerala, India.
Tariff Range: Rs. 75-200.
Sa-Adiya Lodge
Fir Douse Bazaar, Kasarkod, Kerala, India.
Tariff Range: Rs. 35-200
Fort Palace Tourist Home
Bekal Fort, Kottakunnu, Arlikktta, Pallikkara, Kasarkod-671316, Kerala, India.
Tariff Range: Rs. 75-100.
Ceeyel Tourist Home
Old Bus Stand, Kasarkod, Kerala, India.
Tariff Range: Rs. 50-90.
Palika Bhavan
Bank Road, Kasarkod-, Kerala, India.
Tariff Range: Rs. 50-80
Happy Tourist Home
Near Railway Station, Nileshwar, Kasarkod, Kerala, India.
Tariff Range: Rs. 35-80.
Hotel Ashoka Boarding & Lodging
Hasangady, Manjeswaram, Kasarkod-671323, Kerala, India.
Tariff Range: Rs. 50-70.
Sunil Lodge
Anangoor, Kasarkod-671123, Kerala, India.
Tariff Range: Rs. 50-70
Sri Durga Complex
Mallam, Kasarkod-671542, Kerala, India.
Tariff Range: Rs. 25-50
Elite Tower Hotel
M.G. Road, P.B. No. 30, Kasarkod-671121, Kerala, India.
Elite Tourist Home
Kanhangad, Kassarkod-670315, Kerala, India.
Fort Vihar Hotel Complex
Hosdurg, Kanhangad, Kasarkod-671315, Kerala, India
Enay Tourist Home
M.G. Road, P.B. No. 34, Kasarkod-671121, Kerala, India
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