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Kasaragod

Lying in the northern tip of Kerala bounded by the Western ghats in the east and Arabian sea in the west, twelve rivers flowing across its terrain, Kasaragod is an enchanting beauty of Nature's creations. They called this area Harkwillia. Kasaragod (also spelled Kasargod or Kasargode) is the northern-most district in the state of Kerala, south India. It is one among the 14 districts in the state of Kerala and was formed on 24 May 1984. It is 19.41% urbanised.

 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 Governor's 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, Kasargod became part of Kerala following the reorganisation of states and formation of Kerala in November 1,1956.

RESERVE FORESTS

Adoor, Eleri, Karudukka, Maloth, Parappa, Panathady and Muliyar are some of the reserve forests in the district. These forest area have different types of medicinal plants and shrubs.

MANGROVE FORESTS ("Kandal kadukal")

Once the river-sea joining lands were abundant with these forests. But now they are seen only in Chittari, Manjeshwar, Mogral, Uppala, Shiriya rivers.
 

Places of Tourist importance in Kasargod

Bekal
The Bekal Fort (16 km south of Kasaragod on the national highway): 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. Buses are available every 10 minutes from Kanhangad to Bekal and Kasaragod to Bekal via Chandragiri bridge - Kanhangad state highway.

Pallikere Beach (1 km from Bekal Fort): This shallow beach offers a spectacular view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation.

Bekal Hole Aqua Park (1 km from Bekal Fort): The only one of its kind in northern Kerala, this unique Aqua Park provides water sport facilities like pedalboats and water cycles.

The Bekal Tourism Project: 130 acres of pristine land with all the attractions including backwaters, beaches, hill stations etc. is being developed into what will be Asia's finest Resort.

Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC) was set up by the Government of Kerala to develop Bekal as a tourist destination. BRDC focusses on planned, environment friendly and geographically viable methods of development. The company concentrates on setting up comprehensive tourism infrastructure, at the same time ensuring that the development is beneficial to the local community.

Ananthapura Lake Temple (30 km from Bekal): This 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala and is the moolasthanam (original abode) of Anandapadmanabha, the deity of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Thiruvananthapuram.

Kappil Beach (6 km from Bekal Fort): Remote and secluded, this beach is fast becoming a major tourist attraction. The Kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

Anandasram (15 km from Bekal): This internationally renowned spiritual centre founded by Swami Ramdas in 1939, offers a quiet, peaceful ambience best suited for meditation and spiritual studies.

Valiyaparamba (30 km from Bekal): This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.

Manjeswaram: A number of temples and fifteen mosques make this cashew growing town a prominent pilgrim centre.

Jain Temples: There are two old Jain Bastis at Bengara Manjeswar on the southern bank of the Manjeswar River.

Churches: About 11 km from Kumbla on the Kumbla -Badiadka road is the Mother Dolorus Church of Bela. The hundred year old Roman Catholic church is built in the Gothic style. The Our Lady of Sorrows Church constructed in 1890, is the oldest in the district.

The memorial of the late Govinda Pai, the grand patriarch of Kannada literature, is also located at Manjeswaram.

Kanwatheertha Beach ( 3 km from Manjeswaram): A large swimming pool-like formation of the sea on the vast beach is the main attraction.

Kanhangad/Hosdurg Fort: This is renowned for its chain of forts built by Somashekara Nayak of Ikkeri dynasty and also for the Nithyanandashram, an internationally recognised spiritual centre.

Sree Mahalingeswara Temple, Adoor (45 km from Kasaragod): Located in wooded surroundings on the southern banks of the River Payaswini, this ancient Siva Temple contains a Sanskrit inscription in Kannada script which has been ascribed to the Western Chalukya King Kirthivarman II (745 - 755 AD).

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 Veeramala Hills. Cheruvathur is also a fascinating picnic spot.

Kottancherry (30 km north east of Kanhangad): This place bears great resemblance to the scenic beauty of Kodaikanal. The rain forests near Konnakkad is ideal for trekking.

Chandragiri: Situated on the Chandragiri River, southeast of Kasaragod town, this town is known for its large 17th century fort built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore. The Chandragiri Fort, one of a chain of forts built by the same ruler, offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea. It is a vantage point to watch the sunset.

There is a mosque nearby. The ancient Kizhur State Temple at Chandragiri celebrates the annual festival called Pattu Utsavam.

Chandragiri Cruises: Boat trips to nearby islands and palm groves. Boarding point: Chandragiri bridge.

Ranipuram (85 km from Kasaragod town): Situated 750 m 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. Wild elephants can be seen wandering on the top of the mountains. Jeep services to Ranipuram are readily available from Panathady, which is linked to Kanhangad by frequent bus services. Accommodation: DTPC cottages.

Trikkaripur: The old seat of the Thazhekattu Mana, Trikkaripur is the hometown of T S Thirumumb, poet and freedom fighter, and Guru Chandu Panikkar, the famous Kathakali artist.

Madhur Temple (8 km north of Kasaragod town): The Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka Temple, with its rich architecture and copper plate roofing, rises majestically against the beautiful landscape of the Madhuvahini River.

Edneer Mutt (10 km north east of Kasaragod): The Mutt of Edneer renowned as a seat of art and learning belongs to the Sankaracharya tradition.

Possadigumpe (18 km east of Mangalpady in Dharmathadka): This is an ideal picnic spot, located on a hillock 1060 ft. above sea level.

Tulur Vanam (4 km east of Panathur): Also known as Kekulom (the eastern place). 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.

Central Plantation Crops & Research Institute (CPCRI): The Institute was established in 1970 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, which has its headquarters in Kudlu, 5 km north of Kasaragod. The CPCRI serves as a national forum for improving the genetic potential of plantation crops, to conduct basic and applied research on various aspects of these crops, to produce genetically superior planting materials for coconut, arecanut, spices and cashewnut.

Pandiyan Kallu: A rock rising in the sea about 2 km from the Trikkannad Temple, Pandiyan Kallu is an ideal spot for adventurous swimmers. Legend has it that the ship of one of the Pandiya Kings who attacked the Trikkannad Temple was converted into a rock.

Malik Deenar Mosque: Kasaragod acquired over the years considerable importance as a centre of Islam on the west coast. The historic Malik Deener Juma Masjid built in the typical Kerala style is believed to have been founded by Malik Ibin Dinar. The Juma Masjid, which is one of the best kept and most attractive in the district is located at Thalankara.

Madiyankulam Durga Temple: This Bhadrakali Temple at Kanhangad in Hosdurg is famed for its Bhutha dance (pootham) performed in connection with the annual festivals in May/June & December/January.

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.

Pattutsavam, Madiyan Kovilakam, Kanhangad: Nine day annual festival in January. Highlights: Cultural performances, religious rites, grand elephant processions Chaliyaporattu festival, Chuliyar Bhagavathy Temple, Aniyal Theru (3 km from Kanhangad): Annual festival in March named after the popular folk art of the name, prevalent in North Kerala. Palakunnu Bharani: The event is marked by processions and brilliant fire works. (First week of March) Nileswar Poorakali: Folk dance of men performed at the Nagacherry Bhagavathy Temple (last week of March to first week of April) Utsavam at Pishakarikavu Temple (March) Pooram at Arakkal Temple (March/April) Annual festivals at Lokanarkavu Temple (March/April, November/December) Theyyam: Performed in houses, tharavads and shrines (October) Kanathur Theyyam Kaliyattom (last week of December every year) Kalom Kanipu Utsavom, Palakunnu: Women's procession with earthen pots which are later displayed at the local temple Yakshagana: Professional agency - Kottoor Karthikeya Kalakendra, Kottoor PO, Muliyar, Kasaragod

Art forms

Theyyam : The oldest ritualistic temple art form in India and one of the most spectacular in terms of artistry and symbolism. Theyyam literally means a form or shape, which is usually the representation of a divine or heroic character from mythology. The Bekal Resorts Development Corporation - An Information Centre at the Bekal Fort provides an annual Theyyam Calendar.

Yakshagana: This classical art form of Karnataka is very common in Kasaragod. Two variations of this performing art are Bayalattu and Bommayattu. Kannada Parthy Subba, the father of Yakshagana belongs to Kumbla in Kasaragod.