Kasaragod
Kasargod, the land of seven languages and several cultures. The name, Kasaragod,
is said to be derived from the word Kusirakood meaning Nuxvomica forests (Kanjirakuttom).
Kasaragod district was formed on May 24. 1984, with the intention of bestowing
maximum attention on the development of backward areas that. With the formation
of the new district, comprising the erstwhile Kasaragod and Hosdurg taluks,
it has become possible to develop this coastal area fruitfully.
The place of harmonious co-existance of Hindu, Muslim, Christian religions.
The district has famous tourist centres, including the international fame BEKAL
FORT & BEACH.
There are also places which can be converted to attract the tourists.
Kasaragod is known as the Land of Gods, Forts, Rivers, Beautiful hills and lengthy
sandy beaches.
PLACES OF INTEREST IN AND AROUND KASARGOD TOWN
» Adoor
45 KMs east of Kasargod town. Famous for its ancient Siva Temple belonged to
have been founded by Arjuna. The place where the Kiratha Yuddham battle between
Arjuna and Lord Siva took place according to legend. The adjascent forest not
frequented by men is considered the abode of Lord Siva and his devine consort.
The stream below the valley is nature bounty.
» Ajanoor
The famous Madiyan Kulom temple is situated in Ajanur village. It is about five
kms. from Kanhangad, the headquarters of Hosdurg taluk. The main deity of the
temple is Bhadrakali; but there are also other deities like Kshetrapalan, Bhagavathi
and Bhairavan. A pecularity of this temple is that a Brahmin priest performs
pooja only in the noon, while the morning and evening poojas are performed by
a sect called Maniyanis. The festivals in the temple fall during the months
of Edavam (May, June) and Dhanu (December, January) and on these days all the
poojas are performed in connection with this festival.
» Anandashram &
Nityanandasramam
These are the two notable asramams in Kanhangad.
Anandashramam, situated about five kms. east of the Kanhangad Railway Station,
was founded in 1939 by Swami Ramadas, a great Vaishnava saint of modern times.
The main asramam and other buildings have a beautiful setting in the midst of
shady mango, coconut and other groves.There is a hill to the east of the asramam,
to which the dovotees retire for quiet meditation and from its west, the surrounding
extensive landscape can be seen in its natural grandeur. The spot at the highest
point of the hill is so fascinating that the devotees, who go up the hill and
sit silently, are blessed with deep peace and transquillity.
The Nityanandasramam, which is situated on the hillock about half a km. south
of the Hosdurg taluk office, was founded by Swami Nityananda. The spot was at
first part of a forest area. Here Swami Nityananda constructed 45 guhas (caves)
in a mountain slope. There is a temple built in 1963, after the style and design
of the famous Somanatha Temple in Gujarat. A full size statue of Swami Nityananda
in sitting posture made of panchaloha is one of the attractions of the asramam.
» Ananthapura Lake
Temple
The only lake temple in Kerala and the Moolasthanam (original seat) of Ananthapadmanabha
Swami (Sri Padmanbha Swami Temple) Thiruvananthapuram. is 5 km. from Kumbla.
Local belief is that Ananthapadmanabha had settled down here originally. The
industrial park of KINFRA is situated here.
» Bekal Fort
The largest and best preserved fort in the State. The alluring scene of the
sea shore and its exhilarating natural scenary and beauty attracts the visitors.
Fast emerging as an International tourist centre.
» Bela Church
Our Lady of Sorrows Church - oldest in the district constructed in 1890 AD.
15 KM north of Kasargod. This Gothic style Roman Catholic church which is uner
the Manglore Diocese, has celebrated its centenary recently and also renovated.
» Bellikoth
Another centre in Ajanoor village renowned as the birth place of Poet P.Kunhiraman
Nair, veteren freedom fighter and playright Vidwan P.Kelu Nair and Rasika siromani
Kanan Nair. A cultural centre of the district.
» Chandragiri Fort
Chandragiri lies three kms. south of Kasargod town. It has a large square situated
high above the Chandragiri river on its southern bank. The fort it said to have
been built in the 17th century by Sivappa Nayak of Bednore, who established
his authority over the area and built a chain of forts. The Chandragiri river,
on the bank of which it rises, marked the traditional boundary between Kerala
and the Tuluva Kingdom. There is a beautiful bridge over the Chandragiri river
at Thekkil, five miles from Chandragiri. A mosque is situated nearby and the
view of the bridge with the mosque in the background is one of the most attractive
sights on a drive along the NH 17 from Kannur to Kasargod. A longest railway
tunnel in Kerala passes through Chandragiri Hills. A boat club has been recently
started here.
» Cheruvathur
The place of illustrious poets and scholars of Kuttamath Kunniyur family. The
Veeramala hills at this place has the ruins of a Dutch fort built in the 18th
centuary, is a picnic spot.
» Edneer Mutt
It is 10 Km. North East of Kasargod. This Mutt belongs to the Sankaracharya
tradition, presently renowned as a seat of art and learning.
» Govinda Pai Memorial
In Manjeswar, is the native place of M.Govinda Pai (1883-1963), one of the greatest
Kannada poets of modern time. He was conferred the title of "Poet Laureat"
by the erstwhile Government of Madras. He is known as Rashtra Kavi Govinda Pai.
» Hosdurg Fort
The fort with its round bastion looks imposing from a distance. Somashekara
Nayak of Ikkeri dynasty built the fort. The place made well known by the Nithyanandasram
with 45 caves.
More Places of Interest
in Kasaragod
Kerala Must See › Alappuzha
› Ernakulam › Idukki
› Kannur › Kasaragod
› Kollam › Kottayam
› Kovalam › Kozhikode
› Malappuram › Palakkad
› Pathanamthitta › Periyar
› Thiruvananthapuram ›
Thrissur › Wayanad
