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Kasaragod is the land of different cultures. It is also the land of Yakshagana and Theyyam. This is the youngest district of Kerala. It is also famous for its beach, the architectural marvel of the temples, mosques and churches and folk art forms. The district is famous for the Bekal Fort and Beach. Kasaragod is known as the Land of Gods, it has forts, rivers, beautiful hills and lengthy sandy beaches. The city was formerly called as kanjirakuttom. Kasaragod is also the northernmost municipality of Kerala. The landscape is dominated by the characteristic coconut palms accompanying rolling hills and streams flowing into the sea. The landscape is dotted with tiled-roof buildings, topped with the famous Kasaragod tiles made with the local hard red clay and typically walled with laterite blocks. Older houses are commonly found with elaborate wood-work.

Places to Visit

Bekal Fort

Bekal Fort is situated 16 kms south of Kasaragod town, Kasaragod District. This is a giant keyhole shaped fort and is surrounded by a beautiful beach. There are backwaters and hill destinations and water sport facilities nearby. This historic Bekal fort offers a good view of the Arabian Sea from its tall observation towers. Near to the fort is an old mosque that is said to have been built by the valiant Tipu Sultan of Mysore. The fort was built by the rulers of the ancient Kadampa dynasty and then changed hands to the Kolathiri Rajas, the Vijayanagar empire, Tipu Sultan and finally, the British East India Company. Bekal is also one of the five centres selected by the Government of India to be developed into a 'Special Tourism Area'.

Kappil Beach

Kappil beach is located some 6 kms away near the Bekal Fort in Kasaragod district. This is a secluded and relatively unexplored. Nearby is the Kodi cliff from where you get a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

Chandragiri Fort

Chandragiri fort lies three kms from Kasaragod town.  It has a large square situated high above the Chandragiri river on its southern bank. The fort is 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.  There is a beautiful bridge over the Chandragiri river at Tekkil, five miles from Chandragiri. There is a mosque near the fort and the view of the bridge with the mosque in the background is one of the most attractive sights when you travel from Kannur to Kasaragod.

Malik Deenar Mosque

Kasargod is famous and has acquired considerable importance over the years as a center of Islam on the west coast. This historic mosque, the Malik Deenar Juma Masjid is built in the typical Kerala style and 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 districts is located at Thalankara.

Ananthapura Lake Temple

The Ananthapura lake temple is situated 30 kms from Bekal. This 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala and is the moolasthanam or the original abode of Anandapadmanabha, the deity of Padmanabhaswami Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.

Valiaparamba

Valiaparamba is situated 30 kms from Bekal and is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. The Valiaparamba backwater is fed by four rivers and is dotted with numerous little islands. Valiaparamba is a much favoured backwater resort and offers boat cruises also.

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