Places

	IMPORTANT PLACES TO VISIT
	Ajanur Just 5 km away from Kanhangad town known as Madiyam Kovilakam Temple - dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. The ancient temple has intricate wood carvings on Palazhimadhanam, Sitaswayamvaram and Dakshayagam. During the annual nine day festival of 'pattutsavam', various cultural and religious programmes are held.
	Anandashram The hilly terrain around the ashram, with its beautiful fauna and flora around, convenient accommodation and facilities thus help sincere Sadhakas, who throng to the Ashram, to spend their days of Sadhana without any thought of their physical needs during their stay. This internationally renowned spiritual center was founded by Swami Ramdas ((a great Vaishnava saint of modern times) in 1939, offers a quiet, peaceful ambience best suited for meditation and spiritual studies. It is situated in Mavungal which is 5km away from Kanhangad.
	Ananthapura Lake Temple (20km from Kasargod)(20km from Kasargod)): *This 9th century temple is the only Lake temple in Kerala and is the moolasthanam* (original abode) of Anandhapadmanabha, the deity of Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Thiruvananthapuram**		more pictures
	Adoor Temple (45 km from Kasargod) 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).
	Badiadka The name Badiadka *derived from Badi* -** temple *& adka* -** ground. Still you can see the old temple in the ground in Badiadka town. This place is on the top of a small hill and scenery is eye catching. The state highway to Karnataka is passing through the town. Badiadka is the centre point to connect Kumbla, Kasargod, Mulleria-Mercara and Puttur. All the Government Offices, Schools, Hospitals, Banks, Police Station and Telephone Exchanges are located in the town. The Badiadka Arecanut is famous in India for its peculiar taste. Other agriculture products are Cashew, Cocoa and Coconut. Beedi making (various brand) is the living for many families here. The tribal community Koragas living in Badiadka where they have their own colony. Their way of living and work is entirely different from other people and it is the one and only colony for them in the country. Perdala Jaaram is situated on the top of a small hill and the Uroos in every two year is famous in this area. Festival in Perdala temple also famous among other communities. KSRTC and private buses are servicing in all the routes.
	Bekal Fort Bekal is derived from the word Baliakulam meaning Big Palace. The term Baliakulam got corrupted as Bekulam and later Bekal. The largest and the best preserved fort in Kerala is the important place of tourist interest in the district lying 12 kms South of Kasargod town. The beautiful Bekal beach with the historic and archaeologically significant of the Bekal fort in the background, is now being developed into an international tourist destination. You can savor the touch of history as you view the serene Lakshadweep sea from the tall observation towers of the fort, once huge cannon emplacement perched on hill top.

	Bekal Fort is considered to be part of a chain of forts constructed by Sivappa Naik for the defense of the kingdom. Another version says that the fort was captured by Shivappa Naik from the Kolathiri Rajas, who were its owners. Hyder Ali of Mysore Kingdom taken the control of Bekal Fort in 1763. After his death in 1782, Tippu Sultan was successful in taking the Malabar under his Kingdom. An old mosque near the fort is believed to have been built by Tippu Sultan. The British (East India Company) got Canara after the death of Tippu in 1799.		more pictures
	There is a Traveler's Bungalow in the Fort maintained by the PWD. The natural scenery at Bekal is alluring and makes a visit to the place an exhilarating experience. Buses are available in every 10 minutes from Kasargod & Kanhangad to Bekal.
	Mosque The old Mosque, recently renovated, stands just outside the fort. It is believed to have been built by Tippu Sultan of Mysore.
	Anjaneya Temple The temple at the entrance of the fort is dedicated to Anjaneya. Said to be as old as the fort itself, the shrine has been recently renovated and attracts hundreds of devotees from far and near.
	Observation Tower Situated in the middle of the fort, the observation tower is the most visible land mark in the area. The structure, around 80 feet in circumference at the base and more than 30 feet high, affords a magnificient view of the sea to the south, north and west and the green landscape to the east. The tower was a vantage point in the effective defence of the Fort.
	The Sea Bastion Located on the rocky outcrop west of the fort, the bastion is a unique structure which offers a breathtaking view of the sea and beach. Having undergone extensive restoration, it is now a favourite spot with tourists in and out of Kerala.
	Underground Passage It is believed that there were many underground passages leading outside from various parts of the Fort. Two of them are still intact, one leading to the southern face of the fort and the other to the east.
	Seaside Pathway The Seafront of the Fort is best viewed along the pathway, linking the beaches north & south of the battlement. The pathway is a magnificient walk, with the imposing facade of the Fort wall to the east and the shimmering sea to the west. En route are cosy grottos that serve as ideal picnic spots. The seaside pathway has been developed by Bekal Resorts Development Corporation to enhance the Bekal experience.
	The Magazine The ancient magazine used to store weapons and ammunition is presently closed to the public and managed by the Archaeological Survey of India.
	Pallikere Beach (Just one km away from the Fort): This ravishing beach offers a spectacular view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation.
	Bekal Hole Aqua Park (Just one km away from the Fort): The only one of its kind in northern Kerala, this unique Aqua Park provides water sport facilities like paddleboats and water cycles.
	The Bekal Tourism Project: There is a dream project to make it as the Finest Resort in Asia. It is not very far to become an International tourist spot with backwaters, beaches, Aqua Park and Five Star Hotels.
	Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC) was set up by the Government of Kerala to develop Bekal as a tourist destination. BRDC focuses 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.
	Kodi Cliffs : The towering cliffs between the Kappil Beach and the Chandragiri fort are another splendid site for viewing the sun-set. Kappil Beach (Just 6 km away 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.
	Valiyaparamba (Just one km away from the Fort): 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.
	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.
	Trikkannad (1 km from Bekal) This is a Shiva temple on the sea shore. It's very close to Pandiyan Kallu which is a tourist attraction.
	Palakkunnu Bhagavathi Kshetram The annual Bharani festival is popular in this area and thousands of people from other area also gathering here for the festival.It is situated 1km north of Trikkannad on the Kasargod-Kanhangad road.
	Bela Church Our lady of Sorrows Church, oldest in the district and constructed in 1890; 7 kms from Badiadka on the Kumbla - Badiadka Road. The St. Thomas Church at Chittarikkal is another famous one in this area. Narampady Church This church is known as St.John Britto Church and this was established in 1939. The church is on the Badiadka- Mulleria route.
	Chandragiri handragiri 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 and the ancient Kizhur State Temple at Chandragiri, celebrates the annual festival called Pattu Utsavam. There are two bridges over the Chandragiri river in Chemnad & Tekkil. The view from the bridges is very beautiful and not to be missed. Chandragiri Cruises: A cruise in a speed boat down the picturesque Chandragiri river, takes you around evergreen islands and coconut palm groves. The boarding point is conveniently located beside the Chandragiri bridge.


	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.
	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.
	Edneer Mutt Situated on the Kasargod-Badiadka-Puttur road, about 10km north east of Kasargod town. It attracts devotees from all over Kerala, Karnataka and other states. The Mutt of Edneer renowned as a seat of art and learning belongs to the Thotakacharya (one of the four disciples of Sankaracharya) tradition. Vadakke Mutt in Trissur was established by a disciple of Thotakacharya. The swamiji of this Mutt was the founder of Padinjare Mutt in Trichambaram and Edneer Mutt was established by the swamiji of Trichambaram.
	Hosdurg Fort The Hosdurg fort with its round bastions, looks imposing from a distance. Several public offices are located within its premises. There is a famous temple attached to the fort which is known as Karpooreshwara Temple. The fort is a major attraction for tourists. In Kanhangad, there are two churches; one Catholic and the other a Protestant. There are also a number of mosques here.
	Kasargod Town Kasargod Municipal Town is situated on the banks of the Chandragiri River and Arabian Sea. Arecanuts, Copra, Cashewnuts, Rubber and Pepper are the important commodities transported from here. Kasargod Cap is famous and it is the main means of lively hood of a large number of Muslims. It is exporting to many African countries. Being the district headquarters, Kasargod is a fairly developed urban centre. Most of the family members are working or doing business in the Gulf countries. An excellent network of NH and SH connecting Kasargod to major towns in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. The nearest Mangalore Air Port is just 55km away from the town. Hotels are economical and all are scattered inside the town. You can reach to the taxi stand, Bus stand, Railway Station, Internet Cafe, Cinema Theatres and Hospitals very easily! You won't feel you are away when you are at Kasargod as STD Booths are in all the corners! Muslims are majority and Hindus, Christians all are staying in the same area. People are calm and very helpful. Buses are available to all the tourist places and every one will enjoy the touring experience at this historical place. The famous Malik Ibn Deenar Mosque, Nellikkunnu Mosque, Chandragiri Beach are just 2km away from the town. Many other mosques are spread all over the Municipality. The sunset from Thalangara harbor and its sorroundings are very nice to see. Kasargod town has a few important temples. Mallikarjuna temple is the most important and it lies in the heart of the town. Annual festival is in March and it attracts huge crowds. Other important temples are: Venkatramana Temple, Sri Arya Karthyayani Temple and Sri Panduranga Temple. Theruvath Bhagawathi and Kadappuram Sri Kurumba temples are worshipped by particular communities. Just on the eastern side of Pulikkunnu by the Payaswini river, there is a temple belonging to the Thiyya community where thirty nine deities are worshipped. The annual festival called Kaliyattam falls in February/March.		Kasargod Town
			Guest House
			Press Club Junction
			New Bus Stand
	Kanhangad It is the headquarters of the Hosdurg Taluk, 12kms south of Kasargod having the remnant of a large fort built by Somasekhara Nayak of Ikkeri. It is locally called Hosdurg (Hosa=new & durg=fort) and it is after this fort that the Hosdurg taluk derives its name. 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.
	Kollur Mookambika Temple As it is very close to Kasargod, I think it will be interesting to you. The famous Mookambika temple with gold plated crest & copper roof situated in the bank of river Sauparnika is just 135km away from Mangalore city and attracting thousands of devotees from all over India. It is believed that the name Sauparnika is derived from an eagle (Garuda) called Suparna who performed penance on the banks of the river and attained salvation. It is a pleasant experience to take a dip in the holy river and then head for the darshan of the goddess. The main statue in the temple is the Shiva linga called the Jyothirlingam. This Jyotirlingam in front of the image of the Goddess Mookambika is of great antiquity. A golden line divides this lingam into two unequal parts and is visible only in the light of reflected sunlight pointed at the lingam. The right portion of this lingam is said to represent Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva - as the conscious static principles and the larger left part Lakshmi, Saraswathi and Parvathi - the creative energy principles. It is a belief that the three goddess Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Parvathi and the three lords Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara emerged out of it. The great religious leader Adi Sankara is said to be installed the metal image of the Goddess behind the lingam and believe that he composed the classic work Soundarya Lahiri here. Arasina Makki (Waterfall) and Kutachadri (famous among mountaineers and trekkers) are very close to the temple and nice to see.
	Kottancheri Hills This rain forest near Panathur is a beautiful picnic centre which is also ideal for trekking. "Talakkaveri" in the Brahmagiri mountains of Coorg is quite near Kottancheri Hills. This place bears great resemblance to the scenic beauty of Kodaikanal.
	Kottapuram The place derived its name from the mud fort built by the Nileshwar Rajas and later annexed by the Bednore Nayakas in the 18th century. A Mosque and a Hindu shrine stand close by as a symbol of communal harmony.
	Kudlu It was at Kudlu in the suburbs of Kasaragod; where the famous eight day discourse between Madhwacharya, the great Dwaita philosopher and Trivikarama Pandit, the famous Adwaita scholar, took place. The discourse held in the presence of king Jayasimba of Kumbla, ended in the victory of Madhavacharya and the acceptance of the Dwaita philosophy by Trivikarama Pandit.
	Kumbla Kumbla is just 13 km north of Kasargod town was the seat of the Rajahs of Kumbla Kingdom who ruled the present Kasargod Taluk. It was under Tippu Sultan and later ruled by the English East India Company. The "Father of Yakshagana", Parthishubha was born in Kumbla in the 18th Century. Sree Gopala Krishna Temple It is situated in the heart of the town at the foot of an elevated hill which rises majestically in front of it, with Kumbla river flanking it on the left. The festival in this temple is very popular in this area and commence with the Dhwajaarohanam on the Makara Sankramana day.
	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. The Madhur temple is a Siva temple with Srimad Anantheswara as its presiding deity. The Sivalingam of the temple is said to have been founded by a harijan woman Madharu. A Special festival associated with the Madhur Temple is the Moodappaseva. The large figure of Maha Ganapathi is covered with appam.
	Maipady Palace The palace is about 8km from Kasargod town and 3km from Madhur. Once upon a time It was the seat of Rajahs of Kumbla.
	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 Thalangara on the side of Arabian Sea. It contains the grave of Malik lbn Mohammad, one of the descendants of Malik lbn Dinar and the place is sacred to Muslims. An important local celebration takes place every year in commemoration of the arrival of Malik lbn Dinar. The Uroos attract pilgrims from all over India. Another notable mosque, in Kasaragod is the Theruvath Mosque which is in the centre of the town
	Manjeswaram It lies in the northern most extremity of Kerala and is a place of historical and religious importance. A number of temples and fifteen mosques make this cashew growing town a prominent pilgrim centre. The southern portion of the town stands on a plain and the northern portion on a steep bank which overhangs the river.
	Govinda Pai Memorial Manjeshwar is renowned as the native place of M.Govinda Pai (1883-1963), one of the greatest Kannada poets of modern times. He has enriched Kannada literature and poetry. He was conferred the title of "poet laureat" by the erstwhile Government of Madras. He was also a nationalist, historian, dramatist and linguistic. His residence in Manjeswar is maintained as a memorial and the Government of Kerala has established a first grade college dedicated to his memory.
	Jain Temples: There are two old Jain Bastis at Bengara Manjeswar on the southern bank of Manjeswar River.
	Kanwatheertha Beach ( 3 km from Manjeswaram): A large swimming pool-like formation of the sea on the vast beach is the main attraction
	Anantheswar Temple: This temple is more famous than Manjeswar itself!. Pilgrims from all over India is visiting this place and is more popular in Goa, Karnataka and Kanyakumari. The annual festival is on the sixth Lunar Day of the bright half of the Margashira month, usually between the third week of November and third week of December. This festival is also known as Shashti Festival.
	Nellikkunnu Mosque The mosque is popular because of the Uroos in the name of Thangal Uppappa whose grave is in the mosque. It is believed that he was an Auliya from the same place and had lot of miracles. It is just 2km away from the town.
	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. Major among them in Mannampurathu Kavu where the grand final of the annual temple festival of the region takes place .Yoga and Cultural Centre which offers rejuvenation therapy and naturopathy treatments like mud and herbal baths. KAVYA MADHAVAN (actress) hail from this place.
	Nityananda Asramam The internationally recognised spiritual centre, Nityanandasramam 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 the 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 Somnatha Temple in Gujarat. A full size statue of Swami Nityananda in sitting posture made of panchaloha is one of the attractions of the asramam.
	Possadigumpe ((18 km east of Mangalpady in Dharmathadka) This is an ideal picnic spot, located on a hillock 1060 ft. above sea level. On top of it, one can see the Arabian Sea and vast areca gardens of Kasargod extending up to Mangalore city and Kudremukh.
	Ranipuram ((85 km from Kasaragod town & 9km from Panathur) Situated 780 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.
	Tulur Vanam ((4 km east of Panathur) Also known as Kekulom (the eastern place). Thulur vanam is 4km east of Panathur. 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.
	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.
	Ullal Darga The Ullal darga and Uroos fair is attracting thousands of people from all over India irrespective of religion and also known as Ajmer Darga of South. Darga is just 10km away from Mangalore city and 40km from Kasargod town. It is believed that about 400 years ago, Sayyid Muhammed Shareeful Madani came to Mangalore from Saudi Arabia, reaching the shores of Ullal by floating on a piece of cloth. He camped in a small mosque at Melangadi in Ullal village where he led a simple life showering his love on the poor and solving their problems and treating them through prayers. Many miracles have been credited to this saint and to this day, people from all communities come to Ullal mosque to seek his blessings A tomb was raised over the Saint’s grave after his death and the miracles continued. The Sayyid Madani Dargah observes Uroos once in five years and managed by a registered Trust which runs an Arabic College, a Technical Education Institute, a charitable hospital etc.
	Festivals 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) 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 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. Puppet Show: Prof. Srinath, Sirikannada Press, Opp. SBT, Kasaragod. 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. An Information Centre at the Bekal Fort provides an annual Theyyam Calendar. Kanathur Theyyam Kaliyattom (last week of December every year) is famous in this area.		Theyyam Theyyam Yakshagana

Ajanur