Kasaragod District is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala, India. Kasaragod became part of Kannur district following the reorganisation of states and formation of Kerala in November 1, 1956.

An ancient port town, this is the northernmost Distric on the coastline of Kerala and is also one among the 14 districts of the state. Kasaragod is famous for coir and handloom industries apart from the scenic beauty, forests and beaches.

The city is settled on the banks of the Payaswini River which is why it ahs fertile land which is perfect for growing crops due to the abundance of silt here. The very popular art forms of this region are the Theyyam, Yakshagana, Kolkali, Poorakkali and others.

Top 5 Places to visit in Kasaragod

1. Bekal – Fort, beach and Water Park

Bekal is the prime tourist spot of Kasaragod, thanks to the fort, beach and stunning views.

The pride of the place is the fort, which is built over a headland that runs into the sea. Archaeologically speaking, it is a 300 year old key-hole shaped structure, built with defensive strategy in mind.  It is the largest fort in Kerala, well preserved and nowadays managed by Archeological Survey, the Department of the Government of India, who is in charge of ancient structures.

The beach runs by the side of the fort. If you are looking to spend time on the beach, the beach strip of Bekal – Pallikkare is just a starting point. Further afield, there are more fine beaches.

Another place to spend some time playing in water is Bekal Hole Aqua Park. If you are on a North Kerala tour and looking for water parks, there are not many around. There is Vismaya in Kannur, near Parassinikkadavu temple. Then there is Bekal Hole Aqua Park, and that is all there is.

Bekal is 10 kms south of Kasaragod town. Kanhangad, the other regional town, is 14 kms from the fort.

It may take tow or three hours just to walk around. Summer days are hot and sunny. So make sure you have sunscreens, hats, sunnies etc. Noon time can be really hot, so better to schedule your visit to the late afternoon.

Some years ago, Government started developing Bekal as a major tourist area. Since then lot of development has happened, thankfully not adding scars to the pristine environment.

In line with those developments, several hotels and resorts have sprung up. If you are looking for a decent place to stay, there are places such as Vivantha by Taj, Laith Spa and Resort and Holiday Inn. Home stays are also available. Make sure to read reviews before you book.

2. Ranipuram hill station

Ranipuram has landscapes similar to Kottancherry. The jungle that continues to Karnataka is rich in wildlife. Elephant, leopard, boar, types of deer, civet cat, rare squirrels, different species of monkeys and a rich population of other animals, birds and butterflies are found here.

Government is looking at the prospect of declaring Ranipuram forest as a wildlike sanctuary. The Karnataka part of the same forest is already a protected reserve – Thalakavery wild life sanctuary.

Ranipuram is a group of hills near the small town of Pananthady. The distance from Kasaragod town is about 85 kms. Kanhangad is about 48 kms from here.

If you are relying on public transport, you will have to reach Pananthady first. Hop on a bus to Panathady from Kasaragod or Kanhangad. From Pananthady, jeeps service regularly to Ranipuram.

3. Kottancheri  hills

Are you feeling that it is time to swap the plains for the cooler hills?

Kottancheri (kottanchery), the chill out hill, has some forests, grass lands and plantations. You could walk along the slopes with the goal of watching some wildlife. Birds and butterflies are easy find. Deer and boar can be seen in some areas. There is also the prospect of elephant and other wildlife sightings since Kottancheri is an extension of the animal rich Ranipuram forests.

Overnight stay is not possible and that makes Kottanchery a picnic or day tour destination.

Kottanchery is a part of Konnakkad, which is about 66 kms from Kasargod town and 48 kms from Kanhangad.

4. Chandragiri fort

Just 3 kms south of Kasaragod, the fort is easy to reach. The fort was built in the 17th century. Similar to Bekal fort, it is also a defensive bastion built by laterite bricks.

The fort is built on a hillock near Chandragiri River bank. The river curves in front of the fort, only to meet the sea soon after. Yes, the sight is pretty from the top.

Chandragiri boat ride is another to do list item. The boat club offers rides to tourists. Chandragiri Bridge is the starting point of the rides.

5. Madhur Temple

Madhur temple is one of the most important places of worship in Kasaragod district.

Regarded high for spiritual powers, the temple has two deities. The principal deity is Srimad Anantheswara (Lord Siva). So it is called Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka temple.

However, the more potent deity here is Ganapathy (Ganesh).

Poojas (worship rituals) are performed thrice daily – at 8:00 A.M, 12:30 P.M and 8:00 P.M.

Located by the side of a small river, Madhuvahini, the temple is attractive for its distinct architectural style. On a side view, the three tiered dome appears elliptical. The tiled lower roof blends well with the upper roofs, which are made of copper.

The inner walls of the temple have paintings from Ramayana, the ancient epic of India. Please bear in mind that this is a place of worship and entry inside the temple is restricted to Hindus only. Visitors are permitted in areas other than the sanctum.

Madhur temple, 8 kms from Kasaragod town, can be reached by car in about 20 minutes.

Source of Details and Images – Internet