Kasargod Tourisam

TOURISM IN KASARGOD        Kasargod, the land of seven languages and several cultures. The place of harmonious coexistence 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. visit to these places evoke enthralling moments to the visitors.

PLACES OF MAJOR ATTRACTION AND IMPORTANCE

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 adjacent forest not frequented by men is considered the abode of Lord Siva and his divine 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 peculiarity 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 devotees 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 tranquility. 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 scenery and beauty attracts the visitors. Fast emerging as an International tourist centre.  More details.. . 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 under 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, veteran 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 century, 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 Laureate" 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. KAMMATAM KAVU   An evergreen forest of about 50-60 acres with a perenial stream is a centre of worship connected with Kammadam Bhagavathi Temple. KANJAN JUNGA  16 KMs east of Kasargod is an artist village, established by Artist P.S.Pununchithaya, the renowned artist of the west coast. KANWATHEERTHA BEACH RESORT  3 Km. north of Manjeshwar, has a large swimming pool lake, and a beach of 4 Km. length. The swimming pool is formed by sea water in the neat vast beach is one of the gifts of nature. KARIANGODE RIVER   Running through the hills and dales of Hosdurg Taluk. Immorlised as Tejaswini by great novelist Niranjana laps on its shore. The famous village of Kayyur - the cradle of agrarian revolutions where the farmers and farm workers staged a historic battle against feudalism and the British imperialism. KASARGOD TOWN   The Municipal town is situated on the bank of river Chandragiri. The confluence of several languages and culture where eight languages are spoken. The splendor of Kasaragod Saree comparable to that of Kanjeepuram is a cynosure of the market.  Kasargod is the emporium of cash crops like Areacanut and Coconut.   Malik-Deenar Juma Masjid, Malika Arjuna temple and Dolors Church are worshiping places of historical importance. Pulikkunnu, one of the seats of the assembly of gods where 39 Theyyams are presented for the annual festivals. Other features - Important business centre; 31 metre above sea level. KOTTANCHERI HILLS   The rain forest near Konnakkad 30 KM north- east of Kanhangad. Beautiful picnic centre and ideal for trekking. Thalakkaveri in the Brahmagiri mountain of Coorg is near this hills. Reflection of genetic beauty of Kodaikkanal. KOTTAPPURAM  Mud fort build by the Nileshwar Rajas and later annexed by Bednore Nayaks in the 18th century. A Juma masjid and a Hindu shrine stand close by. KUDLU  Kasargod suburb - 4Km. towards north, where famous eight day discourse between Madhavacharya, the great Dwaita Philosopher and Trivikrama Pandit, the famous Adwaita Scholar took place, in the presence of King Jayasimha of Kumbla ended in the victory of Madhavacharya and the acceptance of Dwaita philosophy by Trivikrama Pandit. The 75 year old CPCRI - the premier plantation crop research institute is located here. KUMBALA  13 Km. north of Kasargod. The ancient seat of Rajas of Kumbala. The town stands on a bold peninsula in a lagoon seperated from the sea by a sand spit and connected to it by a narrow channel. Parthi Subbha, father of Yakshagana was born here in the 18th century. Famous Gopalakrishna temple situated here. MADHUR  8 KMs north east of Kasargod. Famous Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka temple is situated here. The rich architecture, imposing structure of the temple, with its turrests and gables and the copper plate roofing rises majestically against the beautiful land scape of hills paddy fields and gardens with the river Madhuvahini flowing leisurely in front of it. The Madhur Temple is a Siva temple with Srimad Anantheswara as its presiding deity. But importance is given to the deity Maha Ganapathi. The Sivalingam of the temple is said to have been found by a harijan woman, Madharu. The special festival of the temple is Moodappa Seva, which is covering the large figure of Maha Ganapathi with appam made of ghee and rice. The festival is conducted only periodically in view of the huge expenditure involved. It was celebrated in April 1962, after a lapse of about 160 years, and recently in April 1992. Namaskara Mandapam of the temple has been decorated with beautiful figures of puranic heroes in wood. A closer examination of the wood carvings would disclose the various episodes of the Ramayana, beginning with the Seethga Swayamvaram. The Mantapam in the interior of the temple building as well as the outside facade of  the  second and third storey of the main building are also profuse with attractive and exquisite wood carvings. It is said that the temple was attacked by Tippu Sultan of Mysore during his invasion and he felt thirsty and drunk the water from the temple well, which changed his mind and left the temple without damaging it. There is a mask on the temple which is said to be made by Tippu with his sword. MALIK DINAR MOSQUE  Over the years, Kasargod acquired the considerable importance as a centre of  Islam on the west coast. It is the site of one of the mosques believed to have been founded by Malik Ibn Dinar. The mosque, Juma Masjid, which is one of the best kept and most attractive in the district, is located at Thalangara.  It contains the grave of Malik Ibn Mohammed, one of the descendants of Malik Ibn Dinar and the place is sacred to  Muslims.   Another notable mosque, in Kasaragod is the Theruvath Mosque which is in the centre of the town.  An important local celebration takes place every year in commemoration of the arrival of Malik Ibn Dinar.  The Uroos attract pilgrims from all over India. MAIPADY PALACE  Eight Km. east of Kasargod on the Kasargod-Perla road. There are ancient palaces of Kumbala Rajas. MALLIKARJUNA TEMPLE  Situated in the heart of the Kasargod town is one of the famous temple in Kasargod district. The temple festival and yakshagana are most attractive. MANJESWAR  Lies in the northern most extremity of Kerala and a place of historical and religious importance. For a long time it was the seat of a flourishing community Gowda Saraswatha or Konkini Brahmins. Famous for the two old Jaina Bastis at Bangra Manjeswar. Manjula Kshethra Mahathmya a legend which deals with the history of this place. The birth place of Rashtra Kavi Govinda Pai. NELLIKUNNU MOSQUE  Famous for Uroos, this mosque attracts thousands. Very near to Kasargod town. The Nercha celebration, during the second half of November, lasts for one week. NILESHWAR  Abbreviated form of Nilakanta Iswar. Formerly seat of Nileshwar Rajas who belonged to the Kolathiri family. The place witnessed the battle between Bednore Nayaks and Nileshwar Rajas. The cultural centre of the District. In and around there are several Kavus where nature, God and man commune serene silence. Major among them is Mannan purathu Kavu, where the grand finale of the annual temple festival of the region takes place. Porattu of Anjoottambalam Veerarkavu draws large crowds. Porattu is the satrical representation of everyday life presented in pageantry during the Poram. PERNE  Out of the 28 Muchilottu Bhagavathi temples, Perne in the northern most and the only one north of Chandragiri seema situated in the vicinity of Ananthapuram. The mass marriage at the time of Pooram festival in the month of Meenam is a unique feature of this temple. POSADIGUMPE   An ideal picnic centre and tourist resort located on a hillock 487.68 metres above sea level in Dharmathadka 30 KM north-east of Kasargod. From the hill top one can see the Arabian Sea, Manglore, Kudremukh, etc. POVVAL FORT  An old fashioned fort on the Kasargod-Mulleria route about 10 KMs from Kasargod. RANIPURAM   Formerly known as Madathumala. About 48 KMs east of Kanhangad.  Lying 780 meters above sea level. In beauty and boundary of nature comparable to Ooty. An ideal place for trekking. Tourist cottages are available here. TRIKARIPUR  The old seat of Thazekkattu mana famous for T.S.Thirumumbu, poet and freedom fighter. Birth place of Guru Chandu Panikkar the famous Kathakali artist. TRIKKANAD & PANDYAN KALLU  A famous temple on the sea shore near the Bekal fort, dedicated to Lord Siva. Also known as Dhakshina Kashi. Pandyan Kallu, a rock rising in the sea about 2 KM from Trikkannad is an ideal place for adventurous swimmers. It has the legend that ship of one of the Pandya King who attacked the Trikkannad temple was converted into a rock by Lord Siva. Palakkunnu Bhagavathi Kshethram, one KM north of Trikkannad is famous for annual Bharani festival, which attracts thousands. TULUR VANAM  Also known as Kekulom (the eastern place). Near Panathur Temple here is consecrated to Kshethrapalan and Bhagavathy. Eight day annual festival attracts large crowd from all over the district as well as from Coorg. VALIYAPARAMBA  5 KMs south west of Cheruvathur separated from the mainland by back waters. One of the main tourist spots of the District. This is an island in the Arabian Sea. An ideal place for picnic also a fishing centre. VEERAMALA HILLS   Situated at Cheruvathur. Hill top with ruins of a Dutch fort built in the 18th century. A picnic spot from where the natural beauty of Kariangode river and surroundings can be enjoyed. Temples in and around Nileshwaram There are many temples situated in and around Nileshwaram. Tali Shiva Temple (Neelakandeswara Temple) Believed to be enshrined by Sree Parasurama, the temple played a role in shaping the history of Nileshwaram. Benkana Kavu The Benkana Kavu is situated in the centre of Nileshwaram. It is the site of the 'kanhiram' tree which attracts thousands of devotees from in and around the Kasaragod district. Devotees from Tulu Nadu to the Valapattanam River give respect to the kavu for its devotional power. The mysterious lamps of the kanhiram tree are lit on Tuesdays and Fridays after 10:00. Devotees believe the prosperity of the neighbouring district is mainly because of the presence of the god in Benkanakav. The Theyyam festival is held at the Bengana kavu every second year. Pallikkara Sree Bhagavathi Temple The Pallikkara Bhagavathi temple is one of the important temple of Nileshwar-Pallikkara.  Arayakkil Sree Veerabhadraswami temple This temple is about 1 km east of Nileshwar Railway station and 1.5 km from the bus stand. The Vaarshikolsavam is conducted every year with thidambunritam on the second Monday of Vrischikam (at the end of November). The devotees come to pray to the Deity, especially on Mondays. In olden days snake-bitten people came to pray and prepare Bhajana for at least twelve days and performed devotions get relief from the poison. This was the only remedy at that time. People who suffer from fits such as rabies would also pray for relief at this temple. This temple is considered[by whom?] as VISHA HAARY. The Bhasma or vibhoothi given from this temple was the medicine. The puja in this temple is prepared by the family members of Arayakkil Perikamana Illom, an ancient family that came from Badiadka 300 years ago. The Naveekarana Kalasam was conducted 9 to 14 February 2003 (1178 Makaram 26 to Kumbham 2nd) by Brahmasree Koramangalam Damodaran Nambudiri. Suvarnavalli Vishnu Temple Suvarnavalli Shri Maha Vishnu Temple, more commonly known as Choornnolli temple, is located in the Suvarnavalli area of Pattena. The main deity here is lord Vishnu. The temple has attracted a lot of worshippers in recent years. The temple well does not dry up, even on the peak summer days of unusually hot years. The temple opens in the morning and evening for Puja. The annual festival of Ulsavam includes Thidambu Nrutham and special pujas. Kadanjathoor Sree Krishna Temple This temple presents the utmost divinity with its large pond. It isonsidered to be the birth place of Sree Krishna. The temple had a rich past before the invasion of Tipu Sultan. The temple is presently in a poor state due to neglect, but devotees expect the revival of the temple, surpassing all other Krishna temples, mainly because of its rich past. Mannanpurathu Kavu (Chathayamangalam Temple) Mannampurathu Kavu, also known as Chadayamangalam Baghavathi Temple, is filled with trees in the centre of the town. The temple's history is related to the notorious Mannan and his assassination by Mannampurath Baghavathi. The temple tells the story of the migration of Nair families to Nileshwar from the South. They invited a non-vegetarian priestly class to do the rituals of the temple. During the Pooram festival a large number of devotees come to the temble and worship the Thidamp and get the blessings of Kavilamma, Eruvattachan and Mailittachan.  Anjootambalam Veerkavu This temple hosts the Movalamkuzhi Chamundi Theyyam, Saliya porat, and Pooram festival. This is the sacred place of the Saliya caste in and around Nileshwaram. Residents of the temple make cotton clothes. Thattacherry Vadayanthoor Kazhakam Temple This temple is situated behind Nileshwar Railway Station in Thattacherry where the goldsmith community lives. Mathsyavatharam, one of the ten avatars of lord Vishnu, is worshiped here. During the Vishukkaliyattam festival in April (Medam), Palott Daivam theyyam is performed. The ornaments and attire of the theyyam are made of gold and silver. Cheerma Kavu Natives worshipp sree Kurumba Bagavathi to cure chicken pox and other communicable diseases. Sree Muthappan Temple Nileshwar An elder member of the Koroth family regularly visited the place now known as the Muthappan temple. He was a famous scholar and got the title Ezhuthachan for his commendable achievement as a teacher. He drank madhu (toddy), the liquor fermented from coconut sap, a kind of intoxicating drink. Before drinking his madhu, he poured a few drops of madhu on a nearby jackfruit tree as an offering for the god Muthappan. He regularly repeated the practice. Several years after the death of the scholar the natives experienced serious troubles and called upon an astrologer for assistance. The astrologer revealed that as a result of the regular practice of giving madhu to the tree, the god Muthappan started residing there. After the death of the scholar, he no longer got madhu, and in a fit of pique, began creating disturbances. Then the natives erected a Muthappan temple there. The Koroth family got the right of koymma (patron) of the temple. The divine jackfruit tree stood in the miidle of the temple since 1993. The growth of the tree demolished the earlier structure. The newly erected temple is situated in the place where the jackfruit tree stood. Shaasta Temple This temple represents Sabarimala, and people who go on pilgrimage to Sabarimala often do rituals here. Like Sabarimala, the temple is located in a dense forest and there is a small stream flowing nearby. Although the temple was consecrated in 2005, an older temple was on the site that had a rich past but fell into neglect over the millennia. This temple has a link with the Saasthamangalam Chathothappan Temple dedicated to Shiva located nearby. Saasthamangalam Chathothappan Temple This temple is dedicated to Chathothappan (Lord Shiva). Although the current temple has only been in existence for about 20 years, the temple has a rich history. The original temple at the site was built 3,000 years ago and the temple fell into disrepair a few times. The temple was destroyed by Tipu Sultan and all traces were gone for the next 200 years. In the recent past, remains of the old temple including vigrahams (idols) were found.  Muchilot Bagavathi Temple Puthukai Muchilot Bagavathi is one of the most popular deities worshipped in northern Kerala. There is a practice for providing food to thousands of devotees in connection with Muchilot Bagavathi. A highly decorative figure of Muchilot Bagavathi attracts devotees and people of esthetic sense. In Cherukunnu and Kannapuram Muchilot Bagavathi Theyyam is performed annually. Other places of worship the Muchilot Bagavathi Theyyam is only performed at intervals ranging from several years to twelve years. At Kayyur, near Nileshwaram, the ceremony was performed in January 2008 after an interval of 47 years. Ramanthali, near Payyanur, also hosted the Muchilot Bagavathi Perumkaliyattam in Januaty 2008. The Perumkaliyattam at Muyyam near Taliparamba was held in December 2007. Cheranathala Sree Vishnumoorthi temple Cheranathala Sree Vishnumoorthi temple is one of the most popular temple in Nileshwar. Kaliyattam (Theyyam kettu) is performed annually.  Important days All Mondays, preferably the first Monday of every month Vaarshika Utsavam: Second Monday of Vrishchikam (end of November) Pradosham: Traayodashi thithi. In the evening a special puja is conducted Praarthana/Nivedyam: Special puja, Rudraabhishekam, Dhaara, Nivedyam, Naipaayasam, Niramaala. [edit] Gallery Loard Veerabhadran of Arayakkil Temple Thidampu Nrutham Utsavam Tourism Near Kanhangad Nithyanand Ashram, a spiritual center frequented by people from various Indian states, is located in Hosdurg and is about 2 km from the Hosdurg bus stand. Hosdurg Fort (half a kilometre south of Kanhangad) is renowned for its chain of forts built by Somashekara Nayak of Keladi Nayaka dynasty of Ikkeri. The Naiks were worshippers of Shiva and followers of Shringeri Sharada Peetam. There is a shiva temple on south west side of the fort. Government offices and quarters have been constructed in this fort and a private English medium school was also constructed within the fort during the 1980s, neglecting the need for preservation of this historic fort. The school is one of the best educational insititute in the town and was used to be run by congregation of Italian Sisters. Beautiful Mosques are located on almost every 3–5 km on coastal roads of the town. A prominent feature that attracts the attention of travelers in Kanhangad town center is a tall minaret, a contribution from the wealthy merchants of the town who are predominantly Muslim[citation needed]. Sufi cultures and traditions also prevailed in the region until early 1970s. Anandashram (5 km from Kanhangad) is an internationally renowned spiritual center founded by Swami Ramdas in 1931. It offers a quiet, peaceful ambiance best suited for meditation and spiritual studies. Alami Palli, located in south kanhangad is also one of the oldest mosques in the town. Arangadi Juma Masjid and Parambath Magham Shareef are also Important Places Guruvanam is a spiritual center, 6 km from Kanhangad via Arai bridge near Monacha. The main attraction is a stream of water flowing from the mouth of a statue of a cow[citation needed]. This is called 'paapa nashini ganga' [source from Ganga]". Bekal Fort is a 300-year old fort, one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala, lies 10 km north of Kanhangad. Its beaches have helped it become the focal point for the development of tourism in north Kerala. The Bekal Fort is the biggest fort in Kerala. The fort is believed to be built by Ikkeri Shivappa Nayaka. A Hanuman temple is located at the entrance of the fort. The construction resembles the Portuguese fort at Kannur St.Angelo's Fort. Manikoth Sree Punnakkal Bhagavathi temple ,where the Perumkaliyattam was conducted in februvary 2010 Adot Vana Durga temple, Bellikoth, where the Sahashrachandika Yaagam was conducted for the prosperity of the people living all over the world. Ranipuram is a hill station which is about 48 km east of Kanhangad on the Panathoor road branching off at Panathady and lies 1016 m above sea level, adjacent to Bhagamandala forest range. A wild life sanctuary has been proposed for this area, combining with reserve forest of Ranipuram and Kottancherry along with reserve forests of Karnataka as Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary.