|
Kasaragod is about 20 km north of Bekal and 47 km south of Mangalore. There is a small 17th century fort nearby at Chandragiri built by Shivappa
Nayaka.
Places To Visit
Bekal
The Bekal Fort : The 300 year old Bekal Fort is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala. This imposing circular structure of laterites rise 130 ft. above sea level and stands on a 35 acer headland that runs into the Arabian Sea.
The Sri Gopalkrishna Yakshagana Bombeyata Sangha performance troupe is based in Kasaragod. With one week's notice they'll arrange a
performance of their puppetry art, Yakshagana, for groups of five or more.
Kappil Beach (6 km from Bekal Fort)
Remote and secluded, this beach is fast becoming a major tourism attraction. The Kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.
Anandasram (15 km from Bekal) This
internationally renowned spritual center founded by Swami Ramdas in 1939, offers a quiet, peaceful
ambience best suited for meditation and spritual studies.
Ananthapura Lake Temple (30 km from Bekal) This 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala and is the
moolsathanam (original adobe) of Anandapadmanabha, the deity of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple,
Thriuvananthapuram.
Valiyaramba (30 km from Bekal) 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.
Chandragiri Situated on the Chandragiri River, south east of Kasaragod town, this town is known foe its large 17th century fort built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore. The Chandragiri Fort, one of a chain of forts built by the same rulers, offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea. It is advantage point to watch the sunset.
There is a mosque nearby. The
ancient Kizhur State Temple at Chandargiri celebrates annual festival called
Pattu Utsavan.
Manjeswaram A number of temple and fifteen mosque make this cashew growing town a prominent pilgrim center.
Sree Mahalingeswara Temple, Adoor (45 km from Kasaragod) Located in wooded surroundings on the southern banks of the River Payaswini, this ancient Shiva temple contains a Sanskrit inscription in Kannada script which has been ascribed to the Western Chalukya King Kirthivarman II.
Cheruvathur This is the home of the illustrious poets and scholars of Kuttamath. The runs of a Dutch Fort built in the 18 th century can be found in the Veeramala Hills. Cheruvathur is also a fascinating picnic spot.
Ranipuram (85 km from Kasaragod town) Situated 750 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 forest of Karnataka. Ranipuram in its natural beauty is comparable to
Ooty.
Centeral Plantations Crops & Research Institute The Institute was established in 1970 by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research and 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 crop, to produce genetically superior planting materials for coconut, spices and
cashew nut.
Pandiyan Kallu A rock rising in the area in the sea about 2 km from the
Trikkannad temple, Pandiyan Kallu is an ideal spot for adventurous swimmers. Legend
is that the ship of one one of the Pandiya Kings who attacked the Trikkannad temple was converted in to a rock.
Malik Deenar Mosque Kasaragod acquired over the years considerable importance as a center 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
Thalankara.
Nileswaram The cultural center of the district, this was the seat of the Nileswar Rajas. The Nileswaram Palace today functions as the folklore center of the Dept. of Archaeology. The town is also famous for its numerous Kavus, temple festivals and the Kavil
Bhawan Yoga and Cultural Center which offers rejuvenation therapy and naturopathy treatments like mud and herbal baths.
Sri Niwas Veg restaurants serves very good food.
|