The Northern most district of Kerala, Kasaragod is world renowned for its coir and handloom industries. Fishing is a prime source of livelihood. Kasaragod is known as the land of gods, forts, rivers, hills & the beautiful beaches.
The fort at Bekal is the largest and best preserved in the state. Kasaragod displays a variety of styles in temple architecture - the unique style of the Madhur Mahaganapathy temple, the typical Kerala style of the Historic malik deenar great juma masjid and so on speak volumes about the rich cultural heritage of the region. Spectacular pageants of Theyyam, Yakshagana, Kumbla (buffalo race), Poorakkali, Kolkali etc. Enchant visitors.

Location:

It is 200 Kms away from Kozhikode.

Access:

Air:Nearest Airport : Mangalore , Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode (200 km).
Rail:On the Kozhikode - Manalore - Mumbai.
Road:An excellent network of roads connects Kasaragod to major towns in Kerala, Karnataka & Tamilnadu.

History:

Kasaragod was part of the Kumbala kingdom in which there were 64 Tulu and Malayalam villages. When Vijayanagar empire attacked Kasaragod, it was ruled by the Kolathiri king who had Nileswar as his headquarters. It is said that the characters appearing in Theyyam, the ritualistic folk dance of northern Kerala, represent those who had helped king Kolathiri fight against the attack of the Vijayanagar empire.

Climate:

The diversity of the physical features results in a corresponding diversity of climate. In the plains, the climate is generally hot. Though the mean maximum temperature is only around 90° F, the heat is oppressive in the moisture laden atmosphere of the plains. Humidity is very high and rises to about 90 per cent during the southwest monsoon. The annual variation of temperature is small; the diurnal range is only about 10° F.

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.
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.
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.

Pattulsavam, Madlyan Kovilakarn, Kanhangad (January)
Highlights:
Cultural performances, religious rites, grand elephant processions o Chaliyaporattu, Chuliyar Bhagavathy Temple, Aniyal
Theru: Festival In March named after the popular folk art of North Kerala
Paiakunnu BharanL\ Marked by processions and brilliant fireworks (fu\i[ ~eek of March)
Nileswar Poorakali: Folk dance performed by men at the Nagacherry Bhagavathy Temple (March/April)
Kanathur Theyyam Kaliyattom (Last week of December)
Kalom Katupa (Utsavom, Palakunnu: Procession of women carrying earthen pots which are later displayed at the temple
Puppet Show : Prof. Srinath, Sirikannada Press, Opp. SBT

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, usually the representation of a divine or heroic character from mythology. Performed in houses, tharawads and shrines during October - May. BRDC- Information Centre at the Bekal Fort provides an annual Theyyam calendar. For Theyyam performance and research contact, Folk Land, International Centre for Folklore and Culture, Elambachhi PO, Tnkkaripur, Kasaragod.
Yakshagana: This classical art form of Karnataka is very common In Kasaragod. Two variations are RayalaUu and Bommayrzttu, Kannada Parthy Subba, the father of Yakshagana belongs to Kumbia in Kasaragod. Professional agency - Kottoor Karthikeya Kalakendra, Kottoor PO, Mullyar.
Poorakkali: Poorakkali is a unique performing art of Northern Kerala. Poorakkali integrates rituals associated with the worship of the God of love, devotional songs, dances dedicated to several deities and an academic contest between heads of Poorakkali troops known as PauLckei\i, on issues ranging from logic and grammar to philosophy.

The Fort: Spread over nearly five acres, the Kasaragod fort is believed to have been built by Sivappa Nayak in the middle of the 17th Century.

Bakal: The beautiful Bakal Beach with Bakal Fort in the background, is of great historical and archaeological interest. Once held by Tipu Sultan the fort was later incorporated into the domain of the English East India Company.
The fine beach and natural scenery around the fort is exchanging. Bakal is also a wonderful health resort. An old mosque nearby is believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan.

Chandragiri: Chandragiri is also a famous for its large square fort on the left bank of the Chandragiri river. A mosque and ancient temple are also located nearby.

Kanhangad: The Hosdurg Fort here, with its round bastions is a major attraction for tourists. Several public offices and the Karpooreswara Temple are located in fort area.

Manjeshwara: The memorial of Govinda Pai, the grand patriarch of Kannada literature is situated here. Manjeshwara also has its share of temples and mosques.

Thommankuthu The place, Thommankuthu, famous for its numerous waterfalls, is situated at a distance of 21 kms from Thodupuzha. As this place is suitable for trekking, adventurous youth are attracted to this place. Meenuliyarmudi (at vannapuram panchayathu), Keezharkuthu (Uumpannoor) and Irukallumud (Velliyammattom) are other famous small tourist centres near Thommankuthu.

Excursions :

Ananthapura lake temple 30 kms from Bekel
Valiyaparamba 30 km from Bekel

Beaches :

The Pallikere Beach: (1 km from Bekal Fort): This enchanting beach offers a spectacular view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation.
The Kappil Beach: (6 km from Beakal 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.
Kanwatheertha Beach: (3 km from Manjeswaram): A large swimming pool like formation of the sea on the vast beach is the main attraction.
Valiyaparamba (Backwater) (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 favored backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.
Chandragiri Cruises (Backwater) Boat trips to nearby islands and palm groves. Boarding point: Chandragiri bridge. Situated on the Chandragiri River, south east 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 vintage point to watch the sunset.