KASARAGOD - LAND OF FESTIVALS

KASARAGOD

Kasaragod District   LAND OF FESTIVALS is one of the 14 districts in the state of Kerala, India. Kasaragod became part of Kannur district, Kerala following the reorganisation of states and formation of Kerala in November 1, 1956. Kasaragod was declared as a district on 24 May 1984. Now Kasaragod is the northernmost and also the last (14th) district in the State; comprising Kasaragod, Manjeswar, Vellarikundu and Hosdurg taluks.
Kasaragod is world-renowned for its coir and hand-loom industries. It is a region where three 'dream-lands' Kerala, Tulunadu and Coorg meet. The district has a coastline of around 29.3 kilometers and a very vast midland. It also consists of high mountain ranges like the Ranipuram-Kottencheri belt. The district is filled with rivers, hillocks, beaches, shrines and forts. Kasaragod District is unique for its linguistic culture is also known as "Sapthabhasha Sangamabhoomi" as seven major languages are spoken here.
Kasaragod has also been fatally affected by indiscriminate use of the pesticide Endosulphan. Its a challenge of this district

Kasaragod was known to the Arabs by the name Harkwillia. Many Arab travelers who visited Kerala between the 9th and the 14th centuries visited Kasaragod, which was an important trade centre then. Duarte Borbosa, the Portuguese traveler who visited Kumbla, near Kasaragod in 1514, recorded rice being exported for coir to Maldives
Kasaragod was part of the kumbala Kingdom in which there were 64 Tulu and Malayalam villages.When the Vijayanagara empire attacked Kasaragod, it was still under the Kolathiri Raja who had Nileshwaram as one of his capitals. During the decline of the Vijayanagara empire, the administration of this area was vested with Ikkeri Nayakas. At the onset of collapse of the Vijayanagara empire, Venkappa Nayaka declared independence to Ikkery. Kumbla, Chandragiri and Bekal are considered to be the chain of forts constructed or renovated by Shivappa Nayaka.
Francis Buccanan, the family doctor of Arthur Wellesley, visited Kasargod in 1800.In his travelogue, he recorded information on places like Athiraparambu, Kavvai, Nileshwaram, Bekal, Chandragiri and Manjeshwaram In 1763, Hyder Ali conquered Bedanoor (Bidnur), the capital of the Ikkery Naiks. His son Tippu Sultan conquered much of Malabar. As per the Sreerangapattanam Treaty of 1792, Tippu surrendered Malabar, except Tulunadu (Canara) to the British. The British got Tulunadu only after the death of Tippu Sultan. it is said that Kinavoor Molom (Sree Dharma Shashtha Temple)is belonging to Karinthalam (one among 64 Brahmin Villages in old Kerala.

Bekal Fort – Kotta – in Kasargod

The place is only a few meters from the main highway NH 66 (Edappally – Panvel Highway which was earlier NH 17). So it is easily accessible. Kasargod town is at a distance of about 16 kilometers to the North, and Kanjangad towards the south is about 11 kilometers.


This huge fort have a long history; it has seen the rise and fall of several rulers and kingdoms. It is said to have existed from the time of Kolathiri, that is, around 12th Century AD.  Some sources say that the fort had been rebuilt in the 17th century by Shivappa Nayaka, a ruler of Bednore.
Later Tipu Sultan of Mysore invaded the fort and it came under his hands. After the death of Tipu Sultan, the British got hold of it.
In historic times, most of the dynasties used to build forts, to watch the enemies and to protect the kingdom. It was also used as a center of administration.

In Malayalam – the language spoken in Kerala – fort is known as Kotta. So it is Bekal Kotta for us.
The fort is huge in size. There are several watch tower like constructions inside it which offer a great view of the nearby places. Pallikkara beach and town can also be viewed from here There are beautiful gardens inside the fort. Visitors are allowed till around 5 pm, after getting an entry pass at the gate. There is also a small temple near the entry.
I went there once and that was in February 2015, the same day after visiting Muzhappilangad Beach. Spending evening time in the fort is relaxing. Since it is coastal area, there is always a light breeze. Plus the gigantic field of view makes it a great experience.

KOTTAPURAM

Kottappuram or Kasargod district, north Kerala, India, is a backwater destination, which is also known as "Valiyaparamba backwaters". Kottappuram is situated 40 km south of Kasaragod, a town in Hosdurg taluk

Kottappuram is known for attractions which draw large amounts of visitors,which include meandering rivers and tranquil beaches. The bridge across the river roughly marks its northern boundary. The rivers, Tejaswini and Nileswar, meet a short distance away before spilling jointly into the sea at Taikadappuram. The nearest beach is at Thaikandapuram. A small fishing is located close to the estuary.

Local roads have access to NH.66 which connects to Mangalore in the north and Calicut in the south. The nearest railway station is Cheruvathur on Mangalore-Palakkad line. There are airports at Mangalore and Calicut

THALAKAVERI

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Talakaveri is the Birth Place of Kaveri River. Located in the Brahmagiri hill near Bhagamandala, which is one of the 7 sacred rivers of Sapta Sindhus of the Hindu scriptures. It�s around 1,276 m above sea level. Talakaveri is about 8 km away from Bhagamandala and 48 km from Madikeri. However, there is not a permanent visible flow from this place to the main river course except during the rainy season.
The temple here is dedicated to Lord Agastheeswara, which denotes the link between Kavery and Sage Agasthya. It is also marked by a small temple, and the area is frequented by pilgrims. There are 2 temples, a Shiva temple and with a rare and ancient Shiva Linga, and another temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. This temple has a holy Ashwantha tree where, according to legend, the Trimurtis - Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh gave darshan to sage Agasthya. Kaveri River originates as a spring feeding the tank called the holy Kundike , which is considered to be a holy place to bathe on special days. The waters are then said to flow underground to emerge as the river some distance away. The temple has been renovated extensively by the state government recently. [Click on the HQ gallery to view Talakaveri images exclusive for Paradisecoorg visitors.]
On Tulasankramana day (the first day of Makara Masa [ Hindu calendar] , which normally falls in mid October thousands of pilgrims flock to the river's birthplace to witness the rise of the fountainhead, when water gushes up from the spring at a predetermined moment. The Tula snanam (Sacred bath in the Tula month) is observed across pilgrim towns in Kaveri's banks. Legends also has it that every year on Tulasankramana day Goddess Parvathi appears in the Kundike as the sacred Theerthodbhava. Also from Talakaveri, steps lead up to the nearby Brahmagri peak, The Sapta Maharishis are said to have performed a special yagna.. Tourists can enjoy a good view of the misty blue Brahmagiri hills .

The legend goes that, the Kaveri river was held in a Kamandalu (a container of sacred water) by Sage Agasthya. Vinaayaka (Lord Ganesha) took the form of a crow and perched on the kamandalu of Agasthya when Agasthya was meditating. When Agasthya realised this, he shooed away the crow. But the Divine Crow tipped the kamandalu and toppled it. Out poured Kaveri which started flowing. The crow disappeared and in its place stood a small boy. Agasthya thought that the boy was playing some prank and clenching both his fists, went to pound the head of the small boy. But the boy escaped and Agasthya gave chase. Finally the boy vanished and Lord Ganesha showed Himself to Agasthya. Agasthya was aghast at the realisation that he had just tried to knock the head of Ganesha Himself. As atonement, he knocked his own head with both of his clenched fists.The link between Kaveri and Ganesha also extends to Srirangam as well, in Lord Ganesha's role in setting up the Ranganatha temple there.The temple at Tirumukkudal Narasipura (confluence of Kabini (aka Kapila river, Kaveri and invisible Spatika Sarovara (Crystal Lake)) is also dedicated to Lord Agastheeswara.

Ranipuram

Ranipuram  is a hill station located within Kasargod district of Kerala state [Panathady Panchayat, Vellarikundu Taluk], south India.
Ranipuram lies 750 m (2,460 ft) above sea level adjacent to Kottancheri-Talacavery mountain range.
It was Maadathumala in the earlier days which was later became famous with the name Ranipuram.
The trekking spot starts from the Tourist home at the valley where you can opt two routes. The way gives you the raw picture of untouched forest and scenic beauty from the peak.
This village is connected to Karnataka state through Panathur. There is a 20 k.m. road from Panathur to Sullia in Karnataka from where Bangalore and Mysore can be easilly accessed. Locations in Kerala can be accessed by driving towards the western side . The nearest railway station is Kanhangad railway station on Mangalore-Palakkad line. There are airports at Mangalore and Calicut.

Ananthapuram Temple

Sri Ananthapadmanabha Swamy Temple is Vibrant with the spiritual power of Lord Mahavishnu is located near the northern end of Kerala, in Ananthapura near Kumbla in Kasaragod District. The temple is known as the moolasthanam, the original source, of the Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala State, which is in the far...

Ananthapuram Lake

The only lake temple in Kerala, Ananthapura lake temple is a Hindu temple that was founded way back in the 9th century. Located around 30 km from Bekal, it is the Moolasthanam or the original abode of Ananda Padmanabha, the deity of Sree Padmanabha Swami Temple, Thiruvananthapuram. It is believed that this was the original site where the Lord settled himself down. The temple has that idol of Sree Padmanabha or Lord Vishnu where he is seated on the serpent god, Adisesha.
A 150-yr old crocodile, Babia at the temple lake (302 feet) is a prime attraction. The locals believe that the crocodile is the guard of the temple. The temple complex is spread in an area of around 2 acres. The complex also has a cave on the right-hand side of the lake. It is believed it was through this cave that Lord Ananda Padmanabha walked all the way to Thiruvananthapuram.
Timings: 5:30 pm – 12:30 pm (morning) and 17:30 pm – 19:30 pm (evening)
Nearest railway station: Kasaragod railway station (14 km)
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport (222 km)

VEERAMALA

Veeramala is a hill in Cherukole Panchayat, of Pathanumthitta District, Kerala, India. Veeramala Immanuel Mar Thoma Sunday School celebrated its Centenary.
There is another Veeramala Hills which is a small mountain in the Kasargode district of Kerala state, in southern India. It is located in Cheruvathur. There is a hilltop with ruins of a Dutch fort built in the 18th century. A picnic spot from where the natural beauty of the Kariangode River and its surroundings can be enjoyed

KAYYUR

Kayyur, the cradle of agrarian revolution in Kerala, is located in Kasargod District. Situated on the banks of the Kariangode River(The great 'THEJESWANI'), the village is famous for the Kayyur Revolt. The farmers and workers of this village conducted a historic fight against feudalism and British imperialism. The revolt took an ugly turn during its course and a police constable was killed. Four brave lads were hanged in connection with this incident on March 29, 1943. The place is located near Cheruvathur. Cheruvathur Railway Station is the nearest railhead.

KALARI

SO FAR WE HAVE GONE THROUGH THE SOME OF MOSTLY BEUTIFUL PLACES OF GODS OWN COUNTRY HOPE YOU ALL ENJOYED IN READING AND UNDERSTANDING THE PLACE , SO WHILE WHEN U MAKE A VISIT DONT MISS THESE MIND BLOWING PLACES OF KERALA, THAT WILL BE REALLY REFRESHING MOMENTS FOR U , SO PLEASE STAY TUNED .....HERE THE REMAINING MIND BLASTERS COMING FOR U ALL.........THANK YOUUUU.....


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