| Lok Sabha Constituencies in Kasaragod district, Kerala (MP Constituencies) | Kasaragod |
| MLA Assembly Constituencies in Kasaragod district, Kerala | Kanhangad Kasaragod Manjeshwar Trikaripur Udma |
About Kasaragod District :
Lying at the northern tip of Kerala bounded by the Western ghats in the east and Arabian sea in the west; twelve rivers flowing across its terrain, Kasaragod is an enchanting beauty of Nature’s creations.
There are different views on the derivation of the name “KASARAGOD”. One view is that it is the combination of two Sanskrit words kaasaara (which means lake or pond) and kroda (which means a place where treasure is kept). Another view is that it is the place where Kaasaraka trees (Strychnos nux vomica or Kaanjiram or Kaaraskara) are in abundance. Bothe views are relavant as there are large number of rivers, lakes and ponds in the coastal belt of the district besides thick flora consisting of innumerable varieties of trees, shribs etc. particularly plentitude of Kaasaraka trees.
Many Arab travellers, who came to Kerala between 9th and 14th centuries A.D., visited Kasargod as it was then an important trade centre. They called this area Harkwillia. Mr.Barbose, the Portuguese traveller,who visited Kumbla near Kasargod in 1514, had recorded that rice was exported to Male Island whence coir was imported. Dr.Fracis Buccanan, who was the family doctor of Lord Wellesly, visited Kasargod in 1800. In his travelogue, he has included information on the political and communal set-up in places like Athiparamba, Kavvai, Nileshwar, Bekkal, Chandragiri and Manjeshwar
The district is marked off from the adjoining areas outside the State by the Western Ghats which run parallel to the sea and constitute an almost continuous mountain wall on the eastern side. The Ghats dominate the topography. The coastline is fringed with low cliffs alternating with stretches of sand. A few miles to the interior, the scene changes and the sand level rises towards the barrier of the Ghats and transforms into low red laterite hills interspersed with paddy fields and coconut gardens.
The landscape is dominated by the characteristic coconut palms accompanying rolling hills and streams flowing into the sea. The landscape is dotted with tiled-roof buildings, topped with the famous Kasaragod tiles made with the local hard red clay and typically walled with laterite blocks. Older houses are commonly found with elaborate woodwork.
There are 12 rivers in this district.The longest is Chandragiri (105 kms) originating from Pattimala in Coorg and embraces the sea at Thalangara, near Kasargod. The river assumes its name Chandragiri from the name of the place of its source Chandragupta Vasti; where the great Maurya emperor Chandragupta is believed to have spent his last days as a sage.
District at a Glance :
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Tourist Places :
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…
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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