ABOUT Lying at the northern tip of Kerala bounded by the Western ghats in the east and Arabian sea

in the west with twelve rivers flowing across its terrain, Kasaragod is a district of the enchanting beauty of Nature's creations. The name is derived from the word Kusirakood meaning Nuxvomica forests (Kanjirakuttom). Kasaragod was famous from time immemorial and Arab travellers who came to Kerala in 9th and 14th centuries had visited Kasaragod. The Bekal fort, about 11 Kms from the main town itself, is of great historical and archaeological interest, and is the largest and best preserved of its kind in the district. Historically, Kasaragod has been a part of the Tuluva kingdom, then passed on to the Chirakkal Rajas, before the Vijaynagar Empire annexed it. During the decline of the Vijayanagara Empire, the administration of this area vested with Ikkery Naiks in fact, Shivappa Naik constructed a chain of forts including the famous Bekal fort. Later, Hyder Ali conquered it before the British finally did. The landscape is dominated by the characteristic coconut palms accompanying rolling hills and streams flowing into the sea, 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 wood-work. Kasargod Municipal Town is situated on the banks of the Chandragiri River and Arabian Sea. Being the district headquarters, Kasargod is a fairly developed urban as well as commercial centre. Arecanuts, Copra, Cashewnuts, Rubber and Pepper are the important commodities transported from here. The place is about 50 kms from Mangalore & 380 Kms from Bangalore. SIGHTSEEING HIGHLIGHTS Kasargod town has quite a few places to visit. The famous Malik Ibn Deenar Mosque, Nellikkunnu Mosque, Chandragiri Beach are just 2km away from the town. The Mallikarjuna temple is an important temple lying in the heart of the town. But of course, the most famous tourist spot is the Bekal Fort, a few kilometres from the town. Besides this there are numerous other temples quite close by, with some very interesting histories. Other tourist attractions are the Chandragiri Fort, Anandashramam, Valiyaparamba backwaters and Kareem forest park - the only man made forest in Kerala. Finally, the sunset from Thalangara harbour and its surroundings are a spectacular sight to wind up ones trip here. OTHER ACTIVITIES

Festivals There are many festivals throughout the year including the 9 day Pattutsavam in January and the Palakunnu Bharani, which is marked by processions and brilliant fire-works during the first week of March. Arts / Theatre 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, which is usually the representation of a divine being or heroic character from mythology. The Kanathur Theyyam Kaliyattom, during the last week of December every year, is famous. Quick Facts State District Kerela Kasargod

Coordinates Official language(s)

12.5 N 75.0 E Malayalam, Tulu, and Kannada

Kasargod Climate / WeatherAverage temperatures 23- 31C Best time to visit Getting There Nearest Airport Mangalore Airport 70 Kms August to March

Nearest Train StationsKasargod Railway Station Main Road Highways NH17 Tourist information offices District Tourism Promotion Council, Near Civil Station, Kannur - Tel: 091 - 497 - 2506336, 2700190 Tourist Reception Centre (DTPC) Tel: 091 - 477 - 2251796