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Monuments
The
forts in Kasaragod have been a great attraction not just for
historians but for tourists and nature-lovers as well.
Besides being glorious testimonies to an eventful past,
these forts are an adornment for the extremely scenic
landscape.
The
Bekal Fort (16
km south of Kasaragod on the national highway):
On a vast 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabian sea
stands the Bekal Fort, an imposing circular structure of
laterite rising 130 ft. above sea level. More than 300 years
old, the Fort has a chequered history, making it an
interesting excavation site. Owing to its historic
importance, the Fort is now under the control of the
Archaeological Survey of India. The Bekal Fort is the
largest and best preserved of its kind in Kerala.
At
the Bekal Fort
Anjaneya
Temple:
The temple at the entrance of the fort is dedicated to Sree
Hanuman. Said to be as old as the fort itself, the shrine
was recently renovated and attracts hundreds of devotees
from far and near.
Mosque:
The old mosque, newly renovated, stands just outside the
fort. It is believed to have been built by Tippu Sultan of
Mysore.
Observation
Tower:
Situated in the middle of the fort, the observation tower is
the most visible landmark in the area. The structure, around
80 ft. in circumference at the base and more than 30 ft.
high, commands a magnificent view of the sea to the south,
north and west, and the green landscape to the east. The
observation tower was a vantage point in the effective
defines of the fort.
The
Sea Bastion:
Located on the rocky outcrop west of the fort, the bastion
is a unique structure, which offers a breathtaking view of
the sea and beach. Having undergone extensive restoration,
it is now a favourite spot with tourists.
Underground
Passages:
It is believed that there were many underground passages
leading outside from various parts of the fort. Two of them
are still intact, one leading to the southern face of the
fort and the other to the moat on the east.
Seaside
Pathway:
The seafront of the fort is best viewed along the pathway,
linking the beaches at the north and south of the
battlement. The pathway is a magnificent walk, with the
imposing facade of the fort wall to the east and the
shimmering sea to the west. En route are cosy grottos that
serve as ideal picnic spots. The seaside pathway has been
developed by Bekal Resorts Development Corporation to
enhance the Bekal experience.
The
Magazine:
The ancient magazine used to store weapons and ammunition is
presently closed to the public and managed by the
Archaeological Survey of India.
2)
Kanhangad/Hosdurg Fort:
Another glorious testimony to the eventful history of
Kasaragod. A chain of forts can be explored here.
3)
Chandragiri Fort:
17th Century Fort situated on the Chandragiri
River, southeast of Kasaragod town. The fort commands a
breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea and is an
ideal place to watch the sun set.
Temples
Kasaragod
is also a land of religious harmony. Numerous temples,
mosques and churches dot the landscape. All of them together
display a wealth of architectural heritage.
Anandasram
(15
km from Bekal):
This internationally renowned spiritual centre offers a
quiet, peaceful ambience best suited for meditation and
spiritual studies.
Ananthapuram
Lake Temple
(30 km from Bekal): This 9th century monument is
the
only lake temple in Kerala and is dedicated to Sree
Padmanabha and are considered to be the moolasthanam of Lord
Sree Padmanabha
Manjeswaram:
Two Jain Bastis, the Mother Dolorus Church of Bela, the Our
Lady of Sorrows Church, several temples and fifteen mosques
make this cashew-growing town a prominent pilgrim centre.
Madiyankulam
Durga Temple:
This Bhadrakali Temple at Kanhangad in Hosdurg is famed for
its Bhutha dance (a ritualistic dance performed by artists believed to be possessed by
the deity) performed in May/June & December/January.
Sree
Mahalingeswara Temple,
Adoor (45 km from
Kasaragod): Located
on the southern banks of the River Payaswini, this ancient
Siva Temple contains a Sanskrit inscription in Kannada
script which has been ascribed to the Western Chalukya King
Kirthivarman II (745 - 755 AD).
Cheruvathur:
This
is the home of the illustrious poets and scholars of
Kuttamath. Cheruvathur is also a fascinating picnic spot.
Madhur
Temple (8
km north of Kasaragod town):
The Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka Temple, with its rich
architecture and copper plate roofing, rises majestically
against the beautiful landscape of the Madhuvahini River.
Tulur
Vanam (4
km east of Panathur):
Also known as Kekulom (the
eastern place), the temple here is consecrated to Kshetrapalan
and Bhagavathi.
The eight-day annual festival attracts large crowds from all
over the district.
Nileswaram:
The cultural centre of the district, this was the seat of
the Nileswar Rajas. The Nileswaram Palace today functions as
the folklore centre of the Department of Archaeology. The
town is also famous for its numerous kavus
(shrines), temple festivals and the Kavil Bhavan Yoga and
Cultural Centre which offers rejuvenation therapy and
naturopathy treatments like mud and herbal baths.
Malik
Deenar Mosque:
Kasaragod acquired over the years considerable importance as
a centre of Islam on the west coast. The historic Malik
Dinar 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.
Edneer
Mutt (10
km north east of Kasaragod):
The Mutt of Edneer renowned as a seat of art and learning
belongs to the followers of Sankaracharya, the 8th
century philosopher.
Others
Central
Plantation Crops & Research Institute (CPCRI):
The Institute was established in 1970 by the Indian Council
of Agricultural 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 crops, to produce genetically superior
planting materials for coconut, arecanut, spices and
cashewnut.
The
area to the north of Kasaragod also have two industries
namely KEL and Astral watches. There are also plywood and
other wood industries.
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