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The
main tourism attractions of Bekal consist of :
-
The
Bekal Fort was constructed around AD 1645
-
A
long and beautiful coastline comprising long stretches
of palm- fringed
beaches
-
Estuaries
and backwaters
-
The
overwhelming greenery of coconut gardens and hill
stations
-
Pleasant
and pristine environs
-
Nearby
areas like the Chandragiri fort, Valiyaparamba
backwaters etc
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Exotic
art forms like Theyyam
-
Lake
Temple
-
Other
attractions of Kasargod district
Kasaragod:
The Essence of Kerala
Fact
File
Area:
1961 sq.km
Population: 1,203,342
Altitude: Sea level
Kasaragod,
the northernmost district of Kerala, is a magical land of
forts, rivers and beaches. Bounded by the Western Ghats on
the east and the Arabian Sea on the west, this land unfurls
a rich diversity of landscapes. Tranquil backwaters, virgin
forests teeming with exotic wildlife, lush hillsides,
plantations...However, what really dominates the varied
tourist attractions here is the magnificent 300 year old
Bekal Fort. Sprawled across a headland that runs into the
Arabian Sea at the main beach, this fort exudes an old world
charm that is spellbinding
Access
Air:
Nearest
airports: Mangalore (60 km); Karipur International Airport,
Kozhikode (200 km)
Rail:
On
the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai route. Enquiry Ph: 430200 (Kasaragod)
Road:
SH
10 passing through Bekal. NH 17, networks of roads connects
Kasaragod to major towns in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
History
Bekal
was under the sovereignty of Kolathunadu when it became an
important maritime centre and an important port town of
Thulunadu (old Kasaragod district). Later, realising the
political and economic importance of Thulunadu, many
laudatory chieftains successively attacked and annexed this
part of the country. The economic importance of the port
town prompted the Jeheri Nayak dynasty to fortify Bekal.
The
Bekal Fort was completed speedily during the period of
Sivappa Nayak to defend the port from overseas attack. The
Chandragiri Fort near Kasaragod was also constructed during
this period.
It
is believed that the “Kotteyar” community found in Bekal,
Panayal and other places in Kasaragod were brought here by
the Nayaks to build and defend the forts. Bekal subsequently
fell into the hands of the Mysore Sultans.
It
then served as an important military station of Tipu
Sultan when he led the great military expedition to Malabar.
Coins and other artifacts unearthed by archeologist’s
excavation at the Bekal Fort are an indication of the
occupancy of the Mysore Sultans.
Years
later, the East India Company made Bekal the headquarters of
the newly organised Bekal Taluk of the South Canara District
of Bombay Presidency. South Canara then became a part of the
Madras Presidency in 1862 and Kasaragod Taluk was set up in
place of Bekal Taluk. Gradually the political and economic
importance of Bekal and its port declined considerably.
Kasaragod
became part of Kerala with the State reorganisation in 1956.
Beaches
Kasaragod
is located on the shores of the Arabian Sea and was once the
gateway to the Malabar Coast. The long coastline is dotted
with some sensational palm-fringed virgin beaches washed by
the pleasant tropical sun and soothing waves. You can enjoy
spectacular sunsets here.
Bekal
Fort Beach (1
km from Bekal Fort): This shallow beach offers a
spectacular view of the imposing Bekal Fort and has ample
facilities for recreation and relaxation. This beach has
been developed as a pubic beach by the Corporation with
required facilities.
Kappil
Beach
(6 km from Bekal Fort): Remote and secluded, this beautiful
palm-fringed 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): The sea has formed a large swimming
pool-like formation on this beach.
Pandiyan
Kallu: A
rock rising in the sea about 2 km from the Trikkannad
Temple, Pandiyan Kallu is an ideal spot for adventurous
swimmers. Legend has it that the ship of one of the Pandiya
Kings who attacked the Trikkannad Temple was converted into
a rock.
Backwaters
Kasaragod
is blessed with a dozen estuaries. 14 rivers crisscross the
district, nourishing the verdant landscape and networking it
with shimmering waterways. You can holiday beside the balmy
backwaters, cruise on them, savour exotic fresh water catch
and avail of other exciting watersport facilities.
1)
Valiyaparamba (30
km from Bekal): A cluster of enchanting little islands
nestled in emerald waters, this is also a much favoured spot
for boat cruises, houseboat holidays and fishing. Two
numbers of two bedroom and single bedroom houseboats each
are available for cruise in the backwater from Kottappuram
Jetty near Nileswar. For details contact - 98473 - 16183.
2)
Chandragiri Cruises:
Boat trips are possible from the Chandragiri bridge to
nearby islands and palm groves.
3)
Bekal Aqua Park:
Pedal boating facility is available here.
Hill
Stations
Kasaragod
is an evergreen magic world of hill stations. The tropical
jungles on these mist-clad hills are home to exotic
wildlife, including some endangered species. Punctuating the
lush landscapes is tinkling streams and breathtaking
waterfalls.
Kottancherry
(60
km north east of Kanhangad) Near Konnakkad: This scenic
hill station covered with grassland, spice plantation, rain
forests are ideal for trekking.
Ranipuram
(65 km from Kasaragod town): Situated 750 m above sea level,
Ranipuram is famous for its trekking trails and varied
vegetation - evergreen shola forests, monsoon forests and
grasslands. Wild elephants can be seen wandering on the top
of the mountains. DPTC, Kasaragod have constructed some
cottages in this hill station, which is available for
tourists for stay.
Possadigumpe
(18
km east of Mangalpady in Dharmathadka): This is an ideal
picnic spot, located on a hillock 1060 ft. above sea level.
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.
Festivals
Pattutsavam,
Madiyan Koolom, Kanhangad: Nine-day annual festival in
January.
Highlights: Cultural performances, religious rites,
grand elephant processions.
Chaliyaporattu
festival,
Chuliyar Bhagavathy Temple, Aniyal Theru (3
km from Kanhangad): Annual festival in March named after
the popular folk art -
Chaliyaporattu, prevalent in North Kerala.
Palakunnu
Bharani: The event
in the first week of March is marked by processions and
mind-boggling fireworks.
Nileswaram
Poorakali: Folk
dance performed by men at the Nagacherry Bhagavathy Temple from
the last week of March to the first week of April. Performed
almost in many temples in the Nileswar region during this
period.
Utsavam
at Pishakarikavu Temple (March)
Theyyam:
Performed in houses and temples (October
to March)
Kanathur
Theyyam Kaliyattom
(last week of December every year). Kanathur 20 km east of Kasaragod
town. This place is also famous for its “DIVINE COURT”.
All sorts of disputes are settled in fron of this temple
irrespective of cast and religion.
Kolam
Kanipu Utsavom,
Palakunnu: Procession of women carrying earthen pots which
are later displayed at the local temple.
Art
forms
Theyyam
is
the oldest ritual 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. The Bekal
Resorts Development Corporation and the Information Centre
at the Bekal Fort provide an annual calendar of Theyyam
performances. For more information; www.folkland.org
Oppana
is an essential element in the wedding celebrations of the
Malabar Muslims. Maidens and young female relatives sing and
dance around the bride, clapping their hands. The verses are
first sung by the group leader and repeated by the chorus.
The themes are often teasing comments and innuendoes about
the bride’s anticipated nuptial bliss.
Oppana is also performed by men, friends and relatives
of the bridegroom.
Mappilappattu,
one of the most popular in the folk music repertoire of
Kerala, is the song of the Muslims of North Kerala. These
songs are written and rendered in an Arabic-Malayalam lingo.
Duffmuttu,
also
known as Aravanamuttu,
is another popular art form of the Muslims of Malabar. It is
performed both as a ritual and social entertainment during
festivals and nuptial ceremonies. A group of artistes keep
rhythm on a round percussion instrument called the duffu, while the leader sings and the group moves in circles. The
songs are often tributes to martyrs, heroes and saints.
Yakshaganam,
a classical dance-drama similar to Kathakali,
originated in Kumbala, Kasaragode is now performed in
the neighbouring state of Karnataka. The performers of this
colourful art wear huge headgears, elaborate facial make-up,
colourful costumes and ornaments, which give a superhuman
appearance to the character. The themes of the plays are
taken from the epics Ramayana
and Mahabharatha and other mythological stories. A performance is
accompanied by a vocalist and percussion orchestra. A Yakshaganam performance lasts for eight to nine hours.
Two variations of this art are Bayalattu
and Bommayattu. For more information, Mr. A.G. Nair, Karthikeya
Kalakendra, Kotoor, Kasaragod - 671 542.
Poorakali
is a popular ritual art performed in the Bhagavathy temples
of northern Kerala. Poorakali
artistes are specially trained and often experienced in Kalaripayattu,
the ancient martial art of Kerala. The performance is
done by a group of 10 to 15 persons who dance around a
nilavilakku (traditional lamp). Each performance has
eighteen different stages with characteristic rhythm. Every
phase has a complimentary song with or without musical
accompaniment. Sometimes a dance lasts an entire day.
Crafts
Kasaragod
has exclusive handicraft products, typical of the region.
Bamboo and cane baskets (in different types and shapes),
bell metal pots with spouts (Kindi), plates, saucers, wick lamps (Nilavilakku) and bells are some of the interesting finds here.
The
Kasaragod pottery and handloom industries are also worth
mentioning. The traditional pottery industry is at Patika
near Kasaragod and Bengalam near Nileshwar.
Thalankara
caps:
Thalankara near Kasaragod town is famous for elegantly
hand-embroidered caps made out of superior quality cotton
cloth. These are available in different colours and
patterns. The price ranges from Rs. 50 -150.
Bell
metal craft:
The traditional bell metal craftsmen of Kasaragod (Mavungal)
produce excellent artifacts. The products include bells,
traditional lamps and household utensils.
Kasaragod
sarees: Kasaragod
sarees are masterpieces made with high quality yarn using
traditional methods. Starch is applied to the yarn while
weaving, which gives the products a finer finish. The prices
of these sarees range from Rs. 200 - 5000 depending on the
cotton or silk yarn used. Showroom: New Moulavi Traver,
Railway Station Road, Kasaragod.
Plates
and caps made of Arecaunut leaves: Beautiful
caps made out of arecanut leaves are available in the
villages. These caps are now used by farmers and common
labourers. One cap costs about Rs. 30. Small entrepreneurs
are exploring the possibilities of using arecanut leaves for
manufacturing lunch plates, ice cream cups etc.
Leaf
mats: These
are highly comfortable floor mats which can also be used by
tourists while they sunbathe on the beaches.
Coconut
leaf raincoats (Kuramba):
These
traditional coats are prepared with coconut leaves and
natural yarns.
Coconut
shell articles
include showpieces, cups, serving dishes, jewellery, hair
clips and so on.
Wood
work: Wooden
toys, Chenda (one
of the eighteen percussion instruments of South India), Thudi
(a small drum used by tribals during their dance and
festivals) and Udukku (a
percussion instrument used in temples during poojas) are also made here.
Theyyam
sculpture: Miniature
forms of theyyams
in wood, thermocol and clay make attractive souvenirs.
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