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::: Kasaragod

Kasaragod, sometimes also spelt as Kasargod, was formed on 24th May 1984 and there are different views on the derivation of the name "Kasaragod", one is that it is the combination of two Sanskrit words kaasaara (lake or pond) and kroda (place where treasure is kept), another view is that it is the place where Kaasaraka trees (Strychnos nux vomica or Kaanjiram) are in abundance. To its south lies Kannur District and to the north Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka state. Many Arab travellers, came to Kerala between 9th and 14th centuries AD. The Portuguese traveller, Barbose, who visited Kumbla near Kasaragod in 1514, had recorded that rice was exported to Male Island when coir was imported. Kasargod is a land with resonant past, myths and legends displaying a variety of patterns and styles in temple architecture like Madhur Mahaganapathy Temple, Malik Deenar the Great Juma Masjid etc which speaks volumes about the rich cultural heritage of the region. The rich pageant of 'Theyyam's impersonated, rises Kasaragod into a land of fabulous fantasies. The Bekal Fort located here is the largest and best preserved in Kerala.
Places of Interest
Ananthapura Lake Temple, Kasargod - Situated at Kumbala 12 Kms North East of Kasargod is the only lake temple in Kerala. Iit is considered the moolsthanam, original seat, of Anantha Padmanabha (Padmanabhaswamy Temple) of Thiruvananthapuram. This uniquely built temple is situated in the centre of the Ananthapura Lake, on a remote rocky hill in a calm isolated region and it is also the home of a venerable crocodile which is a popular attraction. The shrine is encircled by a chuttambalam (an enclosed verandah running around the building), its walls are adorned by murals and there is a cave within that takes you to a small pond where the water level remains steady regardless of climatic changes
Ananthapura Lake Temple - Kasargod, Kerala
Bela Church, Kasargod - Situated 15 km north of Kasargod is the Bela Church or is Our Lady of Sorrows Church. It is the oldest church in the district and was built in 1890 AD. This Roman Catholic church has been constructed in Gothic style and falls under the Mangalore diocese.
Bekal Fort - Kasargod, Kerala
Bekal Fort, Kasargod - Located 16 km south of Kasargod, Bekal Fort is the best preserved fort in the state. The fort, a circular imposing structure rising 130 ft. above sea level, stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabian sea.  This fort is more than 300 years old and is believed to have been built in the 1650's by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty. Some also believe that it was originally built by Kolathiri Rajas and later captured by Sivappa Naik. The zigzag entrance and the trenches around the fort show the defense strategy connected with the fort. Just outside the fort is a mosque built by Tippu Sultan of Mysore and also nearby is the Bekal Beach.
Hosdurg Fort, Kasargod - The Hosdurg fort with its round bastions, looks imposing from a distance, and was built by Somashekara Nayaka of Keladi Nayaka dynasty of Ikkeri built the fort. Several public offices are located within its premises. There is a famous temple attached to the fort which is known as Karpooreshwara temple. This place is renowned for its chain of forts built by Somashekara Nayak and also for the Nithyanandashram, an internationally recognised spiritual centre. The fort is a major attraction for tourist.
Chandragiri Fort, Kasargod - Located 3 km southeast of Kasargod , and sprawled on the banks of the Chandragiri river is this majestic 17 century fort. The fort has an eventful history to relate. A couple of centuries ago, the river Chandragiri was considered the border of two powerful kingdoms - Kolathunadu and Thulunadu. Today it is a protected monument under the State Archaeology Department. Chandragiri Fort offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea.
Chandragiri Fort - Kasargod, Kerala
Kammatam Kavu, Kasargod - Kammatam Kavu is an evergreen forest situated near Kasargod town. A perennial stream flowing through the 50-60 acres of this forest adds tranquility to this place. This Kavu is a center of worship and is connected with Kammatam Bhagavathi Temple.



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