Discover Amazing Kasargod

Kerala Tour Package: Kasaragod is often the name people miss when they talk about Kerala. While most travelers flock to the rolling tea estates of Munnar or the crowded houseboats of Alleppey, the northernmost district of Kerala remains a place of quiet, layered beauty.

Having spent weeks wandering through its laterite-paved forts and misty hills, I can tell you that Kasaragod doesn’t feel like the rest of Kerala. It is a frontier a place where the lush greenery of the south meets the rugged, dry beauty of Karnataka. It is a linguistic mosaic where you might hear Malayalam in one shop and Tulu, Kannada, or Konkani in the next.

If you are looking for a place that hasn't been "polished" for tourism, Kasaragod is where you should go.

 

How to Reach Kasargod

• By Train: Kasaragod is on the main Mangalore-Palakkad line. Almost all major trains from Kochi, Trivandrum, and Mangalore stop here.
• By Air: Mangalore International Airport (IXE) is only 60 km away. From the airport, you can hire a cab or take a bus to Kasaragod town.
• By Road: The NH 66 runs through the district. It’s a beautiful drive, though construction can be patchy in some sections.

 

Best Time to Visit Kasargod

• Winter (November to February): The best time. The weather is cool (20°C–30°C), and the skies are clear.
• Monsoon (June to September): For the brave. The landscape turns an impossibly bright green, but trekking in Ranipuram becomes difficult due to leeches and slippery paths.
• Summer (March to May): Avoid if you can. It’s humid and can reach 35°C+, making outdoor exploration exhausting.

The Cultural Mosaic:

Kasaragod is famously known as the “Land of Seven Languages.” This isn't just a tagline; it’s a reality you experience at every bus stop. You’ll hear Malayalam (with a distinct northern twang), Tulu, Kannada, Marathi, Konkani, Beary, and Urdu.

This linguistic diversity is a relic of its history as a major trading hub. Situated between the Arabian Sea and the Western Ghats, it was a gateway for Arabs, Portuguese, and Dutch traders. Unlike the backwaters of central Kerala, Kasaragod feels more grounded in its coastal-agrarian roots. Life here moves at the pace of the coconut harvest and the tide of the sea.

History Of Kasargod

The history of Kasaragod is literally written on its walls the massive, rust-colored laterite blocks that make up its many forts.

Bekal Fort:

Most people know Bekal from Mani Ratnam’s film Bombay, but no screen can capture the sheer scale of it. Built in the 17th century by Shivappa Nayaka of Bednore, it is the largest fort in Kerala.

• The Experience: Walking along the ramparts as the sun sets over the Arabian Sea is hypnotic. Unlike many inland forts, Bekal was built specifically for defense against sea-borne attacks. You can see the zig-zag entrance designed to confuse invaders and the observation tower that offers a 360-degree view of the coastline.
• Best For: Families and photography enthusiasts.

Chandragiri Fort

A few kilometers away, Chandragiri Fort offers a more intimate experience. It sits atop a hill overlooking the confluence of the Payaswini River and the Arabian Sea.

• The Experience: It’s quieter than Bekal. I recommend visiting in the late afternoon to watch the traditional fishing boats (thonis) glide through the backwaters below.

Hosdurg Fort

Located in Kanhangad, this fort is known for its unique round bastions. While much of it is in ruins, the spiritual energy of the nearby Nityanandashram a set of 45 caves carved into a single slope makes the visit worthwhile.

Ananthapura Lake Temple:

This is perhaps the most surreal place in the district. It is the only lake temple in Kerala and is said to be the original seat (moolasthanam) of the famous Padmanabhaswamy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram.

• The Legend: The temple was guarded for decades by a "vegetarian" crocodile named Babiya, who lived in the temple pond and supposedly ate only the temple's rice offerings. Though Babiya passed away recently, the quiet, moss-covered temple remains a deeply spiritual spot.

Malik Dinar Mosque

Located in Thalangara, this mosque is a stunning example of the typical Kerala style of Islamic architecture heavy on woodwork and devoid of the domes and minarets common in the north. It was founded by Malik Ibn Dinar, one of the first missionaries to bring Islam to India in the 7th century.

Ranipuram Hills

If the coast gets too humid, head inland. Ranipuram, often called the "Ooty of Kerala," is a plateau in the Western Ghats.

• The Trek: It’s a moderate 2.5 km climb through Shola forests and grasslands. The summit is a massive rock formation that offers views stretching all the way to the Karnataka border.
• The Vibe: It feels like the edges of the world. The mist rolls in fast, and the silence is only broken by the occasional bird call.

Nature & Landscape

Kasaragod is ideal for "slow travel" because its geography forces you to slow down. You have:

• Valiyaparamba Backwaters: Much cleaner and quieter than Alleppey. You can rent a small country boat and explore the islands without being surrounded by dozens of other houseboats.
• Kappil Beach: A secluded stretch where the backwaters nearly meet the sea. There are no shacks, no loud music just miles of sand and casuarina trees.

Where to Stay In Kasargod

• Luxury: There are a few high-end resorts near Bekal (like Taj or Lalit) that offer private beach access.
• Homestays: This is where you get the real Kasaragod. Look for homestays in Nileshwar or near Ranipuram. They are usually set in old ancestral homes (Tharavadu) and serve home-cooked food.
• Budget: Kanhangad and Kasaragod town have plenty of decent business hotels for solo travelers.

Food: A Blend of Malabar and Mangalore

The food here is a revelation. It’s a mix of Mappila (Muslim) cuisine and Tuluva flavors.

• Must Try:
  • Kori Rotti: Crispy rice wafers served with a spicy, thin chicken curry.
  • Pathiri & Beef Palli Curry: Delicate rice pancakes with a rich, coconut-based gravy.
  • Neer Dosa: Paper-thin rice crepes, usually served with jaggery and coconut or fish curry.
  • Seafood: Look for "Meen Pollichathu" (fish marinated in masala and steamed in banana leaves).

Suggested Itineraries

2-Day Quick Escape

• Day 1: Arrive, visit Bekal Fort and Bekal Beach. Evening at Chandragiri for the sunset.
• Day 2: Morning visit to Ananthapura Lake Temple and Malik Dinar Mosque. Afternoon at Kappil Beach before departing.

5-Day Slow Travel Immersion

• Day 1-2: Stay in Nileshwar. Explore Valiyaparamba backwaters on a country boat. Visit local handloom weaving centers.
• Day 3: Drive to Ranipuram Hills. Trek to the summit and stay overnight in a forest cottage.
• Day 4: Head to the coast. Explore Bekal and the lesser-known Hosdurg Fort.
• Day 5: Visit the Lake Temple and the Mangalore-border towns like Manjeshwar for a taste of the blended culture.

Kasaragod vs. The Rest of Kerala

If you go to Munnar, you get mountains. If you go to Alleppey, you get water. Kasaragod gives you both, plus history. The biggest difference is the crowd. In Kasaragod, you aren't a "tourist" being ushered from one viewpoint to another; you’re a visitor in a living, breathing community. It is less commercialized, which means more authenticity, though it also means you need to be a bit more proactive with your logistics.

Things to Know & Cultural Etiquette

• Theyyam: If you visit between November and April, try to witness a Theyyam performance. This is a ritualistic dance where the performer "becomes" a deity. It usually happens in local shrines (Kavus). It is a religious ceremony, not a show so dress modestly, remain silent, and always ask before taking photos.
• Language: While English and Hindi are understood in hotels, knowing a few words of Malayalam or Kannada helps immensely in rural areas.
• Transport: Auto-rickshaws are reliable for short distances, but for exploring forts and hills, hiring a car for the day is much more practical.

Responsible Travel

Kasaragod’s beauty lies in its "untouched" feel.

1. Avoid Plastics: The beaches here are remarkably clean; let’s keep them that way.
2. Support Local: Eat at small local eateries (thattukadas) and buy handloom clothes from the Co-operative societies.
3. Respect the Silence: Especially at the Lake Temple and the Mosques. These are active places of worship.