10 quick getaways around Kasaragod

Kasaragod, the northern most district in Kerala hides some amazing places to take a trip to during these summer vacations. We list a couple of them. **1) Bekal Fort** This Fort, which has featured in various movies including 'Bombay' has a rich past. Once a military outpost, this fort, traces its history back to the days of Shivappa Nayakka of Bedanore, who is credited with the building the fort, to Tippu and finally the British. A trip to Bekal Fort will take you back in time, give you a glimpse of the past and you can also walk down to the beach to take in a beautiful sunset. [For more on Bekal Fort](http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/getting-around-kerala/tu-hi-re-uyire-song-bombay-bekal.html) **2) Kottanchery hills** An extension of the Ranipuram Wildlife sanctuary, Kottancheri Hills is about 30kms north east of Kanhangad. It is a trekkers paradise and a place where you can see wild animals. **3) Hosdurg Fort** Situated about 15 kms south of Bekal, the Hosdurg Fort was built by the rulers of the Keladi Nayakka dynasty from Ikkeri. The fort, now in ruins also houses an ancient shiva temple **4) Malik Dinar Mosque** Malik Ibn Dinar was among the first, who arrived in Kerala to spread the word of the Prophet. This mosque, situated in Thalangara, is said to have been constructed in AD 642. Also read [The ancient mosques in Kerala](http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/essential-kerala/five-famous-mosques-in-kerala.html) **5) Ananthapadmanabha Swami temple** This temple is in the middle of a lake and has a friendly crocodile, which answers when called. Intrigued? Read more about this ancient temple, its connection to the famous Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram and more legends [here](http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/getting-around-kerala/sri-ananthapadmanabha-swamy-temple-babiya-kasaragod-religious-tourism.html) **6) Ranipuram** Known as Kasaragod's very own Ootty, Ranipuram, is a dream come true for trekking enthusiasts. If you are in luck, you will spot wildlife as you walk by. For some of the sights you will see on your trek [click here](http://travel.manoramaonline.com/travel/getting-around-kerala/ranipuram-kasaragod-very-own-ootty-hills-trekking-mist-travel.html) **7) Valiyaparamba** Most of the tourists equate backwaters with Alappuzha or Kumarakom. Valiyaparamba Island and the Kavaayi backwaters, situated about 30kms from Bekal is one of Kasaragod's well kept secrets. Go on a sunset cruise, it is peaceful as well as scenic. **8) Malom** Malom is a village of hills and valleys. And, since long has been a melting pot of cultures. The village prides in its religious harmony; the Muslim theyyam - Mokkri Pokker is one of those rare performances during the festivities at the Malom Kolam temple. It is also known as the 'Coorg of Kerala' due to its proximity to Kodagu hills and the similarity in weather. **9) Chandragiri Fort** Shivappa Nayakka of Bedanore is credited with the construction of the Chandragiri Fort. Situated near the Payaswini river and the Arabian Sea, the fort offers a breathtaking view. You can go on a cruise to the nearby islands **10) Possadigumpe** Want to trek? The green environs of Possadigumpe beckons. And once you reach the top of the hill, the view is just breathtaking – you can see the Arabian Sea and also parts of Kudremukh peak. Situated at Dharmathadka, about 30km north east of Kasaragod, Possadigumpe is about 487 meters above sea level.