Planning Kerala trip? Here's why you should visit Kasaragod

Kerala trip usually means the Munnar-Alappuzha-Fort Kochi route for many, but do you know that the state offers many more hidden gems? For instance, Kerala's northernmost district of Kasaragod is such a historically and naturally rich region that can offer you a truckload of memories on a visit. It's home to 12 rivers, including the iconic Chandragiri and shares its borders with Karnataka, which gives the Kasaragod Malayalam dialect a unique rhythm and pronunciation. With its scintillating natural beauty, serene beaches, misty hills, iconic forts, ancient temples and cultural heritage like Theyyam and Yakshaganam, Kasaragod offers a fabulous and wholesome tourism experience. Here are a few places to include in your bucket list.

The historic Bakel Fort
The iconic Bakel Fort, built in the seventeenth century, is indeed the face of Kasargod. It is believed that this majestic fort, situated in Pallikkara village, was constructed by the rulers of the ancient Kadamba dynasty. Later, power was assumed by the Kolathiri rulers, Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan, followed by the English East India Company. The highest point of the 130-foot fort is circular with a keyhole-like structure. Meanwhile, the compound walls are 12 feet high. The tall observation decks, water tank with steps and tunnel are all amazing features of the Bakel Fort, which have stood the test of time as a spectacular architectural wonder. The nearby Hanuman temple and a mosque, which is believed to be constructed by Tipu Sultan too, draw hundreds of tourists. The famous Bakel beach, meanwhile, is just a kilometre away from the fort. The beautiful Bakel Fort is now a favourite location for wedding photoshoots and movie shoots. The historic sea bastion of Kasaragod is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.

The hilly Possadi Gumpe
Situated around 1060 feet above the sea level, Possadi Gumpe is a hilly area which is 45 kilometres away from the Bakel Fort. The trek uphill offers a scintillating view of the picturesque surroundings. You could enjoy the majestic beauty of the Western Ghats on one side while the blue waters of the Arabian Sea entices you on the other. Moreover, you get a panoramic view of Mangalore and Kudremukh from here. Paivalike is the nearest village in Kasagaod from Possadi Gumpe.

The lush green Ranipuram Hills
The Ranipuram Hills, a major tourist destination in Kasaragod, is around 43 kilometres from Kanhangad. The hill station which was once known as Madathumala is situated 750 metre above the sea level. This region is rich in evergreen Shola forests, wild floral carpets and verdant meadows, making it a dream destination of nature lovers. Meanwhile, the proposed Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary is a fabulous organic hotspot with dense forests and green hillocks. This hilly area merges with the Coorg ranges and the Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. The five-kilometre-long trekking at the Ranipuram Hills will acquaint you with its unique flora and fauna. The tourists could reach Ranipuram via Kanhangad and Panathadi. Meanwhile, the district tourism council has arranged cosy cottages for tourists who visit Kasaragod.

Iconic Chandragiri Fort
The majestic Chandragiri Fort is situated south east of Kasaragod town. The Chandragiri River that flows close to the fort was once the border separating the Tulunadu and the Kolathunadu. The fort was constructed during the reign of Keladi Nayakar who took over the area after the downfall of the Vijayanagar empire. Meanwhile, his follower Shivappa Nayak strengthened these forts by renovating them in the seventeenth century. You could see the remnants of the old fort in the estuary where the Payaswini River joins the Arabian Sea. The Chandragiri Fort is also a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India.

Anathapura Lake Temple
The Ananthapura Lake Temple, situated in the beautiful countryside of Ananthapura, is probably the only lake temple in Kerala. Built in the ninth century, this ancient temple surrounded by water on all sides exudes mystic vibes. It is believed that this is the original residence of the idol of Ananthapadmanabha at the iconic Padmanabhaswamy temple in Thiruvananthapuram. If the idol of Lord Vishnu assumes the Ananthasayana posture (sleeping on serpent Ananda) in Thiruvananthapuram, here, the idol is seen in a sitting position. You must turn from Naykappu in Kumbala – Badiyadka road to reach this temple.

Malik Ibn Dinar mosque in Thalangara
One of the earliest mosques in Kerala, the Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque at Thalangara, was built by Malik Ibn Dinar, a Persian scholar who played a major role in introducing Islam to Kerala. Malik Ibn Dinar had come to Kerala for trade when he propagated the Islam religion. Even the then-ruler Cheraman Perumal was inspired by the new religion. The mosque built in the traditional architectural style of Kerala is one of the most visited religious places. Earlier, it was a small structure; however, the mosque has been extensively renovated by adding annexes. The Uroos festival, which commemorates the arrival of Ibn Dinar, is the main festival here.

Pallikkara Beach
Pallikkara Beach, which lies close to the iconic Bakel Fort, is one of the cleanest beaches in Kerala. Tourists and visitors flock to this beach in the evenings to enjoy the beautiful sunset. The serene beach, also known as Pallikkare, is lined with lush coconut orchards and other shady trees. This is a perfect spot for families to enjoy a relaxing evening.
Poliyam Thuruth Eco Tourism Village
Poliyam Thuruth is a quaint islet right in the centre of the Payaswini River. The islet was developed into an eco-tourism village with the cooperation of the Kerala Cooperative Society. The hanging bridge across the Payaswini River leads to the eco-tourism centre, granting a unique experience to the tourists. The project, launched in 2022, has a watch tower, conference hall, extensive vegetable garden, swimming pool and many other attractive features. Moreover, there are many big and small cottages as well as kiosks that feature authentic art and handicrafts of Kasaragod.

Manjampothikunnu
The people of the locality call the hills that are always covered in dense mist the Manjampothikunni, or the hills covered in mist. The trek to Manjampothikunnu from the spiritual retreat centre of Ananthashramam grants a mesmerizing experience. The Anantashramam was established in the valley of Manjampothikunnu in 1931 by Swami Ramdas and Mathaji Krishna Bai. The visitors and pilgrims who visit the ashram do not forget to enjoy the misty hills before returning. Meanwhile, more developmental activities are being held in this area to make it a major tourist destination. Some of the main hotels in Kasaragod and their distance from the various tourist destinations

The Bakel View Residency
Railway station – 17 km
Bakel Fort – 1 km
Ranipuram Hills – 50 km
Chandragiri Fort – 11 km
Ananthapuram Lake Temple – 27 km
Thalangara Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque – 18 km
Pallikkara Beach – 2 km
Poliyam Thuruth Eco Tourism Village – 30 km
Manjapothikunnu – 14 km

Oak Residency, Bakel Fort
Railway station – 20.6 km
Bakel Fort – 1.6 km
Ranipuram Hills – 51 km
Chandragiri Fort – 10 km
Ananthapuram Lake Temple – 26 km
Thalangara Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque – 17 km
Pallikkara Beach – 3 km
Poliyam Thuruth Eco Tourism Village – 32 km
Manjapothikunnu – 16 km

Hotel Highway Castle, Nullipadi
Railway station – 5 km
Bakel Fort – 17 km
Ranipuram Hills – 53 km
Chandragiri Fort – 8 km
Ananthapuram Lake Temple – 11 km
Thalangara Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque – 6 km
Pallikkara Beach – 18 km
Poliyam Thuruth Eco Tourism Village – 23 km
Manjapothikunnu – 31 km

Raj Residency, Alamipalli
Railway station – 5 km
Bakel Fort – 17 km
Ranipuram Hills – 53 km
Chandragiri Fort – 8 km
Ananthapuram Lake Temple – 11 km
Thalangara Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque – 6 km
Pallikkara Beach – 18 km
Poliyam Thuruth Eco Tourism Village – 23 km
Manjapothikunnu – 31 km

Fort View Suites
Railway station –1 km
Bakel Fort – 15 km
Ranipuram Hills – 59 km
Chandragiri Fort – 6 km
Ananthapuram Lake Temple – 13 km
Thalangara Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque – 2 km
Pallikkara Beach – 17 km
Poliyam Thuruth Eco Tourism Village – 25 km
Manjapothikunnu – 30 km

Bakel Beach Camp, Pallikkara
Railway station –17 km
Bakel Fort – 2 km
Ranipuram Hills – 51 km
Chandragiri Fort – 11 km
Ananthapuram Lake Temple – 28 km
Thalangara Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque – 18 km
Pallikkara Beach – 450 m
Poliyam Thuruth Eco Tourism Village – 31 km
Manjapothikunnu – 15 km

Taj Bakel Resort
Railway station –13 km
Bakel Fort – 6 km
Ranipuram Hills – 56 km
Chandragiri Fort – 7 km
Ananthapuram Lake Temple – 24 km
Thalangara Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque – 14 km
Pallikkara Beach – 8 km
Poliyam Thuruth Eco Tourism Village – 29 km
Manjapothikunnu – 27 km