The name, Kasaragod, is said to be derived from the word Kusirakood meaning Nuxvomica forests (Kanjirakuttom).It is with the intention of bestowing maximum attention on the development backward areas that Kasaragod district was formed on May 24, 1984. With the formation of the new district, comprising the erstwhile Kasaragod and Hosdurg taluks, it has become possible to develop this coastal area fruitfully.
Lying on the north western coast of the State, Kasaragod was famous from time immemorial. Many Arab travellers, who came to Kerala between 9th and 14th centuries AD, visited Kasaragod as it was then an important trade centre. They called this area Harkwillia. Mr. Barbose, the Portuguese traveller, who visited Kumbla near Kasaragod in 1514, had recorded that rice was exported to Male Island when coir was imported. Dr. Francs Buccanan, who was the family doctor of Lord Wellesly, visited Kasaragod in 1800. In his travelogue, he has included information on the political and communal set –up in places like Athipramba, Kavvia, Nileswar, Bekkal, Chandragiri and Manjeswar.
Kasaragod was part of the Kumbala kingdom in which there were 64 Tulu and Malayalam villages. When Vijayanagar empire attacked Kasaragod, it was ruled by the Kolathiri king who had Nileswar as his headquarters. It is said that the characters appearing in Theyyam, the ritualistic folk dance of northern Kerala, represent those who had helped king Kolathiri fight against the attack of the Vijayanagar empire. During the decline of that empire in the 14th century, the administration of this area was vested with the Ikkeri Naikans. They continued to be the rulers till the fall of the Vijayanagar empire in 16th century. Then Vengappa Naik declared independence to Ikkeri. In 1645 Sivappa Naik took the reins and transferred the capital to Bednoor. Thus they came to be known as Bednor Naiks. Chandragiri fort and Bekkal fort are considered to be parts of a chain of forts constructed by Sivappa Naik for the defence of the kingdom.
In 1763 Hyder Ali of Mysore conquered Bednoor and his intention was to capture entire Kerala. But when his attempt to conquer Thalassery for was foiled, Hyder Ali returned to Mysore and died there in 1782. His son, Tippu Sulthan, continued the attack and conquered Malabar. As per the Sreerangapattanam treaty of 1792, Tippu surrendered Malabar except Talunadu (Canara) to the British. The British got Canara only after the death of Tippu Sulthan in 1799.
Kasaragod was part of Bekkal taluk in the south Canara district of Bombay presidency. Kasaragod taluk came into being when Bekkal taluk was included in the Madras presidency on April 16, 1882. Though Vengayil Kunhiraman Nayanar moved a resolution in 1913 on the floor of Madras Governor’s Council demanding the merger of Kasaragod taluk with the Malabar district, it had to be withdrawn because of the stiff convention held at Kozhikkod, passed a resolution stressing the above demand. In the same year, an organisation titled Malayalee Seva Sangham was constituted. Thanks to the efforts made by many eminent persons like K.P.Kesava Menon, Kasaragod became part of Kerala following the reorganisation of states and formation of Kerala in November 1, 1956.
Kasaragod district between 11° 18' and 12° 48' north latitudes and between 74° 52' and 75° 26' east longitudes. The district is marked off from the adjoining areas outside the State by the Western Ghats which run parallel to the sea and constitute almost continuous mountain wall on the eastern side. The Ghats dominate the topography. The coastline is fringed with low cliffs alternating with stretches of sand. A few miles to the interior, the scene changes and the sand level rises towards the barrier of the Ghats and transforms into low red laterite hills interspersed with paddy fields and coconut gardens.
The district is bounded in the east by the Western Ghats, in the west by the Arabian Sea, in the north by the Canara district of Karnataka and in the south by the Kannur district.
Based on physical features, the district can be divided into three natural divisions - the lowland bordering the sea, the midland consisting of the undulating country and the forest-clad highland on the extreme east.
The diversity of the physical features results in a corresponding diversity of climate. In the plains, the climate is generally hot. Though the mean maximum temperature is only around 90° F, the heat is oppressive in the moisture laden atmosphere of the plains. Humidity is very high and rises to about 90 per cent during the southwest monsoon. The annual variation of temperature is small; the diurnal range is only about 10° F.
The southwest monsoon starts towards the end of May or the beginning of June, heralded by thunder-storms and holds till September when the rain fades out. October brings in the northeast monsoon. Dry weather sets in by the end of December, January and February are the coolest months of the year. March, April and May are generally very hot. The district has an average annual rainfall of 3500 mm.
Kasaragod district has a forest area of 5625 sq. kms falling under the Wayanad Forest Division. Reserve forest stretches to 86.52 sq. kms. And vested forest, to 28.57 sq. kms. It stretches in two ranges- Kasaragod and Kanhangad. The forest produces are shegaibark, sheakoy, cardamom, canes, fibres, etc. Sambar, the fastest deer, is seen in some areas. Wild boars are a nuisance to the cultivators of hilly areas.
There are 12 rivers in this district. The longest is Chandragiri (105 kms.) originating from Pattimala in Coorg and embraces the sea at Thalangara. The river assumes its name Chandragiri from the name of the place of its source Chandragupta Vasti; where the great Maurya emperor Chandragupta, is believed to have spent his last days as a sage. The second longest river is Kariankod (64 kms.), across which a dam is being built at Kakkadavu. Shiriya (61 kms.), Uppala (50 kms.), Mogral (34 kms), Chitari (25 kms), Nileswar (47 kms), Kavayi (23 kms), Manjeswar (16 kms), Kumbala (11 kms), Bekkal (11 kms) and Kalanad (8 kms) are the other rivers. These rivers provide ample irrigation facilities.
Kasaragod district has a population estimated at 1203342 as per 2001 Census. The male population is reckoned at 5,87,763 and the female, at 6,15,579. The density of population per sq. km. is at 604 and the per capita income in the district is around Rs.3,702 which is rated sixth in the state.
Agriculture forms the mainstay of the population of the district. The soil in the three natural divisions generally fall under three types. In the highland region it is laterite. In the midland, the soil is a red ferruginous loam of lateritic origin with an admixture of clay and sand. The coastal strip is sandy. Diversity of crops and heterogeneity in cultivation are the key notes of agriculture here.
The eastern tract comprises of forests and hilly areas. The forests comprise of a variety of timber with teak and other plantations. The hilly areas are mostly cleared and put to private cultivation; the important crops being rubber, cashew and ginger. In the skeletal plateau areas, cashew trees are cultivated, while in some patches, arecanut, pepper and cocoa are grown. In the coastal tract, paddy, coconut, arecanut, cashew, tobacco, vegetables and tapioca are cultivated.
For the purpose of revenue administration, Kasaragod district is divided into two taluks, five firkas and 75 villages. The collectorate functions at the civil station, at Vidhya Nagar, Chengala panchayat, five kms. from Kasaragod town. Kasaragod Revenue Division is the only revenue division in the district. The Revenue Divisional Office is at Kanhangad
The variety of arts speaks in volumes the rich cultural heritage of Kasargod regions. The spectacular pageant of Theyyam deities impersonated - raises Kasargod into a land of fabulous fantasies. The symphonic melody created by Yakshgana, Kambala (buffallo race), Cock fight etc. of the Thulanad culture, thrilling along with poorakkali, Kolkali, Duff Mutt, Oppana etc. enchants the visitors.
The Theyyam or Theyyattam is a popular ritual dance of North Kerala, particularly now found in the traditional Kolathunadu, of the present Kannur and Kasargode districts. As a living cult with century old traditions, rituals and customs, it embraces almost all castes and classes of Hindu religion in this region. The term Theyyam is a corrupt form of daivam or God. It is a rare combination of dance and music and reflects important features of a tribal culture.
The term Yakshagana would mean a style of music and it is a musical dance drama played in the open air.Yakshagana is one of the most important folk theatres of Karnataka and Kasargod which has brought fame to this region. Every village in Kasargod Taluk is familiar with this art .The sister art forms are the Terukkuthu of Tamilnadu, Koodiyatam and chakyarkuttu of Kerala, Veedhinataka of Andhra Pradesh.Yakshagana was originally known as Bayalata. The stories of Yakshagana were drawn from the Ramayana , Mahabharatha , Bhagavatha and from other mythological episodes. The main attraction of yakshagana is stage craft where characters like Gods, Demons and Sanyasis are presented in a supernatural atmosphere and the audience are carried to a world of fantasy.
One side of the stage floor Bhagavatha sits with his accompaniment. Bhagavatha is the Narrator, Director or can be called as Suthradhara. He also sings with the accompaniment of Tala(Jagate) Mridanga(Maddale), Harmonium(Shruthi) and Chakrathala. Besides high pictched 'Chende' is used in special occasions. In olden days oil lamps were used to light the stage.
The text of the yakshagana is called "Yakshagana Prasanga" which is narrated in sets of songs. These songs are set of different Ragas and Talas presented according to the "Kalas" ( Periods of night). There are about 100 ragas in yakshagana.The yakshagana is a total theatre because it has everything of a performing art. It entertains and enlighten both the learned and the illiterate.The yakshagana performances starts and ends with the prayer to Lord Ganesha.
There are about 10 troupes of Yakshagaga Bayalata in this Dist,.Some troupes have the heritage of 100 to 150 years.
Yakshagana is presented through puppets and hence it is known as Yakshagana Bombeyatta.It is an art form of Kasargod District and South Canara district in Karnataka State.
String puppets and rod puppets are dressed with colourful costumes according to the character in the story. Bombeyatta is controlled from a curtain chamber specially put up behind the scene for the purpose. Musical instruments are also used just as that of Yakshagana. Different puppets enacts different characters in accordance with the story telling by way of dialogue followed with songs.Sri.Gopalakrishna is the one who preserves this Yakshagana from extinction.The Sanga is located near Sri.Bhagavathy Temple, Pulikkunnu, Kasargod.The troupe had also participated in the international puppet festival held at Lahore in Pakistan.
Thidambu dance is a ritual temple art form performed only in North Malabar areas of Kerala. It can also be seen very rarely in some parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Thidambu means the replica of an idol in a temple which could be taken out of the sanctum sanctorium for certain rituals connected with the poojas/festivals of the temples. It represents the idol of the presiding deity in the sanctum sanctorium. Thidambu is made by using bamboo pieces like a half circle, which is known as Chattams. These Chattams are adorned with flowers and gold/silver ornaments. The metal idol which represents the presiding deity in the sanctum sanctorium is joined with the Chattam. This is known as Thidambu. Thidambu dance is performed only in connection with the annual festivals of temples, by the Brahmins.
This is an integral part of pooram festival celebrated during the month of Meenam (March-April). The festival lasts for 9 days, starting from karthika day to pooram day. Pooram is celebrated to praise and please the god of love named Kamadeva. The song sung by the group leader is repeated by the other artists ,in chorus. This is a dance rhythmically around a sacred lamp with elegant steps. While dancing the players clap their hands uniformly to the tune of the song and according to the Thalam by the group leader. Poorakkali has got 18 different forms. Most often stories from the epic Ramayana constitute the subject matter of the ritual songs.
The ritual dance form warrants intense training and good physical stamina. The forward and backward movements and the abrupt variations in the speed and directions enthralls the spectators.
Invariably poorakkali is followed by a dual of wits staged to test the intellectual capacity of the rival group leaders. This is known as Marathukali. Where in intrigating questions are put by one leader to the other side who is expected to answer suitably. This splendid ritual art form has become the monopoly of certain castes namely Yadavas or Maniyanis, Thiyyas (Ezhavas) Mukayas, Saliyas, etc. of Hindu religion.
One of the famous beach in Kasargode. This Shallow beach offers a spectacular view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation.
Remote and secluded, this beach is fast becoming a major attraction in the Kasargode district.. The wide beach and calm waters promise you an experience without parallel. The Kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of blue skies and rolling sands, making your visit one to remember.
Kasargod is rich in folk-culture, visual arts and festivals. The different religions, groups and communities in their historical evolution have subscribed to the growth of a dream like panorama of folk art and visual art forms in the region
Buffalo race forms a part of Tulunadu culture and is prevailing only in Kasaragod Dist. and in the southern parts of Dekshina Kanada Dist. It usually coincides with the starting of agricultural operations in the paddy fields. It declares the glorious importance of soaring and harvesting. In the beginning, the race was confined to the fields prepared by ploughing. But later on it grew to a large scale involving hundreds of bull buffulloes and thousands of men, conducted in extensive race fields. Strong buffaloes were breeded specifically for this purpose. There were people who devoted their entire life for the race.
The race course usually having a length of 500 to 100 feet and a breadth of 20 to 50 feet, formed in to large boroughs in the muddy fields which is known as Kanbalam. There used to be permanent Kanbalas or race course, in prominent places. Races were conducted annually in those places. When unusual races are conducted occassionally, the organisers invite renouned riders to the occassion . They bring bulls and buffaloes from distant places.
This grand rural sport is very popular in the northern parts of Kasaragod district especially in Kumbala and Manjeswar. The majestic and graceful animals exhibit their brutal strength and speed when aroused by the skillful riders. Though accidents occur in rare cases,by and large it is not a dangerous sport and no harm is caused to the animals or the rider.
This race gives great enthusiasm to both the spectactors and participants and keeps the cultural heritage of Tulunad alive and evergreen. No spectactor can deny the enchanting powers of this rural sport. By taking adequate measures this can be transformed into a tourist attraction.
There are two types of races. In the first case ,a wooden plank is connected to the yoke by a long wooden pole and a pair of buffullos harnessed to the yoke.The wooden plank touches the muddy ground in a slight angle enabling the rider to stand on it. While riding, the rider keeps his balance by clutching the tales of the buffullos. There is a hole in the wooden pole and while riding fast, the muddy water splashes through the hole. The speed of the buffaloes and the expertise of the rider are measured by computing the height reached by the splash. In the middle of the Kambala a banner is put up across it at a considerable height. It is a challenge to the rider to get the banner tarnished with the muddy water splashed through the hole of the wooden plank.
In the other case, buffulloes are harnessed only with the yoke. The wooden plank and connecting pole has no role. The rider has to run after the buffaloes and the winners are selected by their speed with the use of a stop-watch.
Cock-fight is another rural attraction in Kasargod District. It has got a legendary origin and it is extensively referred in the folk songs of Malabar. Till recently cock-fights formed an inseperable and unavoidable part of temple festivals, especially in the northern parts of Kasargod district. Though it is legally forbidden, cock-fights are conducted secretely and clandestinely in many parts of the district.
In olden days a religious tint is attributed to this sport and that is why even now cock-fight is conducted in the precincts of temples. Special breeds of cocks are grown for the fight. These fighter cocks have great vigour and stamina and they exhibit formidable courage during the fight. A sharp double edged small weapon is tied to one of the legs of the bird. The fighter bird rises high and tries to kick the enemy bird. Usually one of the birds gets fatally wounded and dies. Sometimes the defeated bird runs off from the arena. The owner of the successful cock is entitled to get the defeated or killed cock. If both cocks are killed in the fight the owners used to exchange the dead birds. Largescale betting is also prevelant in many parts.
Instant traditional treatment are given to the wounded cocks from the fighting arena, making them fit again to resume the fight. The owners are well versed with the physiological features of a good fighter cock and they derive this knowledge from the ancesstors. It provides an entertainment to the rural folks, eventhough we have to admit that it is a cruel sport, causing immense pain and harm to the poor creatures. This also keeps the cultural heritage of Tulunadu, alive and there is no doubt about its enchanting powers. Women are prohibited from watching this sport.
The only lake temple in Kerala and the Moolasthanam (original seat) of Ananthapadmanabha Swami (Sri Padmanbha Swami Temple) Thiruvananthapuram. is 5 km. from Kumbla. Local belief is that Ananthapadmanabha had settled down here originally. The industrial park of KINFRA is situated here.
Mallikarjuna Temple Situated in the heart of the Kasargod town is one of the famous temple in Kasargod district. The temple festival and yakshagana are most attractive.
Our Lady of Sorrows Church - oldest in the district constructed in 1890 AD. 15 KM north of Kasargod. This Gothic style Roman Catholic church which is under the Manglore Diocese, has celebrated its centenary recently and also renovated.
Over the years, Kasargod acquired the considerable importance as a centre of Islam on the west coast. It is the site of one of the mosques believed to have been founded by Malik Ibn Dinar. The mosque, Juma Masjid, which is one of the best kept and most attractive in the district, is located at Thalangara. It contains the grave of Malik Ibn Mohammed, one of the descendants of Malik Ibn Dinar and the place is sacred to Muslims. Another notable mosque, in Kasaragod is the Theruvath Mosque which is in the centre of the town. An important local celebration takes place every year in commemoration of the arrival of Malik Ibn Dinar. The Uroos attract pilgrims from all over India.
Nellikunnu Mosque Famous for Uroos, this mosque attracts thousands. Very near to Kasargod town. The Nercha celebration, during the second half of November, lasts for one week.
This beautiful ancient mosque was originally built in 1124 by Malik Ibn Dinar, a Muslim preacher. A block of white marble in the mosque is believed to have been brought from Mecca by its founder, who came to India to spread the word of Muhammad. Near by, lies a dilapidated fort believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan, the Ruler of Mysore.
Bekal, situated on the seashore of Pallikara village, is an important place of tourist interest in the district. It lies 12 km south of Kasaragod town. According to Bekal Rama Nayak, a local Kannada writer, the word, Bekal is derived from the word Baliakulam, meaning Big Palace. The place is said to have been the seat of a big palace in the past. The term Baliakulam got corrupted as Bekulam and later as Bekal.
Adoor is a scenic village situated 23 miles east of Kasaragod town. River Payaswani runs middle of the village. Famous for its ancient Siva Temple belonged to have been founded by Arjuna. The place where the Kiratha Yuddham battle between Arjuna and Lord Siva took place according to legend. The adjacent forest not frequented by men is considered the abode of Lord Siva and his divine consort. The stream below the valley is nature bounty.
These are the two notable ashrams in Kanhagad. Anandashramam, situated about five kms east of the Kanhangad Railway Station, was founded in 1939 by Swami Ramadas, a great Vaishnava saint of modern times. The main ashram and other buildings have a beautiful setting in the midst of shady mango, coconut and other groves. There is a hill to the east of the ashram, to which the devotees retire for quiet meditation and from its west, the surrounding extensive landscape can be seen in its natural grandeur. he spot at the highest point of the hill is so fascinating that the devotees, who go up the hill and sit silently, are blessed with deep peace and tranquility.
The Nityanandasramam, which is situated on the hillock about half a km. south of the Hosdurg taluk office, was founded by Swami Nityananda. The spot was at first part of a forest area. Here Swami Nityananda constructed 45 guhas (caves) in a mountain slope. There is a temple built in 1963, after the style and design of the famous Somanatha Temple in Gujarat. A full size statue of Swami Nityananda in sitting posture made of panchaloha is one of the attractions of the ashram.
The famous Madiyan Kulom temple is situated in Ajanur village. It is about 5 km from Kanhangad, the headquarters of Hosdurg taluk. The main deity of the temple is Bhadrakali; but there are also other deities like Kshetrapalan, Bhagavathi and Bhairavan. A pecularity of this temple is that a Brahmin priest performs pooja only in the noon, while the morning and evening poojas are performed by a sect called Maniyanis. The festivals in the temple fall during the months of Edavam (May, June) and Dhanu (December, January) and on these days all the poojas are performed in connection with this festival.
The largest and best preserved fort in the state. The alluring scene of the sea shore and its exhilarating natural scenery and beauty attracts the visitors. Fast emerging as an International tourist centre.
Chandragiri lies 3 km south of Kasaragod town. It has a large square situated high above the Chandragiri river on its southern bank. The fort it said to have been built in the 17th century by Sivappa Nayak of Bednore, who established his authority over the area and built a chain of forts. The Chandragiri river, on the bank of which it rises, marked the traditional boundary between Kerala and the Tuluva Kingdom.
There is a beautiful bridge over the Chandragiri river at Thekkil, 5 miles (8 km) from Chandragiri. A mosque is situated nearby and the view of the bridge with the mosque in the background is one of the most attractive sights on a drive along the NH 17 from Kannur to Kasaragod. The longest railway tunnel in Kerala passes through Chandragiri Hills. A boat club has been recently started here.
The place of illustrious poets and scholars of Kuttamath Kunniyur family. The Veeramala hills at this place has the ruins of a Dutch fort built in the 18th century, is a picnic spot.
The fort with its round bastion looks imposing from a distance. Somashekara Nayak of Ikkeri dynasty built the fort. The place made well known by the Nithyanandasram with 45 caves.
The rain forest near Konnakkad 30 km northeast of Kanhangad is a beautiful picnic centre and ideal for trekking. Thalakkaveri in the Brahmagiri mountain of Coorg is near this hills. Reflection of genetic beauty of Kodaikkanal.
Lies in the northern most extremity of Kerala and a place of historical and religious importance. For a long time it was the seat of a flourishing community Gowda Saraswatha or Konkini Brahmins. Famous for the two old Jaina Bastis at Bangra Manjeswar. Manjula Kshethra Mahathmya a legend which deals with the history of this place. The birth place of Rashtra Kavi Govinda Pai.
An ideal picnic spot and tourist resort located on a hillock 487.68 meters above sea level in Dharmathadka 30 km north-east of Kasaragod. From the hill top one can see the Arabian Sea, Manglore, Kudremukh, etc.
An old fashioned fort on the Kasaragod-Mulleria route about 10 km from Kasaragod.
Location : 20 km. from Kannur, near Thalasseri twon on the national high way at Illikunnu.
Formerly known as Madathumala. About 48 km east of Kanhangad. Lying 780 m above sea level. In beauty and boundary of nature comparable to Ooty. An ideal place for trekking. Tourist cottages are available here.
5 km southwest of Cheruvathur separated from the mainland by back waters. One of the main tourist spots of the District. This is an island in the Arabian Sea. An ideal place for picnic suited for fishing activities.
Situated at Cheruvathur. Hill top with ruins of a Dutch fort built in the 18th century. A picnic spot from where the natural beauty of Kariangode river and surroundings can be enjoyed.