Want To Escape The Crowd? Explore Kasargod, Kerala’s Hidden Gem!
I have never been to a city as wholesome as Kasargod!
To start with, I had no plans to visit Kasargod! I mean, who even thinks of visiting this offbeat and non-touristy destination as a solo traveller?
But one of my close friends was a native of the city. It was her invitation, that made me board the train to Kasargod from Bangalore. And I don’t regret it till this date! It is the most quiet and wholesome city I have visited.
Kasargod is a town on Kerala’s Northern coast. It comes with a long history of being ruled by multiple rulers.
History of Kasargod
Way back, Kasargod was a part of an old kingdom called Kumbla, one of seven kingdoms in early Kerala. During the Middle Ages, various dynasties like the Kadambas, Cheras, and the Vijayanagara Empire took turns ruling Kasaragod. It was a busy trading centre for spices and wood.
In the late 1400s, Europeans arrived. The Portuguese built a fort (Fortaleza de São Sebastião) and controlled Kasaragod for a while.
Later, in the 1700s, Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, took over Kasaragod. He strengthened the forts and built mosques and other buildings.
After Tipu Sultan’s defeat in 1799, the British took control. Kasaragod became part of the Madras Presidency. The British set up administrative centres and improved roads and other infrastructure.
When India gained independence in 1947, Kasaragod became part of Kerala. Since then, the area has seen a lot of progress in education, healthcare, and tourism.
Seven Languages, One Culture
Kasaragod, aptly called ‘Sapta Bhasha Sangama Bhumi’ (Land of Seven Languages), is a destination with a mix of cultures.
Malayalam, Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, Marathi, Hindi, and Arabic intertwine here, creating a unique linguistic mix.
Bekal Fort
A massive fort, made of 12 metre-long laterite stone walls!
My suggestion: Climb to the top of the fort and let the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea and the verdant landscapes of Kasaragod unfold before your eyes.
The fort premise also has a mosque and temple, co-existing—proof of the region’s religious harmony. But Bekal Fort’s magic extends beyond its walls. Just a stone’s throw away lies Bekal Fort Beach, a paradise for beach lovers.
Bekal Fort isn’t just a historical monument; it’s an experience!
The Malik Deenar Mosque
It is believed to be one of the oldest mosques in India; from the 7th century.
A Muslim scholar named Malik Deenar arrived in India from Arabia, in the 7th Century. According to locals, he built this mosque, making it a significant landmark for Islam in Kerala. It has a massive prayer hall that can fit thousands of people at once! It’s a place of peace and prayer for the local Muslim community.
Whether you’re interested in history, architecture, or religion, the Malik Deenar Mosque is a must-visit.
Kasargod As A Tourist Destination
Warning: This isn’t your “Instagram Trending” place to visit! But a place to go if you love exploring offbeat places in India.
Visit Kasargod if you want:
To stroll on clean Golden sand beaches — Kasaragod is on the Arabian Sea coastline and is a paradise for beach lovers. Soak up the sun on the beaches of Kappil and Kasaragod. Or take a stroll along Payyambalam Beach, famed for its black sand.
Taste the authentic Kerala Cuisine: Kasargod is best known for its seafood, fragrant spices, and creamy coconut milk- a dash that makes your curry taste rich. Don’t miss the chance to try local delicacies like Kaju Curry (cashew nut curry), Ghee Rice, Ghee roasted Prawns, and fish curry.
Backwaters and Hills- Paradise is waiting for Nature Lovers. The treks, rivers and forests of Kasargod are still untouched! Since there is not a lot of tourist footfall, these places are accessible only by locals who make sure to save them in the most natural form. The Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary is a place for diverse flora and fauna. Visit Chandragiri River to witness the majestic Kottanacheri Hills.
How to Reach Kasargod
By Air: Take a flight and land at Mangalore International Airport, situated about 50 kilometres away. From there, hop on a taxi or comfortable bus ride to Kasaragod.
By Train: Kasaragod has its railway station, conveniently connected to major Indian cities. Trains from Bangalore, Mumbai, Chennai, and many others arrive regularly.
By Bus: Kasaragod is a popular bus stop, with frequent connections to other parts of Kerala and neighbouring states. Look for buses from Kannur, Mangalore, and other nearby cities.
Once you’ve arrived in Kasaragod, exploring is easy. Taxis and public transportation are readily available.
