‘Saptha bhasha sangama bhoomi’
Situated near the Karnataka border, Kasaragod is the northernmost district in Kerala where it meets with Tulu Nadu, and Coorg – three regions with immense scenic beauty. Kasaragod also has a special linguistic culture. The people here speak seven different languages, giving the region its name of ‘Saptha bhasha sangama bhoomi’.
As I arrive in Kasaragod—the land of gods, forts, hills, and rivers— the place wraps itself around me in an awe-inducing spell of power, beauty, and benevolence. As many as nine rivers crisscross this small district, gifting Kasaragod its unique landscape of coconut palms, minuscule hills, and streams rushing to the sea.
People have different views on how the name Kasaragod originated. Many think it is a mixture of two Sanskrit words: katara, which means lake, and kroda, which means a place where treasure is kept.
Most people of Kasaragod speak either of these languages – Malayalam, Marathi, Kannada, Konkani, Tulu, and the dialect of Beary Bashe. Hindus, Muslims, and Christians live in harmony here, influenced by the diversity of languages around them, celebrating their multiculturalism to the hilt.
Bekal Fort – A popular tourist spot
Bekal Fort is one of the main tourist attractions of Kasaragod. As we approach it, the mysterious keyhole-shaped fort promises an enigmatic experience in exploration. A series of steps reaches the aperture of a tunnel, and after taking a few more steps, I find several hideouts and dark cave-like spaces. This impressive spherical structure of laterite rises 130 ft above sea level and stands on a 35-acre peninsula that runs into the Arabian Sea.
Kasaragod became an important port town of Tulu Nadu and Malabar under the royal family of Kolathiris in the 12th century AD. At that time every royal palace was protected by a fort. When Tipu Sultan led the great military expedition to seize Malabar, Bekal served as an important military station.
The variety of artifacts and coins found during an archaeological excavation at Bekal Fort is an indication of the rule of the Mysore Sultans. There is an observation tower with picturesque peepholes, an ancient Anjaneya Temple with stucco images of the Gods on its walls, an ancient mosque believed to have been built by Tipu Sultan, a sea bastion, and underground passages.
The chartbuster ‘Uyire Uyire’ from the film ‘Bombay’ that put its music director A. R. Rahman and its director Mani Ratnam on the map of Indian Cinema was shot at the Bekal Fort. Standing at the top of the fort and looking out at the towns in the distance as the sea lashes onto the rocks underneath is a mesmerizing experience. Beneath lies the Bekal Fort beach, a shallow beach that is a favorite tourist destination known for water sports. Presently, the protection and preservation of the Bekal Fort is assigned to the Archaeological Survey of India.
Chandragiri
Just 4 km from Bekal Fort, situated in the southeast of Kasaragod town, near the confluence of the Payaswini River and the Arabian Sea, are the ruins of the Chandragiri Fort, which attract a lot of tourists, and the Chandragiri Village. This fort was built by Sivappa Naik of Bednore in the 17th century. At first sight, the Chandragiri Fort seems to be floating atop a hill.
Ranipuram
An hour’s drive from Kasaragod is Ranipuram, considered the ‘Ooty of Kerala.’ Those making the trek to the top of the Ranipuram hills are rewarded with a breathtaking view. After trekking for around an hour through the Shola forests and crossing a vast sweep of immaculate savannahs, we reached the crest of Ranipuram. Earlier known as Madathumala, this hill range, 750 m above sea level, gives a first-hand experience of untouched wilderness.
Kottappuram
Situated in the south of Kasaragod, Kottapuram is a famous backwater destination and a popular tourist spot. The beauty of the Kottapuram backwaters attracts tourists and residents alike, throughout the year. The lush green stretch along its banks is a perfect place to enjoy the sunset. The cool breeze along the palm-fringed backwaters will soothe your mind as you stroll along the waterbed.
Valiyaparamba backwaters
Accompanied by a guide, the boat ride through the serene backwaters took us to Valiyaparamba Island, the largest island in the Kavvayi backwaters. Houseboats are also available for those interested in enjoying the rustic and unspoiled backwaters in a relaxing manner. The calm and secluded Valiyaparambu Island is a perfect getaway from the city. The Valiyaparambu beach is not very far away and is still an unexplored place.
Apart from its natural beauty, beaches, and forts, Kasaragod is also known for its lively and colorful Theyyam dance- a ritualistic traditional dance form that showcases the cultural traditions and rich folklore of the land.