Kasargod, Kerala - Must visit

Kasargod, located in the northernmost part of Kerala, is a district known for its pristine beaches, historical forts, and rolling hills. Often referred to as the "Land of Gods" due to its numerous temples and cultural richness, Kasargod offers a diverse range of experiences from serene backwaters to vibrant cultural performances.

History

Kasargod’s history is deeply intertwined with its strategic location on the Arabian Sea and its role in trade and cultural exchange. The region has been influenced by various dynasties, including the Kadambas, Tuluvas, and the Vijayanagara Empire. This historical backdrop is reflected in the district’s forts, temples, and mosques, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.

Getting There 

By Road

Kasargod is well-connected by a network of national and state highways. It can be reached by car or bus from various parts of Kerala and neighboring states. 

By Air

The nearest airport to Kasargod is Mangalore International Airport, approximately 50 km away. It is well-connected to major Indian cities and some international destinations. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach Kasargod.

By Train

Kasargod Railway Station is a major railway junction with connectivity to several cities in Kerala and other parts of India. Trains from Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, and Bangalore provide convenient access to Kasargod. 

Best Time to Visit

Winter (September to March)

The best time to visit Kasargod due to the pleasant weather and moderate temperatures, ideal for exploring the beaches, forts, and temples.

Summer (April to June)

Summer temperatures can rise above 35°C, making it less comfortable for outdoor activities. However, the beaches and coastal areas remain enjoyable.

Monsoon (July to August)

Kasargod experiences heavy rainfall during the monsoon season, which enhances the lush greenery and offers a unique experience of the backwaters and waterfalls. It’s a good time for those who enjoy the monsoon atmosphere and vibrant landscapes.

Top Attractions

Natural Beauty

Bekal Beach

Bekal Beach is one of the most popular and scenic beaches in Kasargod, known for its clean sandy shores and the impressive Bekal Fort that overlooks the Arabian Sea. The beach is ideal for leisurely strolls, picnics, and enjoying stunning sunsets.

Valiyaparamba Backwaters

Valiyaparamba Backwaters, situated near Bekal, is a serene network of canals and lagoons that offers enchanting backwater cruises. The area is ideal for enjoying the scenic beauty of Kerala’s lush landscapes and traditional village life.

Ranipuram Hills

Ranipuram Hills, often referred to as the "Ooty of Kerala," offers breathtaking views of the Western Ghats and is an excellent spot for trekking and nature walks. The hills are known for their cool climate, rolling meadows, and diverse flora and fauna.

Religious and Cultural Sites

Bekal Fort

Bekal Fort is one of the largest and best-preserved forts in Kerala, built in the 17th century by the Nayakas of Keladi. The fort offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline and is a significant historical landmark. Its well-preserved ramparts, moat, and lighthouse add to its grandeur.

Malik Deenar Mosque

An ancient mosque in Kasargod, Malik Deenar Mosque is a significant religious site for the Muslim community. The mosque’s architecture reflects the traditional style of Islamic buildings in the region.

Madhur Temple

Madhur Temple, located about 7 km from Kasargod town, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple is known for its unique architecture and serene ambiance, making it an important site for worship and reflection.

Ananthapura Lake Temple

Situated on the banks of a lake, this ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu is unique for its setting and serene ambiance. The temple is particularly known for the crocodile that used to live in the lake and ate only the temple offerings. However, the crocodile died in 2022.

Cultural Experiences

Yakshaganam

Yakshaganam is a traditional performing art form popular in Kasargod, characterized by its elaborate costumes, vibrant storytelling, and dance. This classical theater form is performed during festivals and special occasions, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region.

Local Cuisine

Vegetarian Cuisine

Thanks to its proximity to the Udipi region, known for its vegetarian cuisine, it is not very difficult to find good quality vegetarian restaurants in Kasargod. Popular restaurants include Vasanth Vihar, Century, and Udipi Garden.

Coastal Delights

Kasargod’s coastal cuisine features a variety of seafood dishes, including fish curry, prawn fry, and crab dishes. Local restaurants such as Ocean Sea Food and Dwaraka offer authentic coastal flavors.

Ottupola

Ottupola is a type of appam, a traditional Kerala dish known for its soft, spongy texture and unique shape. It is commonly served with a variety of side dishes and is a popular choice for breakfast or a light meal.

Shopping

Bekal Fort Area

The area around Bekal Fort features local shops selling souvenirs, handicrafts, and traditional Kerala items. It’s a good place to pick up mementos from your trip.

Kasargod Sarees

Kasargod is renowned for its traditional sarees, which are known for their intricate weaving patterns and vibrant colors. The local markets and shops offer a variety of Kasargod sarees that make for beautiful souvenirs.

Accommodation

Budget Hotels

Kasargod offers budget-friendly accommodations, including guesthouses and hotels. Popular options include Kalluvalappil Holiday Inn and Hotel Bekal International.

Mid-range and Luxury Hotels

For a more comfortable stay, consider mid-range and luxury hotels such as The Lalit Resort & Spa Bekal, and Taj Bekal Resort & Spa.

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* Kerala Trails 

* Kerala Roadie 

* Must Visit 

#ExploreKasargod #KasargodTourism #LandOfGods #KasargodCuisine #KasargodHeritage #Yakshaganam #Ottupola

Car skids off the highway in KL and drives away

Not a film shoot. 

It actually happened on a rain drenched highway in Kerala at around 9 am on Monday 2024-07-15. The moron did a U-turn in style in his Maruti Dzire. Thank God no other innocent users were affected.  

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* Mishap And Calamity

Boat ride in backwaters of Poovar on 2023-01-28

Indian Roadie Nirmalya Das of Kolkata was at Poovar backwaters in Kerala on Saturday 2023-01-28 while driving from Kanyakumari to Kovalam Beach. 

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* Kerala trails 

Indian Roadie preferred hotel in Munnar, Kerala (April - September 2022)

Greenridge Hotel - Indian Roadie Preferred Hotel in MUNNAR, Kerala for the period April 2022 to September 2022.

Kuthiran Tunnel on NH47 connecting Palakkad with Thrissur in Kerala open to public in early August 2021

The construction of the long awaited Kuthiran Tunnel on NH47 connecting Palakkad with Thrissur in Kerala has finally been completed and thrown open to public in early August 2021. 

More than an hour's journey time will be saved because of this pathbreaking development. 
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* Pathbreaking Initiatives By Bjp Govt 
* What Has Modi Done 
* Indian Roadie Infrastructure Projects 

Newly fabricated snakeboat being launched in the backwaters in Kerala

An unmissable scene of an event from Patanat village, Chengannur taluka, Kerala.

When will we have a Communist Virus free India once again so that we can drive hundreds or thousands of kms to  see a newly fabricated snakeboat being floated in one of the numerous backwaters in #GodsOwnCountry in September 2019 😩

Video courtesy: B Krishna Kumar

Kerala's 'AMMA RUCHI' food tuk-tuk

Kerala's 'AMMA RUCHI' food tuk-tuk are non-polluting electric auto rickshaws converted to food rickshaws with attached steel kitchen. 

Engine flew off the overturned Tata Nexon (KL-03AE-0123) in Kerala. Marbles between the legs got saved

This is the fallout of a peak of 7300 private engineering colleges and 3200+ private B-schools which mushroomed pan-India between 2000 and 2013, producing herds of glorified techies or Information Technology specialists or BFSI glorified clerks who were in demand purely because India was competitive in the global market.
Since the past 4 - 5 years the 'know_it_all' specialists and and their close friends started hearing about NCAP (crash) ratings.
They started testing it out if their cars were  indeed safe as claimed by the manufacturers. They wanted to demonstrate to the world that their cars had fabulous crumple zones and even their irresponsible behavior can't hold them back in wheelchairs.
By end June 2020, they have also started demonstrating that in the event of a collision, the engine will fly out and save the marbles between the legs from bursting.
BTW, they are such great nationalists that majority of them try out their stupid stances on Tata vehicles 😠
Enjoy the aftermath of one such demo on 2020-06-20 on a wet and winding road somewhere in Kerala. The joker driving the white Tata Nexon (KL-03AE-0123) supposedly walked out with a fractured shoulder. So sad.
And because of these new breeds who behave as if their mother went to the hospital riding a Hummer or a war tank to give birth to these resource depleting elements, we buffoons keep paying higher amounts as insurance premium every year 😠
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* Mishap And Calamity

Auto rickshaw driver in Kerala makes passengers adhere to hygiene before a ride

This auto rickshaw driver in Kerala (KL-14) makes his passengers follow a strict set of guidelines pertaining to hygiene before the start of journey.
We feel that someone should give the driver a lecture on the importance of covering the nose and mouth and wear a glass/ face shield, too.
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* Indian Roadie Covid19 Lockdown Tales
* How India Travels 

Chemnad village, NH66, Kasaragod district, Kerala - Beautiful India

Chemnad village, NH66, Kasaragod district, Kerala. No wonders Kerala is referred to as God's Own Country.

This location in Kerala is about:
12 kms North of Bekal Fort/ Bekal Beach (famous for the Manisha Koirala starrer 'Bombay') and
5 kms South East of Kasargod Beach.

Kerala is a 'must see', 'must visit' for every road travel lover.

'#BeautifulIndia' can be cherished '#OnlyWhileTravellingByRoadInIndia'.

Photo courtesy: Karim Choori (ace photographer and resident of Chemnad village) 

Semblance of return to normalcy. Kerala set to open restaurants, start odd-even for cars

Kerala set to open restaurants, start odd-even for cars
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From Monday, 2020-04-20 onwards, a semblance of normalcy will return to at least seven of Kerala’s 14 districts as restaurants will open and a limited number of private vehicles under the odd-even scheme be allowed to ply.

As the 21-day national lockdown was drawing to a close, the state government had submitted a proposal to the Centre that divided Kerala into four zones — Red, Orange A, Orange B and Green — and restrictions eased in three of these zones in a phased manner. There will be no easing up in the red zone.

The Centre accepted Kerala’s proposal on Friday, 2020-04-17. For the past seven days, the number of positive cases in the state was confined to single digit and the recovery rate has climbed steadily.

From Monday, near-normal life will be back in two districts, viz. Kottayam and Idukki. Both have been classified as green zones because they currently have no active cases.
Several restrictions will be lifted in Orange B zone districts, viz. Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Thrissur, Palakkad and Wayanad, too from Monday.

Dine-in restaurants can function during normal hours in Kottayam and Idukki while in Orange B districts, restaurants can function from 7 am to 7 pm but they have to ensure social distancing norms and hand sanitisers. All those who step out of their homes have been advised to wear masks.

Vehicles with odd numbers will be permitted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, whereas vehicles with even numbers will be allowed on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; only critical services and emergency operations would be exempt. Women drivers travelling solo or with dependents are exempted from this restriction. Two passengers can travel in the back seat while for two wheelers pillion-riding is allowed only for a family member.
In Ernakulam, Kollam and Pathanamthitta districts, classified as Orange A zones, relaxation for restaurants will come into effect from April 24. Restaurant takeaways will be available till 8 pm. In the green zone districts, other commercial establishments, like textile shops, will be allowed to function.

Some of the other relaxations include grocery shops opening daily from 7 am to 5 pm and registered plumbers and electricians being allowed to work. Insurance companies, cooperative credit societies and recognised non-banking finance corporations will also be allowed to function with limited staff, while banks and government offices will work normal hours. Some businesses, like opticians, mobile phone shops, computers and accessories, auto workshops, barbershops and bookstores, will be permitted to open twice a week. The dates for these, too, will be April 20 or April 24, depending on the colour zone.
State chief Secretary Tom Jose said the state had discussed the zone-wise lockout plan with the Union home and health ministries. "We could convince them that minor modifications in the relaxations granted by the Centre within the broad guideline are required considering the peculiar demography and situation here. Our request had force because of our proper implementation of all earlier guidelines which yielded good results," Tom Jose told TOI.
All places of worship and schools, colleges and shopping malls will remain closed across the state till May 3. So too will inter-district travel and Kochi Metro services.
Source: Toi Thiruvananthapuram dated 2020-04-19.
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* Indian Roadie News
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We salute the grit and perseverance of Jilumol Mariot Thomas from Idukki, Kerala

Jilumol Mariot Thomas  from Idukki, Kerala who set her foot into history. She is the first lady in Asia not having both upper arms who got driving licence and drives car efficiently. She got the licence after getting a special order and approval from court. Awesome   and highly inspiring. She is professional expert in graphic design and animation, having the degree and working in Kochi. Salute her for the great will, determination and hardwork. 👏 🙏

Jilumol Mariot Thomas deserves the 'carrot' in the proverbial 'Carrot and Stick'.
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* Indian Roadie Inspirational Stories
* Keep Strong Stay Happy
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Payyanur (Kerala) to Rohtang Pass (HP) to Payyanur road trip of 7253 kms in 16 days in October 2019 in Tata Nexon by Shihabudeen Hashim

Shihabudeen Hashim drove his new Nexon XM petrol of March 2019 model (retrofitted alloy wheels and tyres of size  195/60 R16) along with wife and 3 yrs old son from Payyanur (Kerala) to Rohtang Pass (Himachal Pradesh) and back in October 2019.

Route: Payyanur - Goa - Pune - Surat - Udaipur - Delhi - Manali - Rohtang La - Manali - Delhi - Agra - Gwalior - Indore - Pune - Dharwad - Hubli - Payyanur.

Number of states covered: 12.

Total distance: 7253 kms.

Itinerary:
Day 1: Payyanur (Kerala) to Goa.
Day 2: Goa to Pune.
Day 3: Pune to Surat.
Day 4: Surat to Udaipur.
Day 5: Local sightseeing in Udaipur.
Day 6: Udaipur to Delhi. Day 7: 3rd service of Tata Nexon in Delhi.
Day 8: Delhi to Mandi.
Day 9: Mandi to Manali. Post lunch Manali sightseeing.
Day 10: Manali to Rohtang La.
Day 11: Manali to Delhi.
Day 12: Delhi to Gwalior via Agra.
Day 13: Gwalior to Indore.
Day 14: Indore to Pune.
Day 15: Pune to Dharwad.
Day 16: Dharwad to home in Payyanur (Kerala).

Road conditions and facilities in general: Gwalior to Indore road was really nice we left Gwalior by 5.30am and reached Indore about 5pm. But food and rest option for family along the route is almost nil. Dhaba available suitable for truck drivers. Overall roads were good except few border roads in Kerala, Goa + road/bridge between Vadodara and Udaipur.

Expense: Total money spent ₹90k, 32k for fuel, 20k stay, 23k food, 4.5k toll, 10k misc expenses like entry fee, etc.

Fuel economy: 15.7 kmpl.

Dates: End Oct 2019.

Hotels: Mostly OYO and MMT with above average user ratings.

Performance: The car performed very well without any issues throughout the journey and even at 13,500 ft above sea level in Rohtang Pass.

Issues on road: There was checking at several location between Goa and Maharashtra and it was just usual checking by police with a smiling face.
However, Punjab Police fined him just after crossing Haryana and once again while returning for having sun film.
There was no other checking or police harassment anywhere else during the drive. 

Beautiful Munnar, Kerala

A lady Indian Roadie follower drove to beautiful Munnar, Kerala from Bangalore in early October 2019.
Has sent two short videos to showcase the beauty of the hillstation.

Jatayu Nature Park (World's Largest Bird Sculpture), Kollam, Kerala

Jatayu Nature Park (World's Largest Bird Sculpture), Kollam, Kerala is spread over 30,000 sq.ft.
Heard of it?
Been there? Let's hear more from you.
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#MustSee
#MustVisit

Open air yoga at Periyar National Park, Kerala

Yoga time at Periyar National Park, Kerala.
Has anybody on Indian Roadie or its associated online groups (viz. Backpacking India On Road, Global Roadie, Shetravels India) carry out yoga practice under the open sky in God's Own Country?

'Chakara' is the most rewarding time for fishermen in Kerala

It’s officially CHAKARA in Kerala.
Chakara is the most rewarding time for a fisherman in Kerala.

Once a year, for one or two weeks the sea overflows with fish like never before! Chakara brings an abundance of fish and prawns to the shores ready for a busy sale. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
It truly is the happiest time of the year for a fisherman!
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The fish markets are overloaded with fish, the street wallas are busy, the fisherman are overjoyed with their catch. If you can, head down to a fish auction in the evening to catch the action in full swing!

Credit: @Packyourpassport.in

Kerala Trails - Neendakara fishing harbour is a must visit in Kollam, Kerala at dawn

 

Neendakara fishing harbour is a must visit in Kollam, Kerala at dawn. 

Neendakara is a famous fishing harbour in Kollam district of Kerala, India. It is one of the most beautiful places in Kollam . Roadies can see the Ashtamudi Lake joining the sea from here. During early morning and evening, the harbour is crowded as fishermen return with their boats full of fishes. It's a great harbour to buy fresh fish. Neendakara is one of the major sources of fish in Kerala. 

The harbour looks beautiful at dawn. 

Kollam Clock Tower to Neendakara Fishing Harbour = 11 kms via NH66 (erstwhile, NH17). 

You spent a sizeable chunk of your earnings to buy for yourself a very able car which can drive to any place in India. If you are unsure, we will handhold you throughout the road trip. What's stopping you? 

Road trips are the best gifts that you can present to your children and your dear ones. Get set go! 

http://indian-roadie.blogspot.com/2018/06/neendakara-fishing-harbour-is-must.html 

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* Kollam 

* Kerala Trails 

* Kerala Roadie 

* Kms Of India 

* Kilometres Of India 

* Only While Travelling By Road In India 

* Every Kilometre Of India Is Interesting

* Must Visit

Drive to Konni Adavi Eco-Tourism Project, Pathanamthitta, Kerala

Brace yourself to a scenery like this after a drive to Konni Adavi Eco-Tourism Project, Pathanamthitta, Kerala.
Following heavy rains in Kerala in early and mid June 2018, all the rivers are flowing to the brim and with a lot of greenery all around.
Konni Eco-Tourism Centre in Pathanamthitta is about 95 kms from Thekkady and as well as Trivandrum and takes about 2 hrs 30 mins to reach by car.

Munnar, Kerala - City Maps

Starting with Munnar in Kerala, we will now have an exhaustive series of City Maps pan-India for the benefit of all Indian Roadie followers.