VMJ Travels - Destinations

Bekal

Bekal,at the northern tip of Kerala is 140 kms away from Calicut International Terminal.With the Konkan Railway Line, Bombay will just be 15 hours from Bekal. The beaches,backwaters and hill stations of Bekal offer a totally different backdrops to the holiday experience. Large number of forts, big and small like Bekal, Chandragiri, Hosdurg, Kumbala, Panayal, Kundamkuzhi, Bandaduka etc. reveal the historical importance of this land. Bekal Fort remains the largest and best-preserved fort in Kerala. History and legend are interwoven together in Bekal, particularly regarding its antiquity.

The Bekal Fort
(16 Kms south of Kasaragod on the national highway)

The 300 year old Bekal Fort is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala.This imposing circular structure of laterite sites rises 130 ft. above sea level and stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabian Sea. Buses are available every 30 minutes from Kanhagad to Bekal.The Fort appears to have been built up from the seas since almost three fourth of its exterior is drenched and the waves do stroke the citadel.

Unlike most other Indian Forts, Bekal fort was not a center of administration, for no remains of a Palace are found within the Fort. Probably the fort was built for fulfilling the defence requirements. The holes on the outerwalls of the fort are so remarkable that they are specially designed to defend the fort effectively. The holes at the top are meant for aiming at the farthest points; the holes below are meant for hitting when the enemy is nearer and the holes underneath facilitate attacking when the enemy is very near to the fort. This is a remarkable evidence for the medival technology of defence strategy. Apart from this, the wild and ecstatic beauty of the setting sun is a glorious presence in the fort. [more]

Pallikere Beach (1 Km from Bekal Fort):

This Shallow beach offers a spectacular view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation.

Bekal Hole Aqua Park (1 Km from Bekal Fort):

The only one of its kind in northern Kerala, this unique Aqua Park provides water sport facilities like pedal boats and water cycles.

Malik Deenar Mosque

Kasargod acquired considerable importance as a center of Islam.The historic Malik Deenar Juma Masjid built in the typical Kerala style is believed to have been founded by Malik Ibin Dinar.The Juma Masjid, which is one of the best kept and most attractive in the districts is located at Thalankara.

Kappil Beach (6Km from Bekal fort)

Remote and secluded , this beach is fast becoming a major attraction. 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.

Anandasaram (15 kms from Bekal)

This internationally renowned spiritual centre founded by Swami Ramdas in 1939, offers a quiet, peaceful ambience best suited for meditation and spiritual studies.

Ananthapura Lake Temple (30 Km from Bekal)

This 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala and is the moolasthanam(original abode) of Anandapadmanabha, the deity of Sri. Padmanabha Swami Temple,Thiruvananthapuram.

Nileshwaram and Valiaparamba (19 Kms from Bekal, and 39 Kms to valaiaparamba)

This perhaps is the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala . Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises. Nileshwaram is also known as cultural hub of kerala. Where in olden days musical school where run here, making some of the renowned muscicians.There where also schools which tought art and various dance forms.A small town but one of the important places in the district, with conectivity to all the major towns.

Chandragiri Fort (10 Kms from Bekal)

Situated on the Chandragiri river, southeast of Kasaragod town , this town is known for its large 17th century fort built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore. The Chandragiri fort, one of a chain of forts built by the same ruler, offers breathtaking view of the meandering Chandragiri river and the Arabian Sea. It is a vantage point to watch the sunset.There is a mosque nearby . The ancient Kizhur state Temple at Chandragiri has an annual festival called Pattu Utsavam.

Ajanur

The temple town is located 5 Kms from Kanhangad in Hosdurg taluk. The famous Madiyam Kovilakam Temple is dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. The ancient temple has intricate wood carvings on Palazhimadhanam, sitaswayamvaram and Dakshayagam.The annual nine day festival of 'pattutsavam' is celebrated here, various cultural and religious programmes are held during the festival. The village also 13 mosques and one church. There is also an 'Anandaswaram', founded in 1939 by Swami Ramdas, a great Vaishnava saint.

Madhur

A Hindu Pilgrim centre, 8 km from Kasaragod, it is well known for the Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka Temple or Mahaganapathi Temple. The sacred temple even finds mention in the Sahyadri Centre of Skanda Purana. The sacred thirtham of the temple well is believed to cure all diseases. The imposing structure of Srimad Anantheswara Vinayaka Temple-the rich architecture and copper plate roofing rises majestically against the beautiful landscape on the banks of Madhuvahini.

Manjeswaram

A number of temples and fifteen mosques makes this cashew growing town a prominent pilgrim centre. The memorial of the late Sri Govinda Pai, the grand patriarch of kannada literature, is situated at Manjeswaram .At Kanwatheeratha beach (3 km from Manjeswaram), a large swimming pool-like formation of the sea on the vast beach is the main attraction.

Jain Temples: There are two old Jaina Bastis at Bengara Manjeswar on the southern bank of Manjeswar river.

Churches: About 11 Kms from Kumbla on the Kumbla - Badiadka road is the Mother Dolorus Church of Bela. The hundred year old Roman Catholic Church is built in the Gothic style. The Our Lady of sorrows Church constructed in 1890 is the oldest in the district.
The memorial of the late Govinda Pai, the grand patriarch of Kannada literature, is located at Manjeshwaram.

Kanhangad / Hosdurg Fort

This is renowned for its chain of forts built by Somashekara Nayak of Ikkeri Dynasty and also for the Nithyanandashram, an internationally recognized spiritual centre. Somashekara Nayak captured Manjeswar and Thaliparamba and built a fort at Kanhangad Hosdurga [new fort].

Bela

Located 15km. north of Kasaragod, the little town is known for the oldest church in the district. The church Our Lady of Sorrows was constructed in 1890.

Tular Vanam (4km East of Panathur)

Also known as Kekulom (the eastern place),the temple here is consecrated to Kshetrapalan and Bhagavathi.The eight day annual festival commencing from Sivarathri,attracts large crowds from all over the district as well as from Coorg.

Central Plantation Crops &Research Institute

The institute was established in 1970 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research,has its headquarters in Kudlu,5km north of Kasargod.The CPCRI serves as a national forum for improving the genetic potential of plantation crops,to produce genetically superior planting materials for coconut ,arecanut,spices and cashews.

Pandiyan Kallu

A rock rising in the sea about 2 km from theTrikkannad temple,Pandiyan Kallu is an ideal spot for adventurous swimmers.Legend has it that the ship of one of the Pandiya Kings who attacked the Thrikkannad temple was converted into a rock.

Edneer Mutt (10 km north east of Kasargod)

The Mutt of Edneer renowned as a seat of art and learning belongs to the Sankaracharya tradition.

Kanwatteertha Beach (3 Km from Manjeswaram)

A large swimming pool - like formation of the sea on the vast beach is the main attraction.

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