:: KVT Holidays : Kerala :: Destinations

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• Destinations •

• Northern Kerala

• Kozhikode • Bakel • Kannur • Kasargod

• Kozhikode

The landing of Vasco da Gama near Kozhikode in 1498 heralded the period of Portuguese colonization in India.

There are indicators in Kozhikode of its colourful past. Mananchira Square was the former courtyard of the Zamorins. Temples, mosque and churches illustrate the reg-

ion's acquaintance with major belief system. Of note are the Tali Temple, the Kuttichira Mosque and the Church of South India. The impressive Manachira Library reflects the significance Kozhikode has always placed on it's literature.

Five kilometers north of town, at East Hill, archaeological display at the Pazhassirajah Museum include copies of ancient murals, bronze, coins and models of megalithic monuments- earliest monuments of Kerala. Next door, the Krishna Menon Museum has memorabilia of this former defense minister, while the art gallery has paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and Raja Raja Varma.

Sixteen Kilometers north, on the way to Kannur, there's a nondescript memorial for de Gama's landing at Kappad Beach.

Beypore (10 km south of Kozhikode)
Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar river, Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala was an important trade and maritime center. Ancient Beypore was much sought after by merchants from Western Asia, for its shipbuilding industry. The boat building yard here, famous for the construction of the Uru (the Arabian trading vessel), boasts a tradition of almost 1500 years.

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• Bakel

Bakel is a small village in Northern Kerala, famous for the Bakel Fort. This area has only recently caught the attention of the tourist. The authorities have identified the area for further development. Though most of the facilities will come up only later, the area has good stretches of beaches, backwaters and colourful festivals.

In and Out of Bakel
Air : The nearest airports are Mangalore (80 km) and Calicut (200 km), Cochin (390 km), Bangalore (390 km). Calicut and Bangalore have international links. Calicut has very good connections with gulf region. Bangalore has better European, American and Asia Pacific connections.

Bakel Fort
The most important monument in the region, the Bakel Fort, is more than 300 years old. This fort is believed to be built in the 1650's by Shivappa Naik of Thelkkeri dynasty. Later the fort passed on to Hyder Ali of Mysore and still later to the British.

The sea bastion, underground tunnels, and the observation tower are impressive sights. The nearby Pallikere beach is just across the fishing hamlet. One can easily spend a day in and around the Fort & beach. There is a well run 'Facility Center' near the fort, a Cloak room, Bathroom, Toilets, information Center, Restaurant, Fruit Stall and a Handicraft outlet function in the center.

Chandragiri Fort (10 km North)
A smaller fort is set between the sea and the Chandragiri Fort, provides a good place to watch the sunset.

Kodi Cliffs
The cliffs located between the Kappil beach and the Chandragiri Fort provides a good place to watch the sunset.

Pallikere Beach
This is yet another good beach south of the Bakel Fort, it can be reached either from Pallikere or one can walk it down from the Bakel Fort.

Ranipuram (55 km East)
This hill station is set amidst coffee, rubber, pepper plantations and the forests. There is a good trekking route. Seeing wild animals is a distinct possibility. The night is full of animal calls.

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• Kannur

Part of the famous Malabar region, Kannur has historically always been in the thick of action. Kollathiri Rajas, Pazhassi Rajas, Ali Rajas, The Portuguese, The Dutch, The French, The British, then the freedom struggle etc are all part of its history. Forts, Temples, Beaches and the temple festivals make Kannur worth visiting.

Theyyam
Theyyam is a festival common in these parts. It is a festival in remembrance of great warriors of the area who have become Theyya (Gods). Theyyam is an art form conducted in the temple premises.

Sree Ramaswami temple, Thiruvangadi
(23 km) : This temple is famous for its carvings on its walls. This temple is said to be over 400 years old. The temple is near Tellicherry

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• Kasargod

Kasaragod is about 20 km north of Bekal and 47 km south of Mangalore. There is a small 17th century fort nearby at Chandragiri built by Shivappa Nayaka.

Kappil Beach (6 km from Bekal Fort)
Remote and secluded, this beach is fast becoming a major tourism attraction. The Kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of the Arabian Sea.

Valiyaramba
(30 km from Bekal) This is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.

Chandragiri
Chandragiri Situated on the Chandragiri River, south east of Kasaragod town, this town is known foe its large 17th century fort built by Sivappa Naik of Bedanore. The Chandragiri Fort, one of a chain of forts built by the same rulers, offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea. It is advantage point to watch the sunset. There is a mosque nearby. The ancient Kizhur State Temple at Chandargiri celebrates annual festival called Pattu Utsavan.

Manjeswaram
A number of temple and fifteen mosque make this cashew growing town a prominent pilgrim center.

Sree Mahalingeswara Temple, Adoor
(45 km from Kasaragod) Located in wooded surroundings on the southern banks of the River Payaswini, this ancient Shiva temple contains a Sanskrit inscription in Kannada script which has been ascribed to the Western Chalukya King Kirthivarman II.

Cheruvathur
This is the home of the illustrious poets and scholars of Kuttamath. The runs of a Dutch Fort built in the 18 th century can be found in the Veeramala Hills. Cheruvathur is also a fascinating picnic spot.

Ranipuram
(85 km from Kasaragod town) Situated 750 m above sea level, Ranipuram is famous for its trekking trails and varied vegetation - evergreen shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands. This area was formerly known as Madathumala. The extensive forests of Madathumala merge with the forest of Karnataka. Ranipuram in its natural beauty is comparable to Ooty.

Central Plantations Crops & Research Institute
The Institute was established in 1970 by the Indian Council of Agriculture Research and has its headquarters in Kudlu, 5 km north of Kasaragod. The CPCRI serves as a national forum for improving the genetic potential of plantation crops, to conduct basic and applied research on various aspects of these crop, to produce genetically superior planting materials for coconut, spices and cashew nut.

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

Malik Deenar Mosque
Kasaragod acquired over the years considerable importance as a center of Islam on the west coast. The historic Malik Deener 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 district is located at Thalankara.

Nileswaram
The cultural center of the district, this was the seat of the Nileswar Rajas. The Nileswaram Palace today functions as the folklore center of the Dept. of Archaeology. The town is also famous for its numerous Kavus, temple festivals and the Kavil Bhawan Yoga and Cultural Center which offers rejuvenation therapy and naturopathy treatments like mud and herbal baths.

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