Kasaragod is one of the best off-beat locations to explore in God’s Own Country – Kerala. This is the ideal location for vacationing, especially for those who want to avoid crowds and spend time with their loved ones. All the solo female travellers out there? Kasaragod will prove to be the perfect spot for clicking candid pictures, exploring nature, and getting a glimpse of wildlife in their natural habitat. Without any further delay, let us explore the best places to visit in Kasaragod!
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9 Places to Visit in Kasaragod
1 – Chandragiri Fort
The Chadragiri region is one of the most sought-after places to visit in Kasaragod. It is known for its serene environment, tranquil waters, and historic constructions. The Chandragiri Fort is the main tourist hot spot in the place and is popular for being one of the most important forts of ancient India. Today, it is in ruins but you can still get a glimpse of our ancestor’s smart minds when it comes to fortifications. It is a 17th-century construction that is about 150 feet above sea level, spread across an area of 7 acres. The Chadragiri River is right next to the fort and you can get the perfect view of the river and surrounding civilisation from the fort. The tourism department of Kerala along with the Kerala State Department of Archeology take care of the place today. In an earlier excavation conducted in the region, several cannon balls made of iron and steel, iron tools, steel parts, and remains of ancient pottery were found here! You will find several barracks, holes to shoot the balls, and a very well-planned staircase system when you visit the Chandragiri Fort.
Entry Fee – INR 10 for Indians; INR 100 for Foreigners
Location – F293+X7H, Kasaragod, Kalnad, Kerala 671317
Timings – 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
2 – Bekal Fort
Bekal Fort is one of the most stunning places to visit in Kasaragod. It is spread across an area of 40 acres and happens to be the largest fort in Kerala. This place is the perfect example of world-class architecture, perseverance, and diligence. You will be amazed to see how our ancestors planned their fortification to spy on invaders approaching through the sea route. This ancient structure was built by Shivappa Nayaka in 1650 AD. It currently stands overlooking the Arabian Sea and is a beautiful location to explore breathtaking views of the ocean. Seeing how the Bekal region was not a part of the administrative wing of the then Kingdom, the fort stands alone without any mansions or palaces adjoining it. However, almost 3/4th of the structure is in water and there is an observatory tower from where you can see Bekal, Uduma, Mavval, Kottikulam among other surrounding places. Don’t forget to see those famous ‘holes in the walls’, the inconspicuous spots from where the soldiers used to attack the invaders raging their ships toward the kingdom.
Entry Fee – INR 20
Location – Kasaragod Road, PO Bekal Fort, Beside Bekal Fort Railway Station Dist, Bekal Fort Rd, Bekal, Kerala 671316
Timings – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
3 – Kottancheri Hills
Kottancheri Hills is a beautiful extension of the Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary in the Kasaragod region. The region is surrounded by dense rain forests and the Western Ghats add to the ethereal charm of the region. This is the closest you can get to a hill station in a region like Kasaragod which is famous for backwaters and beaches. We can also confidently say that Kottancheri Hills are every trekker’s paradise seeing how the routes are able to satisfy trekking enthusiasts of all experience levels. Families can come here to have a one-day picnic amidst the serene calm of the forests and enjoy some quality time in the heart of nature. Camping is another sought-after activity in the region. It is very common to spot wildlife in Kottancheri Hills seeing how it is an extension of the reserved forest region of Kasaragod. You can expect to see elephants, deers, tigers, wild dogs, wild boars, and rare exotic birds. If you are planning to camp in the region, take permission from the forest department and stay within the permissible limits for your own safety.
Entry Fee – Free
Location – 9C37+P4X, Malom, Maloth, Near Kasaragod, Kerala 671534
Timings – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
4 – Valiyaparamba Backwaters
If you find peace and happiness in solitude, then you must explore the Valiyaparamba backwaters. This is the perfect place to be if you want to have some ‘me time’ amidst nature, without an overwhelming crowd. A classic boat ride on the waters, passing through the aisles of trees on either side will prove to be a refreshing experience for the city dwellers. Valiyaparamba is also one of the best places to visit in Kasaragod if you want to taste the famous coconut cuisines of Kerala!
Also, you can click absolutely stunning pictures with the backdrop of emerald green waters, swaying trees, and wooden boats. The locals here are very friendly and will guide visitors patiently if they need anything. You can also visit the Bekal hold aqua park in the region if travelling with kids. The young ones can go swimming and also learn fishing here! Valiyaparamba is about 2 hours away from the heart of Kasaragod. But visiting this place is worth every minute of your time!
Entry Fee – Free; Boating Charges Apply
Location – Hosdurg Taluk, Kasaragod district, Kerala, 671312.
Timings – 24 Hours – Preferably Early Mornings.
5 – Nileshwaram
Nileshwaram is one of the main towns in the Kasaragod district. This location is often called the Cultural Capital of the Malabar region owing to the frequent display of art, dance, music, and religious activities conducted in the place. It has a limited population of about 60,000 people and is spread across an area of 26 square kilometres. This is one of the main Kasaragod places to visit because of the sacred snake groves you will come across here. There are ancient temples that have remained untouched for centuries. None of the foreign invaders were able to lay their hands on these powerful religious establishments. Also, you must explore the infamous Nileshwaram palace! It is a two-storeyed mansion with extensive woodwork that is native to Kerala. It once served as the resting space of the Nileshwaram Rajas. You will be amazed to see that the palace is simple and sophisticated and yet exudes a regal charm. Nileshwaram is also famous for cultural festivals and events that will blow your mind with their sheer magnificence.
Entry Fee – None
Location – 744H+CQ6, Kizhakkan Kozhuval, Nileshwar, Kerala 671314
Timings – Nileshwaram Palace Timings are 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You can enter the town any time you want.
6 – Ranipuram
Don’t like the cold weather and the chilled air that hill stations offer? Ranipuram is one of the best places to visit in Kasaragod. This is a hill station that is about 780 meters above sea level and has a very calm atmosphere. In the mornings, you will see the mist concealing the peaks of the hills and the sun is shielded by dense clouds. However, there is no strong flow of wind or unnaturally cold temperature. In short, we can say that Ranipuram is a hilly region that is warmer than the other hilly regions in Kasaragod. For instance, it is much warmer than Kottancheri Hills! This is the perfect spot for trekking and hiking. You will find guides offering packages for one-day trekking trips to the hilltop. Ranipuram was once popular by the name Madathumala. This place is close to the Kerala and Karnataka border and is also within the vicinity of Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary. It won’t be wrong to say that it is the main tourist attraction in the Kasaragod district.
Entry Fee – Free
Location – C987+GH8, Malom Town, Ranipuram, Kerala 671533
Timings – Preferably in the mornings and evenings. Permitted timings for Ranipuram Peak are 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
7 – Malik Dinar Mosque
One thing you must know about Kasaragod is that it is believed to be the main centre of Islam on the western coast of India. This is where you will see one of the oldest mosques in India – Malik Dinar Mosque. It is one of the most important places to visit in Kasaragod seeing how it also happens to be the second oldest mosques in the country. It is believed that this religious pilgrimage site was built by Malik Ibn Dinar. This mosque also has the grave of Malik Ibn Dinar who was believed to have died in Kasaragod. Devotees from across the world come here to take part in the commemoration of the arrival of Malik Ibn Dinar on the western coast of India. Theruvath mosque in Kasaragod is another mosque that has equal significance as this one. Make it a point to be completely respectful of the beliefs that people here have and dress accordingly while visiting the place.
Entry Fee – Free
Location – FXMQ+WHH, Malik Deenar Nagar, Thalangara, Kasaragod, Kerala 671122
Timings – 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM
8 – Kasaragod Beach
Kappil Beach, which is also popular as Kasaragod Beach, is one of the famous places to visit in Kasaragod. This is where you will find the Bekal Fort that we discussed earlier. The waves on this beach are calm, and composed, and it feels like the ebbs and flow of the water is calling out to your heart. You can walk hand in hand with your loved one here, try your hand at traditional fishing or simply have a fun time swimming in the low tides. The turquoise blue water is so charming that you’ll have no words to describe its beauty. The pristine yellow sand adds more charm to the picturesque location. Get a full landscape view of the ocean from the top of Bekal Fort before heading down to enjoy playing with the waves.
Entry Fee – Free
Location – QMMG+27Q, Kappil, Kasaragod, Kerala 695311
Timings – Open 24 Hours; Preferably visit before sunset
9 – Our Lady of Sorrows Church
Our Lady of Sorrows Church is also popularly known as the Bela Church. Do not be confused when people seem to not recognise the name Our Lady of Dolours. This is a Roman Catholic church and also one of the oldest places to visit in Kasaragod. Because of the fear that the Portuguese established over Goa and surrounding regions, many Konkani-speaking Catholics migrated to Kasaragod and built this church to meet their spiritual needs. Admire the gothic architecture of the place and seek blessings from Christ.
Entry Fee – Free
Location – Church, Bela, Neerchal, Kerala 671321
Timings – Open 24 Hours
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How to Reach Kasaragod?
People planning to visit Kasaragod can come here by air, rail or road. Mangalore airport is about 59km away and is the closest one to this tourist destination. You will easily find buses and taxi services from here that will take you to your hotel. Kasaragod has its own railway station that is 950 meters away from the heart of the city. Trains from different regions of South India drop passengers here. People coming from North India must take connecting trains in between. The road services to Kasaragod are also well developed so you can easily find KSRTC buses from other regions of Kerala.
Our suggestion would be to reach Mangalore first and take a bus or train to Kasaragod. While you are in Mangalore, book your affordable stay at Treebo Hotels in Mangalore to relax for a bit before setting out on your journey again.
So, when are you planning your trip to explore the best places to visit in Kasaragod? Let us know in the comments section below!
