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Kasaragod |
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Kasaragod General Information
Area: 1961 square kms.
Population:
1070629
Altitude: Sea level
Religions: Hindu, Muslim, Christians
Languages: Hindi, English, Konkani, Malayalam,
Kannada, Tulu
Tourist season
- September to January
Information about Kasaragod
Kasaragod is the northernmost district of Kerala and
overlooks the Arabian sea. This district is an entry
point for the tourists who are coming from the north to
the enchanting state of Kerala. The name "Kasaragod"
is derived from the word Kusirakood which means the
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Nuxvomica
forests (Kanjirakuttom). It covers an area of 1961 square km.
Kasaragod is bordered by the Arabian sea in the west, in the
east by the forested slopes of the Western Ghats, in the north
east by Karnataka and in the south by Kannur. Kasaragod is
mainly known all over the world for its coir and handloom
industries. Kasaragod is also known as the land of gods,
forts, temples, rivers, hills and beautiful beaches. This
place is like a heaven where nature still plays an important
part in the everyday life. It is a very beautiful place with
forts, rivers, forests, palm trees and beaches. Kasargod is
rich in folk-culture, visual arts and festivals. Most of the
people in Kasaragod are farmers and grow various crops like
Coconut, Rubber, Paddy, Cashew, Pepper, Vegetables, etc.
Besides farming, fishing is also the main source of livelihood
of the people in Kasaragod. Hindus, Muslims and Christians are
the three types of religions found in Kasaragod. Malayalam,
Kannada, Tulu, English, Hindi, Konkani are the major languages
of the district. The best time to visit Kasaragod is between
September and January. |
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Theyyam |
Festivals in
Kasaragod
Some of the festivals celebrated in Kasaragod are Pattutsavam,
Madiyan Kovilakam, Kanhangad, Chaliyaporatu festival,
Palakunnu Bharani, Nileswar Poorakali, Utsavam, Pooram,
Theyyam, Kanathur Theyyam Kaliyattom, Kalom Kanipu Utsavom.
Pattutsavam, Madiyan Kovilakam, Kanhangad are the nine day
annual festival, celebrated in January. The main features of
this festival are the cultural performances, religious rites
and grand elephant processions. Chaliyaporatu festival is
named after the popular folk art, prevalent in North Kerala.
This annual festival is celebrated in March. Palakunnu Bharani
festival is marked by processions and brilliant fire works.
The Theyyam festival is performed in houses, tharavads and
shrines. Nileswar Poorakali is a folk dance of men performed
at the Nagacherry bhagavathy Temple. This dance is performed
in the last week of March to the first week of April.
Classical
Arts in Kasaragod
Theyyam is the oldest ritualistic temple art form in India and
very popular in Kasaragod. This art is one of the most
spectacular in terms of artistry and symbolism. Theyyam or
Kolam literally means a form or shape, which is usually the
representation of a divine or heroic character from mythology.
Yashagana, the another clasical art form of Karnataka is very
common in Kasaragod. Two variations of this performing art are
Bayalattu and Bommayattu. Kannada Parthy Subba, the father of
Yashagana belongs to Kumbla in Kasaragod. |
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Backwaters
in Kasaragod
Tejaswini-Valiyaparamba Backwaters is situated about 30 kms
from Kasaragod. It is one of the most scenic backwater
stretches in Kerala. It is fed by four rivers and dotted with
numerous little islands. It is one of the most famous tourist
destination in Kasaragod and offers enchanting boat cruises.
Chandragiri also offers enchanting boat cruises to the nearby
islands and palm groves. Chandragiri is 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. It is a perfect point to watch the sunset. |
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Tourist
Attractions in Kasaragod
The major tourist attraction in Kasaragod are the Bekal Fort,
Bekal Fort Beach, Kappad Beach, Ananthapuram Lake Temple,
Manjeswaram, Kanwatheertha Beach, Kanhangad or Hosdurg Fort,
Ranipuram, Sree Mahalingeswara Temple, Cheruvathur,
Possadigumpe, Tulur Vanam, Pandiyan Kallu, Nileswaram and
Malik Deenar Mosque. There are variety of styles in the
architecture of the temples in Kasaragod. The Madhur
Mahaganapathy Temple, and the historic Malik Deenar Great Juma
Masjid displays a unique and typical Kerala style of
architecture.
More....
How to reach Kasaragod
By Air:
The nearest airport is located at Mangalore and Kozhikode,
about 50 and 200 kms. respectively.
By Rail:
The railway station is located on the Kozhikode-Mangalore-Mumbai
route.
By Road:
An excellent network of roads connects Kasaragod to major
towns in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. |
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