ABOUT KANHANGAD

Kanhangad, of the Kasaragod District is home to a number of attractions that have attracted people the world over to it. This town and municipality is just 10 kilometers south of the Bekal Fort, a 300 year old fort that has caught the attention of a number of tourists owing to the fact that it is by far one of the best preserved and largest forts in Kerala. Believed to have originally been built by Ikkeri Shivappa Nayaka, this fort boasts of a temple to Hanuman right at the entrance to it. When you take a look at the fort, you will be reminded of the St. Angelo’s fort built by the Portuguese in Kannur.

When you take a look at the history of Kanhangad, you will be amazed. The district of which it is the major city – the Kasaragod district – was formed on May 24, 1984. The name is taken from the word kusirakood, which literally means Nuxvomica forests, more generally known as kanjirakuttom. This place is well renowned for its handloom and coir industries and was once a trade hub for not just the Portuguese, but for the Arabs as well. Time has not made the importance of this place get any less – even now, the cap worn by Muslims, known locally as Thalangara Toppy, is being made here and exported to the Arab world. Also on the list of exports are wooden boats, also known locally as Urru.

Apart from trade, there are many other activities that are carried out here. Fishing is the main livelihood of the people here. The district, on the whole, is rich in mineral, water and forest resources. Nestled securely within the palm of the Arabian Sea in the West and the Western Ghats in the East, this forest-covered district is a place of many splendours. To the South of the district are the Trikaripur and Talapadi rivers that add to its lush surroundings. Entering this district will leave you amazed at the variety of natural beauty to be found. In gaps of the dense vegetation lie barren land and grey rocks, along with calm lagoons. The coconut palms that dot the coast add to the distinct and rare beauty of the coastline that extends for about 77 kilometres. Kasaragod is a place that is also well known for its tobacco plantations and some places such as Ajanoor, Chithari, Kuniya, Pallikkara, Periya, Kallyott, Punjavi and Pulloor are well known for their bulk production of tobacco.

In view of all of this, it is little wonder, then, that Kasaragod is a tourist hub and is growing by the day with an increasing number of tourists being attracted to it each day. Bekal is by far the most common spot where people make a beeline when visiting Kasaragod. It can be easily reached by travelling around 14 kilometres down National Highway 17. If you make the trip over, you will be able to enjoy the archaeological significance of this place, the unique history of your surroundings, as well as the beautiful Bekal beach which is well worth a visit.