Kasargod

Set on the banks of the Payaswini River, Kasargod has well preserved forts and other historic sites that have been witnesses to the region's illustrious past. The district is resplendent with its lush greenery; thanks to the 12 rivers coursing through it. Kasargod is also known for its coir products, hides, and handloom. The streets are dotted with glitzy shops that are mostly owned by Malayalis who have worked for long in the Middle East, that sell electronic goods and perfumes, textiles, snacks and other provisions

. Lying on the northern most part of Kerala, Kasargod is a place that has several niceties to offer to the tourists. The enduring charm of its beach, the architectural wonder of the pilgrim centres and the unique folk art forms are some of the major attractions.

The forts and palaces here symbolize the conquests they withstood against the invaders. Chandragiri and Bekal Fort are two forts you cannot afford to miss. The various mosques and temples here are examples of fine architecture.

Kasargod is the northernmost district of kerala.Kasargod is known as the land Yekshgana and Theyyams.

There are different views on the derivation of the name "Kasargod".One view is that it is the combination of two Sanskrit words "kaasaara"(which means lake or pond) and “ kroda “(which means a place where treasure is kept). Another view is that it is the place where Kaasaraka trees (Strychnos nux vomica or Kaanjiram or Kaaraskara) are in abundance. Bothe views are relevant as there are large number of rivers, lakes and ponds in the coastal belt of the district besides thick flora consisting of innumerable varieties of trees, shribs etc. particularly plentitude of Kaasaraka trees.
Kasargod was known to the Arabs by the name Harkwillia. Many Arab travelers who visited Kerala between the 9th and the 14th centuries visited Kasargod, which was an important trade centre then. Duarte Borbosa, the Portuguese traveler who visited Kumbla, near Kasargod in 1514, recorded rice being exported for coir to Maldives. Dr. Francis Buccanan, who was the family doctor of Arthur Wellesley, visited Kasargod in 1800. In his travelogue, he recorded information on places like Athiraparambu, Kavvai, Nileshwaram, Bekal, Chandragiri and Manjeshwaram.The river “ Chandragiri “assumes its name Chandragiri from the name of the place of its source Chandragupta Vasti; where the great Maurya emperor Chandragupta is believed to have spent his last days as a sag

e. In ancient period, Kasargod was known to the Arabs by the name Harkwillia. Many Arab travellers who visited Kerala between the 9th and the 14th centuries visited Kasargod, which was an important trade centre then. Duarte Borbosa, the Portuguese traveller who visited Kumbla, near Kasargod in 1514, recorded rice being exported for coir to Maldives. Dr. Francis Buccanan, who was the family doctor of Arthur Wellesley, visited Kasargod in 1800. In his travelogue, he recorded information on places like Athiraparambu, Kavvai, Nileshwaram, Bekal, Chandragiri and Manjeshwaram.Chandragiri bridge which connects Kasargod town to Chemnad Panchayath

e.. The Northernmost parts of Kasargod District were once within the territory of the Tuluva kingdom, while the Central and Southern parts were ruled by the Mushika/Kolathiri/Chirakkal Royal Family of North Kerala. Then, according to local legends, there were 32 Malayalam and 32 Tulu villages in this region. When the Vijayanagara empire attacked Kasargod, it was still under the Kolathiri Raja who had Nileshwaram as one of his capitals. During the decline of the Vijayanagara empire, the administration of this area was vested with Ikkery Naiks. At the onset of collapse of the Vijayanagara empire, Vengappa Naik declared independence to Ikkery. Kumbla, Chandragiri and Bekal are considered to be the chain of forts constructed or renovated by Shivappa Naik. In 1763, Hyder Ali conquered Bedanoor (Bidnur), the capital of the Ikkery Naiks. His son Tippu Sultan conquered much of Malabar. As per the Sreerangapattanam Treaty of 1792, Tippu surrendered Malabar, except Tulunadu (Canara) to the British. The British got Tulunadu only after the death of Tippu Sultan.