TRIP TO KASARGOD, KERALA, INDIA

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 is equivalent to the older territory of Gods, enticing beaches, affluent and splashing lakes, verdant green hills, and splendid forts. Located in northernmost region of Kerala, Kasaragod is one of the finest tourist spots that are still untouched by human race or urbanization. Kasargod Beach can be the finest place to spend your vacation. It is a extensive and lengthy beach, consecrated with a big number of attractive swimming pool like figures created innately. These innate creations have become the main appeal of the Kasargod Beach. However, Kasargod Tourism also promotes Ananthapura Lake Temple, Sree Manantheswara Vinayaka Temple, Thapotsavam, Bekal Hole Aqua Park, Kanwatheertha Beach and several other appealing locations as well in Kasargod. Ananthapura Lake Temple is considered to be an exceptional and exclusive lake temple in entire Kerala. Global as well as Indian tourists throng this exciting place every year especially during the summer season.

Bekal Hole Aqua Park is situated on the northern side of Bekal

Main Attraction:

Bakel:
Bekal,at the northern tip of Kerala is 140 kms away from Calicut International Terminal.With the Konkan Railway Line, Bombay will just be 15 hours from Bekal. The beaches,backwaters and hill stations of Bekal offer a totally different backdrops to the holiday experience. Large number of forts, big and small like Bekal, Chandragiri, Hosdurg, Kumbala, Panayal, Kundamkuzhi, Bandaduka etc. reveal the historical importance of this land. Bekal Fort remains the largest and best-preserved fort in Kerala. History and legend are interwoven together in Bekal, particularly regarding its antiquity.

The Bekal Fort (16 Kms south of Kasaragod on the national highway)

The 300 year old Bekal Fort is one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala.This imposing circular structure of laterite sites rises 130 ft. above sea level and stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabian Sea. Buses are available every 30 minutes from Kanhagad to Bekal.The Fort appears to have been built up from the seas since almost three fourth of its exterior is drenched and the waves do stroke the citadel.

Unlike most other Indian Forts, Bekal fort was not a center of administration, for no remains of a Palace are found within the Fort. Probably the fort was built for fulfilling the defence requirements. The holes on the outerwalls of the fort are so remarkable that they are specially designed to defend the fort effectively. The holes at the top are meant for aiming at the farthest points; the holes below are meant for hitting when the enemy is nearer and the holes underneath facilitate attacking when the enemy is very near to the fort. This is a remarkable evidence for the medival technology of defence strategy. Apart from this, the wild and ecstatic beauty of the setting sun is a glorious presence in the fort. [more]

Pallikere Beach (1 Km from Bekal Fort):
This Shallow beach offers a spectacular view of the fort and has ample facilities for recreation and relaxation.]

Bekal Hole Aqua Park (1 Km from Bekal Fort):

The only one of its kind in northern Kerala, this unique Aqua Park provides water sport facilities like pedal boats and water cycles.

Malik Deenar Mosque:

Kasargod acquired considerable importance as a center of Islam.The historic Malik Deenar Juma Masjid built in the typical Kerala style is believed to have been founded by Dinar.The Juma Masjid, which is one of the best kept and most attractive in the districts is located at Thalankara.

Kappil Beach (6Km from Bekal fort)

Remote and secluded , this beach is fast becoming a major attraction. The wide beach and calm waters promise you an experience without parallel. The Kodi cliff nearby offers a panoramic view of blue skies and rolling sands, making your visit one to remember.

Anandasaram (15 kms from Bekal):

This internationally renowned spiritual centre founded by Swami Ramdas in 1939, offers a quiet, peaceful ambience best suited for meditation and spiritual studies.

Ananthapura Lake Temple (30 Km from Bekal):

This 9th century temple is the only lake temple in Kerala and is the moolasthanam(original abode) of Anandapadmanabha, the deity of Sri. Padmanabha Swami Temple,Thiruvananthapuram.


How to reach KasarGod: 

By Air

Mangalore is the nearest airport from Kasargod located at a distance of 50 kilometers. The next closest airport would be at Cochin, which is almost 400 kilometers away from Kasargod.

By Rail

The city of Kasargod has a railway station and there are many trains that ply from this place to other parts of the country.

By Roadways

Kasargod has a wide network of roads that connect it with the rest of Kerala and in a way, the whole of India. You can always hire private buses and cabs to reach this place by road.

Tour to Karla Cave

Karla Caves were historically associated with the Mahasamghika sect of Buddhism. Located at a distance of approximately 40 km from the city, the caves date back to the 2nd century BC and represent the golden period of Buddhism in India. These ancient Buddhist Indian rock-cut architecture cave shrines were developed over two periods. These periods are from the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD and from the 5th century AD to the 10th century AD.

Running eastward from the Arabian Sea into the Deccan, the caves are on a major ancient trade route. Within the caves, a Buddhist monastery, dating back to the 2nd century BC, is located. A temple dedicated to the Goddess Ekaveera, who is worshiped most notably by the Koli community of Mumbai, is also located within the caves.

Built on the difficult terrain of a rocky hillside, this complex of well-preserved Buddhist caves has its interior lighted by windows. Chaitya with huge pillars and intricately carved relief dating back to the 1st century BC are present in the main hall. Walls of the caves are adorned with sculptures of males and females, as well as animals, including lions and elephants.

Carved prayer halls or chaityas as well as viharas or dwelling places for the caves' monks are also present within the complex. Highlights of the complex are the arched entrances and vaulted interiors.

By Train: Lonavala is situated on the main line connecting Mumbai and Pune. Many express trains stop at Lonavala. Taxis can be hired from Lonavala to reach Karla caves.

By Bus: Lonavala is well connected to Mumbai and Pune by regular bus service. Both private and state-owned buses ply regularly. Tickets can be booked for the private buses through any of the tour operators in Mumbai or Pune.

By Air: Nearest airport is at Pune at a distance of 62 km. Pune is connected by flights to Mumbai, Goa and Bengaluruby air. Chatrapati Shivaji International airport, 100 km away at Mumbai, is the major international airport. Tourist taxis are easily available from Mumbai to Lonavala.

Climate:- Karla enjoys a pleasant climate all round the year.

Timings Of Caves :- From 09 hours to 17:30 Hrs or Sunset whichever is earlier

Also See Bhaja Caves

Bhaja (18°44’ N; 73°29’ E) is one to the important Buddhist centres of Hinayana faith in Maharashtra. The group consists of 22 excavations and located on a hill near Bhaja village, Maval Taluka in district Pune. The importance of Bhaja is further enhanced by the presence of two more monastic complexes namely Bedsa located on the south face of the same hill in which Bhaja is situated and Karla, directly opposite north of Bhaja nearly 5 Km fro the latter. All the caves are belonging to the Hinayana phase and are datable from 3rd century BC to 2nd century AD. However the group was under occupation up to 5-6th century AD as attested from some of the painted Buddha images in the chaityagrha. They are excavated on a scrap of the hill at a weight of 120 m from above the surrounding plains and all faces west. The river Indrayani is located near by and waters the valley. The area was also in occupation during medieval period is attested by tow Maratha forts, Lohagadh and Visapur along the adjoining hill top

The donor inscriptions noticed here do not attribute to any particular ruling family or dynasty. However an inscription datable to 2nd century AD as found on the back wall of a cistern records the donation of Maharathi Kosikiputa Vihnudata, can be attributed to the caves. Another two inscriptions inscribed on the wooden beam itself below the vault are short and dedicatory in nature and datable to 2nd century BC. The survival of this original inscription on the wooden beams indicated that they have survival for the past 2200 years.

Tour to Amarkantak

Situated in the Maikal Mountains,Amarkantak is an important pilgrimage center for Hindus. It is the meeting point of the Vindhyas and the Satpura Mountain Ranges in Central India. It is also the source of the rivers Narmada and Sone. There are dense forests of teak, Mahua, etc. around Amarkantak where one can find numerous small and trickling streams feeding the Narmada. Tour to Amarkantak will, therefore, be an escape from the mundane life.

Tourist Attractions in Amarkantak

Amarkantak, being a unique natural heritage, comprises of a number of places of scenic beauty. Apart from this it is source of origin of three important rivers.Tour to Amarkantak, a great pilgrim center for Hindus, is thus a unique experience of a lifetime. Some o the tourists' attractions in Amarkantak include:

· Narmadakund and temples: Around Narmadakund, a pool at the origin of Narmada, there are number of temples such as Narmada and Shiva temple, Kartikey temple, Shri Ram Janki temple, Annapurna temple, Guru Gorakhnath temple, Sri Shuryanarayan temple, Vangeshwar Mahadev temple, Durga temple, Shiv Pariwar, Siddheswar Mahadev temple, Sri Radha Krishna temple, Eleven Rudra temple etc.

· Ancient temples of Kalchuri period: situated in the south of Narmadakund, there are some ancient temples of Kalchuri period. These were built by Kalchuri Maharaja Karnadeva (1042-1072 AD). The Machhendranath and Pataleshwar temples are excellent examples of architecture.

· Sonemuda: Sonemuda,origin of Sone RiverSonemuda is the place of origin of Sone River. Enjoy the panorama of forested hills and valleys.

· Mai ki Bagiya (Goddess garden): it is a grove of trees in dense forests that is named Mai ki Bagiya in honor of the goddess Narmada. In this natural garden Mango, Banana and other fruit trees along with Gulbakavli, roses and other flower plants are there.

· Kapildhara (Kapil waterfall): it is the famous waterfall with a fall of about hundred feet. According to scriptures, Kapil Muni lived here. There is a scene of natural beauty with mountains and dense forest down hills.

· Kabir chabutra (the platform of saint Kabir): The local people, the Panikas, consider Kabir Chabutara as one of the holiest places of the Kabirpanthis because Sant Kabir spent many years here in meditation.

· Shri Jwaleshwar Mahadev (the temple of Shiva): The Jwaleshwar temple is situated at a distance of 8 km from Amarkantak on Shahdol road.

How to Reach Amarkantak

By Air
The nearest airhead is Jabalpur (245 kms).

By Rail
The nearest railhead is Pendra Road (17 kms) though Anuppur (48 kms.) is more convenient.

By Road
There are buses from Pendra Road, Bilaspur and Shahdol.

Tour to Amarkantak brings to you a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of nature.

Get all the information on Tour to Amarkantak and other places in India at www.indianholiday.com

Explore :

Situated at an altitude of 1065 mt. at the meeting point of the Vindhya and the Satpura mountain ranges amongst sylvan surroundings, Amarkantak is a great pilgrim center for the Hindus, and is the source of the rivers Narmada and Sone. While the Narmada flows Westwards from Amarkantak, the Sone flows towards the East. Amarkantak is indeed blessed by Nature. Holy ponds, lofty hills, forested surroundings, breathtakingly beautiful waterfalls and an ever-pervading air of serenity make Amarkantak a much sought-after destination for the religious-minded as well as for the nature-lover.

Facts / Did you know?

Among all the sacred rivers of India, the Narmada occupies a unique place. Legend has it that Lord Shiva blessed Narmada with unique purifying powers. Whereas to purify himself, a devotee requires to take one dip in the Holy Ganga, seven days' prayers on the banks of Yamuna and three days prayers on the banks of Saraswati, the mere sight of Narmada is enough. A charming folk tale describes the superiority of Narmada over Ganga. Once every year, after she herself is polluted beyond tolerance, Ganga visits Narmada dressed like a dark woman and takes a cleansing purifying dip in its waters! There are other rivers too, popular, romantic and life sustaining, each glamourized in the folk lore and history but none can match the mystique of Narmada.