Kasaragod

State: Kerala

District: Kasaragod

Main languages: Kannada, Malayalam, Konkani and Tulu

 

History:

 

 

Kasaragod is a city and a municipality in Kasaragod district of Kerala along with being the administrative headquarters of Kasargod district. The city was also known as Kanjirakuttom. Kasaragod gets its name from the word Kusirakood meaning Nuxvomica forests or Kanjirakuttom. This town had been formed on 24th May 1984 with the intention of giving maximum attention for development of the area. Kasaragod was part of the Kumbala Kingdom and was famous from time immemorial. There were many Arab travelers visited Kasaragod in between the 9th and 14th centuries. Kasaraod was an important trade centre and was called Harkwillia.

 

Geography and climate:

 

Kasaragod lies between 12.30 North latitudes and 74.59 East longitudes. The weather here is basically hot and the humidity can rise to about 90% during the south west monsoon. But the region also has a forest area of 115 sq. kilometers which provides regular rainfall.

Economy:

 

This area has been famous for the shipping industry which had been set up here though the Kasaragod economy is mainly agrarian. The Beedi, or local version of cigarettes, work is a thriving industry. The other cash crops like coconut and rubber are grown and commercially sold. The Thalangara Thoppi is one of the most popular products made and sold here.

 

Culture:

 

The town has influences of Hindu, Muslim and Christian cultures. The Malik Deenar Mosque here was made by Malik Ibn Dinar and is distinguished for its unique architectural style. This site attracts pilgrims from all around India and world. The Mallikkarjuna Temple here is dedicated to lord Siva and lord Ganapathi. Another popular mosque here is the Theruvatthu Mosque. Even the Madhur Temple here is a mark of the Hindu dominance in the region and various festivals are held here. The multi religious people of the town live in peace together.

 

Tourism:

 

There are various sites to see in Kasaragod like the Chandragiri Fort built in 17th century by Tippu Sultan, Kanipura or the Kumbala temple and various other places. There are many fairs held here along with the celebration of the popular Hindu and Muslim festivals. The Kumbala veddikett, Moodappaseva and Kundamkuzhy Sree Panjalingeswara Kshethra Arattu Mahotsavam are famous festivals in this location. There are also various folk dances and traditions here like the Oppana, Kolkalli, Dauf muttal etc. Ajanur and Anandashram are the other places to visit in this area. There are various small beaches and picnic spots also located here.

 

Transportation: 

 

The city is well connected by the N.H-17 to major cities like Cannanore, Bengaluru, Mangaluru, Calicut etc. The nearest airport is at Mangaluru about 49km away and there is also a good railway network in this area.