About:

Chandragiri fort lies 3 km south of Kasargod town, Kasargid district, kerala. It has a large square situated high above the Chandragiri River on its southern bank. This fort is situated on the bank of the Chandragiri River and marked the traditional boundary between Kerala and the Tuluva Kingdom. Built in 1000 AD in the form of fortifications with bastions and a steep moat, Chandragiri was under the rule of Yadavarayas for about three centuries and came into the control of Vijayanagara rulers in 1367. It rose into prominence in 1568 AD and remained as seat of power for the later Vijayanagara kings under whose reign the fortified area was further extended and some of the magnificent buildings and temples were constructed.The fort is strategically located over the top of a small 183m hill. The entrance of this Mahal faces the hill on the north while the balconies and windows on the south overlooking the extensive grounds where perhaps the troops paraded. The southern side of the hill is enclosed by strong walls, surrounded by a ditch so as to prevent any intruder from entering into the fort. The remains of the lower fort contain the two Mahals, the lower portion of which is built in stone and the upper in brick.Chandragiri Fort grants an exciting visible horizon of the river and the Arabian Sea.A deep well and a pond with flight of steps are there inside the fort. The fort with an area of 7.76 acres is now protected monument under the department of Archaeology.

Thus the Chandragiri Fort was built by Sivappa Naik for the defence of his kingdom. The fort changed hands over the years to Hyder Ali of Mysore and then to the British East India Company. Today it is a protected monument under the State Archaeology Department. The Chandragiri region was rejoined to the State of Kerala through the State Reorganisation Act, 1956, Government of India.It is also a vantage point to watch the sunset. The ancient Kizhur temple nearby celebrates a grand annual festival called Pattutsavam. The Chandragiri Boat Club run by the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation conductsboat trips to nearby islands and palm groves on the river.Kizhur Sastha Temple, known for its annual festival called 'Pattu Utsavam' and a mosque is located nearby the fort.House boat cruise through the chandragiri river will be an unforgettable experience for the tourists. This lighting system makes the fort look even more beautiful and iseye-catching during night time. The modern town of Chandragiri lies to the east of the hill on which the fort stands.

Location info:

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History:

The history tells that In earlier days, the river was considered to be the border of two powerful kingdoms - Kolathunadu and Thulunadu. When Thulunadu was captured by the Vijayanagara Empire, the Kolathunadu kings lost the Chandragiri region to them. During the decline of the Vijayanagara empire the area was administratively looked after by the Keladi Nayakas of Ikkeri. When the Vijayanagara empire fell in the 16th century, Vengappa Nayaka declared independence. Later Shivappa Nayaka took over the reins. He built a chain of forts of which Chandragiri is part.

Interesting things to do:

Interesting things to Visit:

Bekal fort:

Bekal fort, the largest and the best-preserved fort in Kerala, lies in Pallikere, and its 16 Kms south of Kasaragod on the national highway at the northern tip of the state. The fort, a circular imposing structure of laterite rising 130 ft. above sea level, stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabian sea.

Bekal Hole Aqua Park:

Bekal Hole Aqua Park is located near Valiyaparamba in Bekal. It is the perfect place water sport freaks who wish to chill out amidst an array of unique water sports.

Bekal Beach:

Bekal is a beach destination of the future. It has long palm-fringed beaches and a rocky headland topped by the huge Bekal fort. This beach is being developed a resort. But for now, you can still savour the touch of history as you view the serene Lakshadweep Sea from the tall observation towers of the fort's once huge cannon emplacements. Bekal Beach is situated at the northern tip of Kerala, Bekal is a beach destination of the future. It has long palm-fringed beaches and a rocky headland topped by the huge Bekal fort.

Hosdurg Beach:

This beach is located 12 kms south of Bekal is the Hosdurg beach. It is home to the many marvelous forts in Kasargode District. The Hosdurg Fort built by the Ikkeri Nayaks in mid-16th century draws the closest attention of the visitors.

Kappil Beach:

The secluded Kappil Beach is loacted 6 kms to the north of Bekal. The long stretch is wide and clean enough for swimming and beach walking. The beach has the massive rock, the Kodi Cliff, which act as a resting place for the visitors.

Valiyaparamba Backwaters:

Valiyaparamba is a backwater draw out situated in the district of Kasargod of Kerala. Circulated by 4 rivers flecked by quit number of small islands, Valiyaparamba is incredibly growing as an excellent backwater resort which grants captivating boat cruises. Valiyaparamba, a piece of land dissevered from the solid ground is a significant and notable fishing centre. The Valiyaparamba is just some few kilometers away from Bekal, where it just takes little hour's of ride to reach the place.

Chandragiri River:

Chandragiri River is Located in Southeast of Kasaragod town on the banks of the Chandragiri river, Kasaragod district, north Kerala.The river originates in a village called Koinadu of Kodagu district in Karnataka state. Chandragiri fort lies three km south of Kasargod town.

Madhur Sreemad Anantheswara Vinayaka Temple:

The madhur Sreemad Anantheswara Temple is located 8 kilometers northeast of Kasaragod town on the banks of the Madhuvahini River. The main attractions in the temple are its unique three-tiered dome, copper-plated roofing and a cloistered court rises. This temple is dedicated to Mahaganapathi. The idol here made of alluvial soil. This idol was later installed in the temple and thats how the Madhur Mahalingeswara Temple (dedicated to Lord Siva) became Madhur Mahaganapathi Temple. It is one of the most important Ganapathy temples in South India. People from all over South India throng in to the temple during the time of festivals happen here. The temple offers Veda classes to young students.

Mapilathody Jama Masjid:

This masjid is very old and run by Ansarul Islam Committee. The reconstruction in the year 2005.

Mobile range info:

How to reach?

Nearest Railway Station:

Kasaragod Railway Station

Nearest Airport:

Mangalore Airport

Road Transport:

Bekal is connected to Mangalore, Kannur, Kozhikode and Mumbai by NH17. KRTC Buses frequently operates from one place to another.NH 17 up to Kasaragod and Bekal state Highway from Kasaragod town (65 KM) and Nearest towns are Kanhangad and Kasargod, both are about 12 km away.

Nearest Visiting places:

Ranipuram:

The former Madathumala has taken this new name, Ranipuram recently. Lying 780 meters above the sea level, it is 80 kms away from Kasargod which is 48 kms east of Kanhangad. The natural beauty of this place is comparable only to Ooty.

Nityanandasramam:

There are two notable asramams in Kanhangad, the Nityanandasramam and Anandasramam. Nityanandasramam is situated on a hillock about half a km south of the Housdurg taluk office. It was founded by swami Nityananda. Here swami Nityananda constructed 45 caves in a mountain slope. There is a temple built in 1963 after the style and design of the famous Somantha temple in Gurjarat. Anandasramam was founded by swamin Ramdas in 1939.

Ananthapura Lake Temple:

Ananthapura is the only lake temple in Kerala and is located around 30 kilometers from Bekal Fort. The original deity of Sree Ananthapadmanabha (Trivandrum) is located here.

Kanwatheertha Beach:

The Kanwatheertha Beach is famous for a large swimming pool-like formation of the sea on the vast beach and has people coming every now and then to enjoy a swim in the calm waters.

Anjaneya Temple:

The temple at the entrance of the fort is dedicated to Sree Hanuman. Said to be as old as the fort itself, the shrine was recently renovated and attracts hundreds of devotees from far and near.

Kottancherry:

This place bears great resemblance to the scenic beauty of Kodaikanal. The rain forests near Konnakkad are ideal for trekking. It is 30 km north east of Kanhangad.

Kammatam Kavu :

It is much visited for its evergreen forest range, spread over 50-60 acres of land. Take a safari ride in this forest range, it can be a marvelous experience.

Veeramala Hills:

This is a small mountain situated at Cheruvathur from where the natural beauty of Kariangode river and surroundings can be enjoyed. The major attraction here is the ruins of a Dutch fort built in the 18the century.

Maipady Palace:

Maipady palace is about 8kms from Kasargod town on Kasargod-Perla road. It was once the seat of the Kumbla Rajas.

Trikkaripur:

Located on the south of Kasargod, the village of Trikkaripur was the old seat of Thazhekattu Mana. The village is famous for its communal harmony and 'Theyyam', a ritual art form. Trikkaripur is the hometown of many famous personalities such as Guru Chandu Panikkar, Kathakali artist; T S Thirumumb, poet and freedom fighter; K.M.Kunhambu, artist and social servant.

Kottancheri Hills:

Kottancheri Hills are the rain forest near Konnakkad 30 Km north- east of Kanhangad. It is a beautiful picnic center and ideal for trekking. Thalakkaveri in the Brahmagiri mountain of Coorg is near to these hills.

Anandashram:

Anandashram is a spiritualcentre founded by Pujya Swami Ramdas and Mother Krishnabai, in 1931, at Kanhangad, in the Mangalore-Shoranur sector of Southern Railway Kerala.

Nearest Petrol Pump:

Indian oil petrol pump
Kasaragod, Kerala

Petrol Pump
Kanhangad, Kasaragod
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka.

Kanachur Auto Services
University Road, Deralakatte
Mangalore, Karnataka 574160
Tel: 0824 2203782.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation:

Hotel Apsara Regency
Opp. KSRTC Bus Stand
Kasaragod, Kerala
Tel: 04994 - 230124.

Shalimar Hotel
Kasaragod, Kasaragod
Kerala
Tel: 09995244467.

Hotel Poonja International
Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka
Tel: 0824 2440169.

The Gateway Hotel
Mangalore Old Port
Mangaluru, Karnataka 575001
Tel: 0824 6660420.

Hotel Ganesh Bhavan
Nr. Kotacherry Circle
Kanhangad, Kasaragod
Kerala.

Elite Hotel
Kanhangad, Kasaragod
Kerala.

Things to carry:

Tips & Suggestions:

Help Line/Phone Number:

Police Station:

Bekal police station
Bekal, Kerala.

Police Station
Puttur, Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka.

Police Station
Ullal, Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka.

Police Station
Bantwal, Karnataka.

Kadri Police Station
Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka.

Nearest Hospital:

Malik Deenar Charitable Hospital
Kasaragod, Kasaragod
Kerala.

Government Hospital
Kasaragod, Kasaragod
Kerala.

AJ Hospital
Kuntikana, Bejai, Mangalore
Karnataka 575004
0824 2225533.

EK Nayanar Memorial Co-Operative Hospital
Chengala, Kasaragod
Kerala.

Government Hospital
Kasaragod, Kerala.

Link:

http://kasaragods.blogspot.com/2009/08/chandragiri-fort.html