Varkala Beach

Varkala is also famous for 2,000 years Janardana Swami temple is an important sanctuary Vaishnavaite in India and is often referred to as Dakshin Kashi (Benares of the South). The temple is located close to the Papanasam beach, which is considered to have holy waters which wash their sins, and is also an important center for Ayurveda treatment. The temple has an ancient bell removed from a shipwreck, donated by the captain of the Dutch ship which sank near Varkala without causing any casualties.

 Varkala is a tourist destination. The town has excellent telecommunication facilities, an average nominal power system, fire station, several post offices and police station. The city can boast of modern medicine run by the government, ayurveda, hospitals and nature cure, and more than 10 private hospitals, clinics and some dental clinics.

Location: Situated at a distance of 50 Km from Trivandrum. Only 32 Km from Kollam. 

Kollam Beach

 Kollam district, earlier known as Quilon district, is one of the fourteen districts in Kerala, India. The district is representative of all the natural properties in Kerala and has a long coastal region, a major port on the Arabian Sea Astamudi inland lake and was called Tarsish. Kollam is the capital of trade and cashew processing industry in Kerala. Kollam is also known as God's own funds.

           Kollam district has five administrative divisions (taluk): Punalur, Kunnathur, Kottarakkara, Karunagappally and Kollam. District Collector, a key leader of the government, heads of district administration and exercises great power and responsibility. He or she plays a dual role. A security agent for the government and others as chief administrator of the district, under the state government. 

Among other tasks, policing a priority for the District Collector. District Collector is also the head of the Department of land revenue for the district. The District Collector of Kollam now is Devendra Kumar Dhodawat. IAS. The district has a single revenue division with headquarters at Quilon. For administrative reasons, Kollam district is divided into 5 thaluks, 13 blocks, 69 Panchayats, 1 Company 2 communes and 104 villages.

Location: Only 2.5 Km from Kollam. 

Malik Dinar Mosque

Malik Dinar Mosque is a historical mosque in Kasargod district of Kerala state, south India. Over the years, Kasargod acquired the considerable importance as a centre of Islam on the west coast. It is the site of one of the mosques believed to have been founded by Malik Ibn Dinar. The mosque, Juma Masjid, which is one of the best kept and most attractive in the district, is located at Thalangara. It contains the grave of Malik Ibn Mohammed, one of the descendants of Malik Ibn Dinar and the place is sacred to Muslims. Another notable mosque, in Kasaragod is the Theruvath Mosque which is in the centre of the town.

 

Malik Dinar Mosque is a historical mosque in Kasargode district. The mosque, Juma Masjid, which is one of the best kept and most attractive in the district, is located at Thalangara. It contains the grave of Malik Ibn Mohammed, one of the descendants of Malik Ibn Dinar and the place is sacred to Muslims.

An historical Mosque standing tall in the Kasargode district of Kerala, was founded by Malik Ibn Dinar. The mosque has the grave of Malik Ibn Mohammed, one of the descendants of Malik Ibn Dinar, the place hold a sacred importance to the Muslims.

The Juma Masjid is one of the best kept and attractive mosque in the district and is located in Thalangara. In order to commemorate the arrival of Malik Ibn Dinar a local festival is celebrated every year. Several pilgrims all over India reach here to take part in this festival.ntroduction to the Malik Dinar Mosque Uroos:

Malik Dinar Mosque Uroos is located at Kasargode. In the state of Kerala there is a district named Kasargode. It has earned the reputation of being the only Islamic Centre head in the western part of the Indian subcontinent. The founder of this Mosque was Ibn Dinar. Another Mosque known as Juma Masjid is located in this region.

Malik Dinar Mosque is one of the most brilliantly designed mosques of India. Inside the mosque there is a grave of Malik Ibn Dinar. Every year a religious festival called Urs is held inside the mosque accompanied with speeches that are cited from the scriptures. People from all over the world visit Kasargode to attend this festival.

Description of the Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque in Uroos:

The splendidly designed and well-maintained, the Malik Dinar Mosque in Uroos draws the curiosity of tourists from far and wide. The festival at Malik Dinar Mosque Uroos attracts tourists from all over the country. Malik Bin Dinar is famous because he brought Islam to India for the first time.

The renowned Malik Dinar Mosque Uroos is located at Thalangara. The descendents of Malik Dinar are also buried inside the Malik Dinar Mosque Uroos. A local celebration takes place at the time of Birth of the great hero, Malik Dinar. Once in every three years a festival is held here. The festival is very famous and is accompanied by religious speeches.

The speech is always related with the theme of the festival and the celebration that is going to be held inside the Mosque. The other feature of the Uroos Festival is feeding of the poor and the needy and also offering help to them for their sustenance.

This includes clothes and food being distributed amongst them. People find solace and peace inside the mosque. So, even if there is no festival people still throng inside the Mosque premise to pay homage to their revered lord.

Time for the celebration of the Malik Dinar Mosque Uroos:

The festival at Malik Dinar Mosque Uroos is held every three years amidst great pomp and gaiety. People gather at the premises of the Malik Dinar Mosque and offer their prayers to Malik Ibn Dinar, whose soul is said to return during that time.

IndianHoliday offers you online booking and information about the Malik Dinar Mosque Uroos. For tour packages to Kerala or customMosque Uroos.

Kasaragod has many places which has immense potential as tourist destinations. The Bekal fort, which is of great historical and archaeological interest, is the largest and best preserved of its kind in the district and in the Kerala state.The district has many other famous tourist centres apart from the internationaly famous Bekal fort & beach.There are also places which can be converted to attract the tourists.The main tourist places in Kasargod are given below.2.Kottencheri Hills

Kottencheri hills is near Konnakkady in Hosdurg taluk. These mountains are full of dense forests, meadows and medicinal plants.This rain forest is near Konnakkad 30 KM north- east of Kanhangad. Beautiful picnic centre and ideal for trekking. Thalakkaveri in the Brahmagiri mountain of Coorg is near this hills.Kottancheri Hills is a part of the Western Ghats in Kasaragod District.

Bekal Fort

'Bekal Fort' is the largest fort in Kasargod, Kerala, India, spreading over 40 acres (160,000 m2). Important features of this fort are the water-tank with its flight of steps, the tunnel opening towards the south, the magazine for keeping ammunition and the broad and wide steps leading to the Observation Tower which is a rarity. From there one has ample view of towns in the vicinity like Kanhangad, Pallikare, Bekal, Kottikkulam, Uduma etc. The nearest railway stations are Pallikare, Kotikulam, Kanhangad,and Kasargod.This observation center had strategic significance in discovering even the smallest movements of the enemy and ascertaining safety of the Fort.

The Fort appears to have been built up from the sea since almost three fourth of its exteriors is drenched and the waves continually stroke the citadel. The Mukhyaprana Temple of Hanuman and the ancient Muslim Mosque nearby bear testimony to the age-old religious harmony that prevailed in the area. The zigzag entrance and the trenches around the fort show the defense strategy inherent in the fort.

Unlike most other Indian Forts, Bekal fort was not a center of administration for no remains of any palace, mansion or such buildings are found within the fort. Arguably the fort was built exclusively for fulfilling defense requirements. The holes on the outer walls of the fort are specially designed to defend the fort effectively. The holes at top were meant for aiming at the farthest points; the holes below for striking when the enemy was nearer and the holes underneath facilitated attacking when the enemy was very near to the fort. This is a remarkable evidence of technology in defense strategy.

Tourism promotion activities have been taking place of late in the areas surrounding the fort, under the Bekal Resorts Development Corporation (BRDC), which is an initiative by the Government of Kerala. The song 'Uyire' (Tamil) 'Bombay' directed by Mani Ratnam has been shot at Bekal Fort. Many such films, music albums, commercial advertisements etc., are being shot at Bekal Fort.

Location: Only 8 km from Kanhangad town. And 18 km from Kasargod. Only 60 km from Mangalore International Airport.

Arakkal Palace

The Arrakkal Museum is a museum dedicated to the Arakkal family, the only Muslim royal family in Kerala, south India. The museum is actually a section of the Arakkalkettu (Arakkal Palace). The durbar hall section of the palace has been converted into a museum by the Government of Kerala.

Arakkal family is the royal family which ruled Kannur for several centuaries. They had family relationship with Kolathiris, the rulers of the neighbouring Chirakkal kingdom. Arakkal family had trade relationship with Arabs and later with Europeans. The islands of Lakshadweep and Maldives were ruled by Arakkal family. The king of Arakkal kingdom was known as Arakkal Raja and the Queen was known as Arakkal Beevi.

Although renovated by the government, the Arakkalkettu is still owned by the Arakkal Family Trust and does not fall under the control of the country's archaeology department, the Archaeological Survey of India. The government had taken a keen interest in preserving the heritage of the Arakkal Family, which had played a prominent role in the history of Malabar. A nominal entry fee is charged by the Arakkal Family Trust from visitors to the museum.

Location: only 3 km from kannur. And 120 km from Kozhikode.

Valapattanam

Valapattanam is a small town in the Kannur district, located in the Indian state of Kerala. It is also the smallest panchayath in kerala.Its area is 2.04 sqr Km. Valapattanam is an important Muslim settlement area in Kannur.  Valapattanam is known for its communal harmony. On one hand one can see the "Kalarivathukkal temple" and on the other hand you have the "Kakkulangara Mosque" lying in close proximity. The long vision of the social leaders and people on the whole has made Valapattanam a land of communal harmony.

This town is also known as Balyapattanam. This town is in the on the banks of Valapattanam river. This town is well known for its wood-based industries and timber trade. Centuries back Valapattanam River (puzha) was the main ship route for trading and Valapattanam was the main town, because of this the town got this name. "Valya pattanam" means "big town" in Malayalam language though it is the smallest panchayath in Kerala. The port of Azhikkal is located nearby. In the bank of Valapattanam River you see Western India Plywoods Ltd., the largest wood-based industry in the country and which was the biggest plywood factory in Asia till few years back.
The famous Muthappan temple is in the bank of Valapattanam River.

This town is named after its historical founder Vallabha II of the Mooshika dynasty (Kolathiri family) and was originally known as Vallabha-Pattanam and served as the capital of the Mooshika dynasty during the medieval ages. The fourteenth-century narrative of Ibn Battuta refers to the ruler of Ezhimala as residing at Baliapatanam and offers a clue that by this time, the centre of the political authority had shifted from Ezhimala to Baliapatanam. In the sixteenth century AD, a Portuguese official Duarte Barbosa also mentions Baliapatanam (Baliapatam in European records) as the residence of the ‘king of Cannanore’.

Valapattanam is a strong bastion of the UDF and its ally IUML. It is part the Azhkkodu Legislative assembly constituency where KM Shaji of UDF is likely to win th 2011 assembly elections with a thumping majority.

Location: It is about 7 km north of Kannur.

Parassinikkadavu Snake Park

Parassinkkadavu Snake Park is a famous landmark in Parassinikkadavu, which is 2 km away from National Highway (NH) 17, en route from Kannur to Taliparamba,

The Park houses a large variety of snakes and other small animals, including the Spectacled Cobra, King Cobra, Russell's viper, Krait and various pit vipers. There is also a large collection of non-poisonous snakes including pythons. The park is dedicated to the preservation and conservation of snakes, many species of which are gradually becoming extinct.In a live show, trained personnel play and 'interact' with a variety of snakes, including cobras and vipers, and try to quell mythical fears and superstitions about snakes. It has also been proposed that a laboratory to extract venom from snakes for purposes of research be set up here.

The Snake Park, set up by the Visha Chikista Kendra, is regularly visited by both foreign and domestic tourists. The Kendra also offers effective treatment for snake bites.

Location: Around 16 km away from Kannur town.

Ezhimala Hill

Ezhimala , a hill reaching a height of 286 metres, is located in Kannur District of Kerala, South India. As the former capital of the ancient Mushika Kingdom, it is considered to be an important historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory 38 km north of Kannur Town. A flourishing seaport and center of trade around the beginning of the Common Era, it was also one of the major battlefields of the Chola-Chera Wars of the 11th century. It is believed by some that Lord Buddha had visited Ezhimala. The hill was once known as Mount Delly by the English or Monte D'Ely by the Portuguese. This region is also known as Elimala, Mooshaka Sailam and Sapta Sailam.

Athulan describes the later kings of this dynasty, who are now better known as the Kolathiri Dynasty. King Ramaghata Mooshika's successors shifted their capital to Pazhi (the present-day village of Pazhayangadi), Valabhapattanam (Valapattanam), and other nearby places over the centuries.

Ezhimala, which is part of Ramanthali panchayath, is one of the most important places in the recorded history of North Kerala. Mooshika Vamsham, written by Athulan in the 10th century, throws light on the history of the Mushika Royal Family in particular and of North Kerala in general. The first recorded king of Mooshika Vamsham (the Mooshika Dynasty) was Ramaghata Mooshika, and his capital was Ezhimala.

There is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and the Mount Deli Lighthouse also located here. It is maintained by the Indian Navy and is a restricted area. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. At the Ettikulam Bay, one can enjoy watching dolphins. Bordered by sea on three sides, Ezhimala had Indian Naval Ship (INS) Zamorin commissioned here marking Phase I of the Indian Naval Academy project, which was completed in January 2009. 

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, inaugurated the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, Kerala on the 8th of January 2009. The Prime Minister's address on the occasion began with appreciation of this place "It is my profound pleasure to be present here today at this magnificent campus overlooking the Arabian Sea. There could not have been a better place for the establishment of India’s Naval Academy. I am therefore grateful to the Government of Kerala for having made all this possible.

Location: Only 2km from Ramanthali town. Around 8 km from Payyanur Railway station.

Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary

The Aralam Sanctuary is spread over 55 sq km of undulating forested highlands on the slopes of the Western Ghats. The highest peak here - Katti Betta - rises to a majestic 1145 m above sea level. Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1984. The Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 55 square km.

Covered with tropical and semi evergreen forests, the Aralam Sanctuary is home to a vast variety of flora and fauna endemic to the Western Ghats. Elephant, gaur, sambar, spotted deer, barking deer, Nilgiri langur, Hanuman langur, Malabar giant squirrel, etc can be seen here.

The vegetation in the Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary consists of coast tropical evergreen forest and west coast semi evergreen forest. There are about 490 hectares of teak and eucalyptus plantations within the forest area.

 

Aralam, a village in Thalasserry, is also noted for the Central State Farm, a 3060 hectare farm started in 1971 by the Government of India. This is one of the main production centres of hybrid coconut seeds in the country.

 Location: About 35 km from Thalasserry railway Station.

Payyambalam Beach

Payyambalam beach is a major tourist spot that attracts tourists and local people. It often finds mention in tourism related publications as a beautiful beach. A long clean beach, its enchanting ambience invites you to play in water, sunbathe or just lounge around with your near and dear ones. At one end of the beach is a flat laterite cliff just into the sea. It is Picturesque and incredibly beautiful. The well laid out gardens and the massive landscaped sculpture of mother & child by Kanayi Kunhiraman greet the visitor to Payyambalam. A part of the garden is especially for children.

Many movies have been shot in this location including the Maniratnam movie Alai Payuthe.The Worldspace ad featuring A.R. Rahman was also shot here. Payambalam is the largest and most beautiful beach in Kerala

Location: It is situated around 2 km from Kannur town.

Pazhassi Dam

 Pazhassi Dam is located 11 km away from the birth place of the Pazhassi Raja, the Pazhassi Dam is nestled amidst an idyllic and picturesque setting. Famous for its scenic beauty, the Pazhassi Damn is a popular tourist hangout. The Kannur District Tourism Promotion Council boats are available to navigate through the river enjoying the silent beauty of Pazhassi dam. It is the only reservoir with gardens in Kannur district. The garden is a good attraction with sculptures. The added attractions of the place are the gardens and children's park. The Buddha’s mountain at Pazhassi and the sculpture of Pazhassi King are visual delights. 

This reservoir is mainly used for irrigation purpose. The water supply from this dam meets the drinking as well as the irrigation purpose of the whole Kannur district. This Project was

commisioned by Ex: Prime Minister Late: Mr. Moraji Desai in the yaer of 1979.

While there may not be too much to do? At the Pazhassi Dam, it continues to be a favourite with the tourists solely on the basis of its picturesque and quaint setting, which takes the breath away of any traveller. Riding on its fame for being unimaginably beautiful, the Pazhassi Dam draws tourists by a large number every year, from the across the country and different parts of the world.

Location: Located 37 km east of Kannur.

St. Angelo's Fort

St. Angelo's Fort or Kannur Fort was built in 1505 by Dom Francisco de Almeida, the first Portuguese Viceroy of India and is on the Arabian Sea. It was attacked in vain by the local Indian ruler in the Siege of Cannanore (1507).

On August 1509 Almeida, refusing to recognize Afonso de Albuquerque's as the new Portuguese governor to supersede himself, arrested him in this fortress after having fought the naval Battle of Diu. Afonso de Albuquerque was released after three months' confinement, and become governor on the arrival of the grand-marshal of 

Portugal with a large fleet, in October 1509.

The fort changed hands several times. A painting of this fort and the fishing ferry behind it can be seen in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The Dutch captured the fort from the Portuguese in 1663. They modernised the fort and built the bastions Hollandia, Zeelandia and Frieslandia that are the major features of the present structure. The original Portuguese fort was pulled down later. The Dutch sold the fort to king Ali Raja of Arakkal in 1772. In 1790 the British seized it and used it as their chief military station in Malabar.  

 

The fort is in the Cannanore Cantonment area. It is fairly well preserved as a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. St Angelo's fort is a most important historical monument and a popular tourist attraction. All those who visit this fort must meet a Tourism Policeman on duty here named Sathyan Edakkad. He has done the historical research about this fort and published a book named "Vasco da Gama and the Unknown Facts of History".He has got many awards

The Moppila Bay Harbor and Arakkal Mosque are near the fort. The fort is now well-maintained under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India.

Location: Situated 3 km from the town of Kannur.

Details: Tourists are allowed entry to the fort every day of the week between 8 am to 6 pm.

Kuruva Island

Kuruva Island is one of the important attractions in Wayanad. Kuruva Island is situated on the tributaries of the river kabani and is a fabulous picnic spot. Its serene silence and wide expanse of the evergreen forest leaves you astonishing. This island is isolated but an array of uncommon species of birds, herbs and orchids are the monarchs of Kuruva Island. To reach the island we have to cross a small stream by foot. Ferry service is available to reach the island but could not get one to reach there since it is so crowded. Water level in the river was very low we crossed the river by foot to and fro.

Kuruva Island is a vast island of 950 acres abundantly rich with green forest. It is very far from the turbulence of city life making it an exotic place for visitors to relax and enjoy the beauty of the nature.

Kuruva island or Dweep is consists of group of islands inside Kabini river and covers an area of about 950 acres of ever green dense forest. Nothing so specific over there in the island except you and the chirping sound of the birds

Location: Kuruva Island is 17 kms to the east of Mananthavady.

 

Details: If you want you can just roam around the island but leave the island before 4.30 PM. Tree top huts are available on a rent for Rs. 750/- Island has an entry fee of Rs. 10/- per each person.

Ambalavayal Heritage Museum

 The main attractions here include the rare second century artifacts. The Ambalavayal Heritage Museum is an archaeological museum. The exhibits here are evidences of an advanced civilisation that existed in the mountains of Wayanad. For people with some interest in histoy or archaeology This is must see spot; Where the greatest collection of articles are displayed rememebering the way how the inhabitants of the hills lived around two million years back. 

The articles exibited are capable of throwing light into a civilzation and culture pertaining to the tribals who inhabited here around two thousand years back. The articles on display here are a fascination for the historians, the archaeologists and the ordinary man alike. At the museum you can see articles as varied as clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipments like bows and arrows, stone weapons and other curios. The exhibits also include 14th and 16th century jewelry, hunting and fishing weapons, farming implements, ancient terracottas, rock edicts and other remnants that dates back to the 2nd century.

 

Location: Only 12 km south of Sulthan Bathery, Wayanad district.

Details:  Visiting time from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.