Kerala is a state on the west coast of South India. There are 14 unique districts within the state. This post is one part of a series of posts sharing the 14 districts in Kerala, India. Today I want to share a very humble and unassuming district at the northern tip of Kerala - Kasargod, and my short visit there.
Maps location of Kasargod town (https://goo.gl/maps/puAfNT6iZiyPTYPA8 )
When a visitor comes to visit Kerala, it’s not likely that Kasargod is on their highest priority place to visit. Thus many visitors have not experienced the normal life in the very humble district. I had taken one of my longest train journey from where I started, and after many long hours of trying to squeeze myself to share sitting places with whom I felt are extremely considerate people, and made long term friends in train rides, I had arrived in Kasargod station. The very scenic ride and very friendly people made the journey a great experience by itself, and I made closest friendships in the very train ride.
Kasargod town feels like a very superlatively normal place where everyone lives their lives to the fullest in a very simple place. Not a very big town, and not much of traffic. Most people just walk or get on 2 wheelers to get around. In around town, I had taken time to walk (amidst the non-stop rain all day), and checked out shops and businesses all around the small town. No one seemed to mind the odd person out of place, which made me feel really welcome. Walked through the main trunk road through town. And throughout small interconnected street ways through the market. And visited the main central bus station, everything seems peaceful and slow moving.
I was needing to catch a local bus through to Bekal Fort about 15kms from town.
Everyone was helpful. I managed to get on a bus ride from town center to Bekal fort (https://goo.gl/maps/DT8n8z7RUkHVjsbU8 ) en-route to Kanhangad. All I remembered was it was raining so heavily outside the bus through the 20 minute ride, that I didn’t know if I should be getting out of the bus. When I did (luckily that I had brought and umbrella), I held on to it for dear life as the wind and rain beat against me. Still, finally the rain relented, and I was able to walk and explore the largest maintain fort in Kerala. Bekal fort was built by an ancient Indian king in the 1600s and was incredible well preserved. With over 40 acres of space, it was a challenge by itself to complete a round just at the perimeter of the giant fort. And the views were spectacular. There was absolutely no regret coming here, even with the torrential rain. I must have spent the entire day exploring the fort.
A visit to any place won’t be complete without mentioning the unique food found and enjoyed at the place. Kasargod gave me some of the fondest memories of food not found in many places in Kerala. The most unique for me was Kasargod kalthappam, a fried rice cake that when cut resembles a slice of pizza, crispy on the outside and chewy in the inside. And cup idlis which looks like pucks instead of mini saucers was quite unique as well. And biryani in Kasargod has a unique flavor which I cannot place. Each visit to a food shop made me new friends whom keep in touch with me.
I didn’t stay too long in Kasargod. The few days I did stay was just amazing. The people especially. I long for the day I can get back to visit.
If you are from Kasargod or been there, feel free to reply with other interesting places and photos around the district.
*all photos self captured
Check out my other posts about other districts in Kerala (work in progress, going to cover all 14 districts)
