Kasaragod is a city and a municipality in Kasaragod district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is the administrative headquarters of Kasargod district. Formerly called as Kanjirakuttom, Kasaragod is also the northernmost municipality of Kerala bounded by the Western ghats in the east and Arabian sea in the west. Kasaragod is an enchanting beauty of Nature's creations and the different religions, groups and communities in their historical evolution have subscribed to the growth of a dream like panorama of folk art and visual art forms in the region. The place is known for harmonious co-existence of Hindu, Muslim and Christian religions.

The town has been mentioned in the documents of the ancient Arab traders who came to this city to trade rice, spices and silks. The harbors where the intrepid Portuguese explorers once dropped anchor now whisper their quiet memories of the days gone by. Fishing is a prime source of livelihood in Kasargod. Foreign investment or N.R.I Income is high in this part of the state. Also interesting is that Kasaragod Cap, worn by Arabs is an old cottage industry which is almost on the verge of extinction. The caps are hand stitched by artisans and exported to South East Asia and West Asia.

 The main languages are Malayalam and Tulu. Besides these languages, Hindi, Konkani, Kannada and English are spoken here too. The Malayalam spoken here has influences from Tulu, Kannada, Konkani and Tulu spoken here is influenced by Malayalam.

Kasaragod is best known as the land of Temples, Mosques and Churches. It has a rich cultural heritage and is famous for the art forms of Yakshagana, Bombe-Yattu and Theyyam. Traditional art forms also add colour to festivals and celebrations. Kasargod is also much known for its coir and handloom industries.

The best time to visit Kasargod is anytime of the year except during the monsoon season as the monsoon is very heavy in this state. The climate of the district is classified as warm, humid and tropical. However, the most preferred time is from March to October. Tropical cotton is recommended clothing. Carrying an umbrella is also a wise option.

All foreign visitors are required to carry a passport valid at least for 6 months. Special restrictions apply to Pakistani and Afghan nationals.

Kasargod is well connected by Road and Rail throughout Kerala and can be easily accessed by the nearest Air heads.

By Air:
The nearest airport to Kasargod is 50 kms away at Mangalore. Karipur International Airport in Kozikode is 200 kms, while the Kochi airport is 420 kms. away from here. Buses or taxis are the best option to reach Kasargod from there. 

 By Rail:
Kasaragod railway station is linked to all important towns in Kerala and the neighbouring states as well as other major cities and parts of the country such as Trivandrum, Kochi, Calicut, Cannanore, Mangalore, Goa, Surat, Jaipur, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Jammu Tawi, Kanyakumari etc.

By Road:
Kasaragod city lies on the path of N.H-17. It is well connected by road to Cannanore (Kannur), Bangalore, Mangalore, Calicut etc. A fine network of smooth roads connects Kasaragod to all major towns in Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and other towns of the state as well as India by Motorable roads. Buses, operated by private as well as state operators are available for different cities and towns.

Kasaragod has many tourist destinations. Few are given below:

Mallikkarjuna Temple: Dedicated to lord Siva and lord Ganapathi, this temple is situated in the heart of Kasaragod city and is worth a watch.

Theruvatthu Mosque: This is an important pilgrimage center for Muslims. During Uroos, the Mosque draws people from all over India.

Malik Deenar Mosque: If Kasaragod is known as center of Muslim pilgrimage on western coast, it is all due to this mosque. Founded by Malik Ibn Dinar, it is distinguished for its unique architectural style, which strongly resembles a traditional Kerala kovilakam. An important local celebration takes place every year in commemoration of the arrival of Malik Ibn Dinar. The uroos attracts pilgrims from all around India and world.

Bekal Fort: The largest and best preserved fort in the State. The alluring scene of the sea shore and its exhilarating natural scenery and beauty attracts the visitors. It is fast emerging as an International tourist centre.

Madhur Temple: A little away from Kasaragod, on the banks of serene Madhuvahini river, stands the imposing structure of Madhur Ananteshwara Vinayaka Temple, with its turrets and gables and the copper plate roofing, standing tall in front of paddy fields and gardens. It is a Shiva temple. The Sivalingam of the temple is said to be founded by a harijan woman, Madharu. Main festival is Moodappaseva, which involves a huge figure of Ganapathy being covered with appam. It requires lakhs of rupees for its conduct thus making it a periodic festival. The architecture is unique. This temple is said to have been attacked by Tippu Sultan, but not harmed out of devotion. The mark of his sword is still found in the Temple.

Chandragiri Fort: Built in 17th century by Shivappa Naik, this fort is just 3 km from the city.

Bela Church: Our Lady of Sorrows Church is the oldest in the district constructed in 1890 AD. It is a Gothic style Roman Catholic church which celebrated its centenary recently.

Edneer Mutt: Situated about 8 km north-east of the city, this ancient mutt is a reputed seat of learning and it attracts devotees from all over India.

C.P.C.R.I: Central Plantation Crops Research Institute shortly termed as C.P.C.R.I, is an international research institute under I.C.A.R (Indian Council of Agricultural Research), which promotes research on plantation crops is 4 km from city. The nearby beach called C.P.C.R.I beach is beautiful and is famous for its beautiful sunset. Also the fishing village nearby, situated on shore of a natural lake is an awesome sight.

Arikkady Hanuman Temple: 15 km from Kasaragod, near Kumbala, lies the famous Hanuman Kovil known popularly as Arikkady Temple. At the entrance of the Temple lies the giant statue of lord Hanuman. The temple as a whole lies on the foot of an old-ruined Fort popularly known as the Kumbala Fort, which is as old as the Bekal Fort and was built by the founder of the same. A Siva Temple and a Sri Gopalakrishna Temple is situated within.

The modest Hotels in Kasargod have accommodation in keeping with the laidback traditional lifestyle of the people. The comfortable hotels here allow one the security and comfort to explore the lagoons and beaches of Kasargod at one’s own pace. Also available are quite a few resorts which offer more than the modest hotel services. Few suggested places are: Hotel Apsara Regency, Fort Palace Tourist Home, Hotel City Palace and Fort Vihar Hotel Complex.  The suggested resort is Hotel City Tower Resorts Pvt. Ltd.

Ranipuram, Anandasram,  Nityanandasramam and the Valiyaparamba Backwater stretch are the worth visiting places in the Kasargod district.

Full of beauty; this district and town are so diverse and have so much to offer to all kinds of travellers. Kasargod is definitely one of the recommended places to visit in Kerala-India.