Kasargod is northern most district of Kerala, is known for its coir and handloom industries, Fishing is a prime source of livelihood. A district with a rare and different beauty,Kasargod is poised for growth in the area of Tourism. Karargod is known as the land of Gods,forts,rivers,hills and beautiful sea shores. The fort at Bekal is the largest and the best preserved. Kasargod offers a variety of patterns in temple architecture. The unique style of Madhur Maha Ganapathi Temple, a typical Kerala Style of historic Malik Deenar Great Juma Masjid and many other structures speaks in silence with the rich cultural heritage of the region. The rich pageant of "Theyyam's ditties and impersonations - raises Kasargod into a land of fabulous fantasies.

Flanked by the forest covered Western Ghats in the east, Arabian Sea in the west, Talapadi and Trikaripur, demarcating the north and south, Kasargod has grey rocks and barren land amidst dense vegetation, calm lagoons ans coconut palms on the coastal belt.

The fort was constructed between 1645 and 1660 A.D. Shivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty is credited with its construction. Another version says that the fort was captured by Shivappa Naik from the Kolathiri Rajas, who were its owners. Around 1763 A.D. the fort was occupied by Haider Ali. During Tipu Sultans' (Haider's son) reign it housed the Huzur of Canara. It was later incorporated into the dominions of the English East India Company. During the British rule, the ereshile Bekal taulk was part of South Canara district and encompassed the present Kasargod and Hosdurg taluks.

Kasargod was once under Ezhimala kingdom. Nannan was the most illustrious king of this kingdom, whose attempt to expand the territory ended in serious conflicts with the Chera rules of Vanchi. The people of Mooshaka dynasty, of the 14^th Century, popularly known as Kolathiris were the descendants of Nannans. On 16^th April, 1862 South Canara District became a part of Madras Residency and Kasargod Taluk came into existance.

Bekal fort which is the largest and the best preserved fort in Kerala is on the National Highway. It is more than 300 years old. Believed to be built in the 1650's by Sivappa Naik of the Ikkeri dynasty, it was transferred to Hyder Ali of Mysore and later to the British. The sea bastions, underground tunnels and the observation tower are impressive. An old mosque is situated very near the fort which is believed to be built by Tipu Sultan. Once huge Cannon emplacements perched on hill top. The Pallikere beach is fast developing as a tourist destination. The Bakel aqua park offers boating facility in the backwaters near the Pallikere beach.

Chandragiri Fort built in the 17^th century is on the south east of Kasargod. It is a large squarish fort by the side of the river Payaswini.

Manjeswaram, a quaint little cashew rich town at the northern tip of the district is home to 15 mosques and is a birth place of Govinda Pai, the grand patriach Kannada Literature.

Pandian Kallu, a rock that rises from the sea, about 2 kms from the Trikkanadu Temple is believed to be a ship of one of the Pandian Kings who tried to attack the temple and got converted in to a rock.

The only lake temple in Kerala, Ananthapura is the "Moolasthanam" of Anantha Padmanabha of Thiruvananthapuram. Our Lady of Sorrows Church constructed in 1890 is at Bela, 12 kms from Kasargod. Ranipuram which is 780 meters above sea level and comparable to Ootty due to its beauty and Cheruvathur, the place of illustrious poets are also in Kasargod.

Theyyam, a festival in remembrance of great warriors of the area who have become 'Theyya' is an ancient art form of Kerala and is common in these area. Kamalam, Buffalo race is conducted in different areas in this district.