Activities & Experiences
Kasaragod is not just about sightseeing — it's about immersing in unique experiences, soaking in natural beauty, and connecting with local traditions. From fort explorations and beach walks to houseboat cruises and cultural performances, here are the top activities and experiences to enjoy in Kasaragod.
1️ Explore Bekal Fort & Sunset at Bekal Beach
- What to Do:
✅ Walk through the massive 17th-century Bekal Fort, climb the watchtowers, and explore the tunnels.
✅ Enjoy a mesmerizing sunset over the Arabian Sea at Bekal Beach right next door.
- Experience Highlight: One of the most cinematic locations in Kerala (featured in films like Bombay).
- Best For: History buffs, photographers, couples.
2️ Cruise Through Valiyaparamba Backwaters
- What to Do:
✅ Hire a houseboat or canoe to explore the tranquil backwaters, lined with coconut palms and sleepy fishing villages.
✅ Try fishing or take a sunset cruise.
- Experience Highlight: Less crowded than Alleppey, offering a peaceful, offbeat Kerala backwater experience.
- Best For: Couples, nature lovers, solitude seekers.
3️ Trekking & Nature Walks in Ranipuram Hills
- What to Do:
✅ Take a guided trek through the shola forests and rolling meadows.
✅ Spot rare orchids, butterflies, and birds.
- Experience Highlight: Misty trails, panoramic views, and cool climate — dubbed as "Kerala’s Ooty".
- Best For: Trekkers, adventure seekers, eco-tourists.
4️ Attend a Theyyam Performance
- What to Do:
✅ Witness Theyyam, the ritualistic dance-drama native to North Kerala, often performed in temples and sacred groves.
✅ Ask locals for performance schedules (usually November to May).
- Experience Highlight: A vivid, intense, and spiritual art form where performers embody deities.
- Best For: Culture lovers, photographers, spiritual travelers.
5️ Experience Houseboat Stay at Tejaswini River
- What to Do:
✅ Spend a night on a luxury houseboat, gliding through the Tejaswini River or Valiyaparamba backwaters.
✅ Enjoy freshly prepared seafood, local meals, and starry night skies.
- Experience Highlight: A serene alternative to Alleppey’s busy backwaters.
- Best For: Honeymooners, peace seekers.
6️ Visit Ananthapura Lake Temple & Meet the Crocodile
- What to Do:
✅ Explore this unique floating temple located in a lake.
✅ Try spotting the legendary vegetarian crocodile, Babiya (believed to be divine).
- Experience Highlight: Mythology meets mystery in this peaceful spiritual site.
- Best For: Pilgrims, curious travelers, culture buffs.
7️ Enjoy a Beach Picnic at Kappil or Thaikadappuram Beach
- What to Do:
✅ Pack a picnic and head to these quiet, uncrowded beaches.
✅ Watch olive ridley turtles nesting (seasonal, usually between September–January at Thaikadappuram).
- Experience Highlight: Perfect for sunset viewing, beach games, and soul-refreshing silence.
- Best For: Families, couples, solitude lovers.
8️ Spice Plantation & Village Visits
- What to Do:
✅ Visit nearby spice farms to learn about the cultivation of pepper, cardamom, nutmeg, and areca nuts.
✅ Join a village experience tour and interact with locals.
- Experience Highlight: Savor home-cooked Kerala meals, watch coir rope making or paddy harvesting.
- Best For: Agro-tourists, culture enthusiasts.
9️ Photography & Birdwatching
- Where to Go:
✅ Valiyaparamba Backwaters, Ranipuram Hills, and Chandragiri Riverbanks.
- What to Expect:
✅ Spot kingfishers, herons, peacocks, and eagles.
✅ Capture scenic landscapes, sunrises, misty forests, and heritage architecture.
- Best For: Wildlife photographers, Instagrammers, bloggers.
