Hosdurg Fort

About Hosdurg Fort

Hosdurg Fort is situated about 4km east of Kanhangad town, Kasargod district, kerala which is around 23kms and 15kms south east of Kasargod town. Hosdurg Fort with its round bastion looks imposing from a distance. Somashekara Nayaka of Keladi Nayaka dynasty of Ikkeri built the fort. The name Hosdurg is derived from the kannada word Hosa (which means new) and Durga (which means Fort) and was once an integral part of South Canara.The place made well known by the Nithyanandasram with 45 caves.This fort is also known as Kanhangad fort, the fort is surrounded by a high brick wall with round bastions. Although only the ruins of the old fort remain, the legacy of the fort town endures to this day. Within the fort premises, there are several public offices and a temple called Karpooreshwara Temple devoted to Lord Shiva.You acn find there are two churches; one Catholic and the other a Protestant. There are also a number of mosques here.

Interesting things to Visit

Bekal fort:

Bekal fort, the largest and the best-preserved fort in Kerala, lies in Pallikere, and its 16 Kms south of Kasaragod on the national highway at the northern tip of the state. The fort, a circular imposing structure of laterite rising 130 ft. above sea level, stands on a 35 acre headland that runs into the Arabian sea.

Bekal Hole Aqua Park:

Bekal Hole Aqua Park is located near Valiyaparamba in Bekal. It is the perfect place water sport freaks who wish to chill out amidst an array of unique water sports.

Bekal Beach:

Bekal is a beach destination of the future. It has long palm-fringed beaches and a rocky headland topped by the huge Bekal fort. This beach is being developed a resort. But for now, you can still savour the touch of history as you view the serene Lakshadweep Sea from the tall observation towers of the fort’s once huge cannon emplacements. Bekal Beach is situated at the northern tip of Kerala, Bekal is a beach destination of the future. It has long palm-fringed beaches and a rocky headland topped by the huge Bekal fort.

Hosdurg Beach:

Located 12 kms south of Bekal is the Hosdurg beach. It is home to the many marvelous forts in Kasargode District. The Hosdurg Fort built by the Ikkeri Nayaks in mid-16th century draws the closest attention of the visitors.

Kappil Beach:

The secluded Kappil Beach is loacted 6 kms to the north of Bekal. The long stretch is wide and clean enough for swimming and beach walking. The beach has the massive rock, the Kodi Cliff, which act as a resting place for the visitors.

Valiyaparamba Backwaters:

Valiyaparamba is a backwater draw out situated in the district of Kasargod of Kerala. Circulated by 4 rivers flecked by quit number of small islands, Valiyaparamba is incredibly growing as an excellent backwater resort which grants captivating boat cruises. Valiyaparamba, a piece of land dissevered from the solid ground is a significant and notable fishing centre. The Valiyaparamba is just some few kilometers away from Bekal, where it just takes little hour’s of ride to reach the place.

Chandragiri River:

Chandragiri River is Located in Southeast of Kasaragod town on the banks of the Chandragiri river, Kasaragod district, north Kerala.The river originates in a village called Koinadu of Kodagu district in Karnataka state. Chandragiri fort lies three km south of Kasargod town.

Nityanandasramam:

There are two notable asramams in Kanhangad, the Nityanandasramam and Anandasramam. Nityanandasramam is situated on a hillock about half a km south of the Housdurg taluk office. It was founded by swami Nityananda. Here swami Nityananda constructed 45 caves in a mountain slope. There is a temple built in 1963 after the style and design of the famous Somantha temple in Gurjarat. Anandasramam was founded by swamin Ramdas in 1939.

Nearest Visiting places

Ranipuram:

The former Madathumala has taken this new name, Ranipuram recently. Lying 780 meters above the sea level, it is 80 kms away from Kasargod which is 48 kms east of Kanhangad. The natural beauty of this place is comparable only to Ooty.

Ananthapura Lake Temple:

Ananthapura is the only lake temple in Kerala and is located around 30 kilometers from Bekal Fort. The original deity of Sree Ananthapadmanabha (Trivandrum) is located here.

Kanwatheertha Beach:

The Kanwatheertha Beach is famous for a large swimming pool-like formation of the sea on the vast beach and has people coming every now and then to enjoy a swim in the calm waters.

Anjaneya Temple:

The temple at the entrance of the fort is dedicated to Sree Hanuman. Said to be as old as the fort itself, the shrine was recently renovated and attracts hundreds of devotees from far and near.

Kottancherry:

This place bears great resemblance to the scenic beauty of Kodaikanal. The rain forests near Konnakkad are ideal for trekking. It is 30 km north east of Kanhangad.

Kammatam Kavu :

It is much visited for its evergreen forest range, spread over 50-60 acres of land. Take a safari ride in this forest range, it can be a marvelous experience.

Veeramala Hills:

This is a small mountain situated at Cheruvathur from where the natural beauty of Kariangode river and surroundings can be enjoyed. The major attraction here is the ruins of a Dutch fort built in the 18the century.

Maipady Palace:

Maipady palace is about 8kms from Kasargod town on Kasargod-Perla road. It was once the seat of the Kumbla Rajas.

Trikkaripur:

Located on the south of Kasargod, the village of Trikkaripur was the old seat of Thazhekattu Mana. The village is famous for its communal harmony and ‘Theyyam’, a ritual art form. Trikkaripur is the hometown of many famous personalities such as Guru Chandu Panikkar, Kathakali artist; T S Thirumumb, poet and freedom fighter; K.M.Kunhambu, artist and social servant.

Kottancheri Hills:

Kottancheri Hills are the rain forest near Konnakkad 30 Km north- east of Kanhangad. It is a beautiful picnic center and ideal for trekking. Thalakkaveri in the Brahmagiri mountain of Coorg is near to these hills.

Anandashram:

Anandashram is a spiritualcentre founded by Pujya Swami Ramdas and Mother Krishnabai, in 1931, at Kanhangad, in the Mangalore-Shoranur sector of Southern Railway Kerala.

Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation

Hotel Ganesh Bhavan
Nr. Kotacherry Circle
Kanhangad, Kasaragod
Kerala.

Hotel Bekal International
Kanhangad, Kasarago
Kerala.

Ashoka Hotel
Kanhangad, Kasaragod
Kerala.

Hotel Taj
Kanhangad, Kasaragod
Kerala.

Elite Hotel
Kanhangad, Kasaragod
Kerala.

Sreegokulam Nalanda Resorts
Tel: +91 467 2282662, 2282925
Tel: +91 467 2280199
cnn_nalanda@sancharnet.in
www.nalandaresort.com.

Neelambari Resorts & Spa
info@neelambari.com
www.neelambari.com
Tel: +91 467 2229790 - 93.

Help Line/Phone Number

Police Station:

Bekal police station
Bekal, Kerala.

Police Station
Puttur, Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka.

Police Station
Ullal, Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka.

Police Station
Bantwal, Karnataka.

Kadri Police Station
Mangalore, Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka.

Nearest Hospital:

Government Hospital
Kanhangad, Kasaragod
Kerala

Care & Cure Hospital
Kanhangad, Kasaragod
Kerala.

Govt hospital nileshwar
Kasaragod, Kerala.

AJ Hospital
Kuntikana, Bejai Mangalore
Karnataka 575004
0824 2225533.

Link:

http://kerala-travel-spots.blogspot.com/2009/09/kasargod.html
http://savery-entertrainment.blogspot.com/2009/08/bekal-fort.html

Location info

• Address: Kanhangad town, Kasargod District, Kerala, India.

• District: Kasargode District

• Nearest City: Kanhangad, kudlu, mangalorea and Thiruvallam

• Best time to visit: September to April.

Climate & weather

The climate is equable and varies little from season to season. The average maximum temperature is 31.2°C and minimum is 23.6°C.

Things to do at Hosdurg Fort

Watch the Famous Nithyanandasram with 45 caves, remains of this fort, Karpooreshwara Temple devoted to Lord Shiva, Bekal fort and beach, Chandragiri fort and beach nearby.

Nearest petrol pump

Indian oil petrol pump
Kasaragod, Kerala

Petrol Pump
Kanhangad, Kasaragod
Kerala.

Petrol Pump
Dakshina Kannada
Karnataka.

Kanachur Auto Services
University Road, Deralakatte
Mangalore, Karnataka 574160
Tel: 0824 2203782.

Mobile network coverage

Airtel, Jio, BSNL, and Vi all provide coverage across Kerala. 4G is reliable in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and along the coastal belt. Coverage may be weaker in remote sections of the Western Ghats, deep forest reserves, and certain backwater stretches. Most hotels, houseboats, and cafes in tourist areas offer free Wi-Fi.

Food & restaurants nearby

Kerala’s forts (Bekal, Palakkad, St. Angelo) have limited food on-site. Kochi’s Fort Kochi area has excellent dining — waterfront cafes, heritage restaurants, and spice-market eateries. Carry water when visiting remote forts.

Accessibility

Historic forts typically have uneven stone pathways, steep staircases, and no ramps. Forts are built on elevated ground — reaching them requires a climb on foot or by vehicle to the base followed by stairs. Visitors with mobility issues may find the outer grounds and lower levels more accessible than the upper ramparts. Wear sturdy footwear and allow extra time.

Rules & restrictions

Do not climb on unstable walls or beyond marked boundaries. Some bastion platforms are partially collapsed. Graffiti and defacement are illegal. Alcohol and smoking are not permitted inside most historic sites. Drones may require permission. Large bags may be checked at the entrance. Photography is permitted but tripods may need special permission. Respect heritage rules — these monuments are protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act.

Best photography spots

The ramparts offer the best panoramic views — arrive early morning or late afternoon for golden light across the landscape. The bastions and arched windows make excellent natural frames. Wide-angle lenses capture the scale of the fortifications; telephoto lenses isolate details of the stonework and distant views. Sunset silhouettes of the fort walls against the sky are iconic.