Bekal place to visit



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Anandashram and Nithyanandashram
These are the two notable asramams in Kanhangad.  Anandashram  was founded by Swami Ramdas which is internationally renowned spiritual centre  situated close to Kanhangad in 1939. Nestled amidst shady trees in the quiet countryside, the ashram provides the peaceful ambience that is best suited for meditation and spiritual studies.

The main asramam and other buildings have a beautiful setting in the midst of shady mango, coconut and other groves. There is a hill to the east of the asramam, to which the dovotees retire for quiet meditation and from its west, the surrounding extensive landscape can be seen in its natural grandeur. The spot at the highest point of the hill is so fascinating that the devotees, who go up the hill and sit silently, are blessed with deep peace and transquillity.

Nithyanandashram is the ideal meditation center having 45 caves and is belonging to disciples of his Holiness Nithyananda Swamy. Here is a temple in the design of the famous SomanathTemple. A full-size statue of Nithyananda Swamy in sitting posture made of Panchaloha alloy is also an attraction of the Ashram. The ashram is just a 10 minute walk from Bekal International.

Ananthapura Lake Temple

It is a Hindu temple located in the middle of a lake in the Kasargod District which is 5 kilometers from Kumbla in the state of Kerala. This is the only lake temple in Kerala and the original seat (Moolasthana) of Ananthapadmanabha Swami.

Local legend has it that this is the original site where Ananthapadmanabha settled down. The cave a the right hand corner of this lake is a place worth visiting when here.

The temple lake is also home to a venerable crocodile named Babia, which is supposed to be the guard of the temple. This special crocodile lives on the offering given by the devotees and has not till date harmed the fishes or anyone coming for a bath.

Chandragiri Fort

It was  built in the 17th century and is located in  Kasargod district of Kerala. It is a large squarish fort by the side of the river Payaswini.The fort has an eventful history behind it.

In earlier days, the river was considered to be the border of two powerful kingdoms - Kolathunadu and Thulunadu. Later on when Thulunadu was captured by Vijayanagara Empire, this region was lost by the Kolathunadu to them. Then, in the 16th century, when the Vijayanagara Empire fell, Vengappa Nayaka of Keladi Nayaka kingdom declared independence after which Shivappa Nayaka came into power. He built a chain of forts of which this fort is a part of. Though now in ruins, the Chandragiri Fort offers a breathtaking view of the river and the Arabian Sea.

Madhur temple

Madhur temple was originally a Mahaligeshwara (Madanantheshwara - Shiva) temple and as the lore goes, an old lady named Madaru from so called backward caste was discovered an "Udbhava Murthy" (a statue that was not made by a human) of Shivalingam. The statue is made of alluvial soil. This statue was later installed in the temple and thats how then it was named as Madhur Madanantheshwara temple.

Mahaganapathi devotion came later in the temple when this Elephant faced God appeared to some childrens as drawing art image in a South-side Wall of the temple. After ward the temple became as Madhur Mahaganapathi Temple. Local people used to call the God as Boddajja also.

Tipu Sultan is supposed to have visited the temple to drink water, during one of his fights in the area. A cut from his sword is still visible in the building that is built around the temple well.

Ranipuram

It is located 85 kilometers from Kasargod town, Ranipuram is a beautiful mountain terrain known for trekking. It is located 750 meters above sea level on the Western Ghats in Kasargod district. Covered with evergreen shola woods, monsoon forests and grasslands, this beautiful land is known for its trekking trails.

Ranipuram was earlier known as Madathumala and its extensive forests merge into those of Karnataka. Wild elephants can be seen wandering on the mountain tops here. There are regular buses on this route or else you can also opt for jeep rides as well, for an adventurous trip.


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