As the sun sets on the vast greenery of Kasaragod district in Kerala, the majestic silhouette of Hosdurg Fort is bathed in an ethereal glow. Situated about 4 km east of Kanhangad town, this intriguing relic whispers stories of a bygone period, calling explorers and history buffs to discover its secrets.
Built by the formidable Somashekara Nayaka of the Ikkeri Keladi Nayaka dynasty, Hosdurg Fort stands as a sentinel, guarding the rich heritage of the region. Its commanding presence, dominated by a powerful round bastion, is a testament to its former role as a vital cog in South Canara’s defense network. The very name “Hosdurg” whispers of its past – derived from the Kannada words “Hosa” (meaning “new”) and “Durga” (meaning “fort”) – hinting at its once-integral role in safeguarding the region.
The fort’s evocative remnants have been left behind by time’s unrelenting sculptor, nature, yet the spirit of Hosdurg lives on. Entering the fort complex takes you on an enthralling voyage through time. A vivid image of a once-thriving center is painted by crumbling brick walls, the ruins of bastions that once resounded with the clang of armor, and the peaceful Karpooreshwara Temple, devoted to Lord Shiva.
But the story of Hosdurg Fort transcends its martial past. Just a stone’s throw away lies the famed Nithyanandasram, a complex with 45 caves revered as a pilgrimage destination. This spiritual haven adds another layer of intrigue to the fort’s narrative. One can’t help but imagine the harmonious coexistence of military might and religious devotion within the fort’s walls, a testament to the multifaceted nature of life in this historical site.
The tapestry of Hosdurg is further enriched by the presence of two churches, one Catholic and one Protestant, and a number of mosques. This beautiful amalgamation of faiths speaks volumes about the region’s tolerance and cultural diversity. Here, amidst the whispers of history, one can almost hear the echoes of prayers and hymns from different faiths, a testament to the harmonious co-existence that thrived within the fort’s walls.
Exploring Hosdurg Fort isn’t just a historical adventure; it’s a journey that awakens the senses. Imagine the clash of swords during battles fought, the murmur of prayers offered in the temple and churches, and the gentle hum of everyday life within the fort walls. Breathe in the fresh air, tinged with the scent of history, and let your imagination paint a picture of this once-vibrant community.
So, if you find yourself in Kerala, don’t miss the chance to visit Hosdurg Fort. Lace-up your walking shoes, pack your curiosity, and embark on a voyage through time to this captivating relic. You might just discover a hidden gem where history meets tranquility, waiting to be unveiled.
Thus, if you ever find yourself in Kerala, make sure to stop by Hosdurg Fort. Put on your walking shoes, gather your curiosity, and set out to discover this fascinating artifact. Where peace and history collide, there may be a secret treasure waiting to be revealed.
Location Info
Address: Kanhangad town, Kasargod District, Kerala, India.
District: Kasargode District
Nearest City: Kanhangad, kudlu, Mangalore and Thiruvallam
Best time to visit: September to April.
Interesting things to Visit
Bekal fort
The largest and best-preserved fort in Kerala, Bekal Fort, is located near Pallikere, 16 kilometers south of Kasaragod on the national highway in the state’s northernmost point. Situated on a 35-acre cliff that plunges into the Arabian Sea, the fort is a circular, towering, laterite construction that rises 130 feet above sea level.
Bekal Hole Aqua Park
In Bekal, close to Valiyaparamba, is the Bekal Hole Aqua Park. For those who love water sports and want to relax while participating in a variety of unusual activities, this is the ideal spot.
Bekal Beach
The beach resort of the future is Bekal. It boasts lengthy beaches lined with palm trees and a rocky promontory with the massive Bekal fort atop it. A resort is being planned on this beach. For the time being, though, you may still enjoy a taste of the past while gazing out over the placid Lakshadweep Sea from the massive observation towers that previously supported enormous cannon emplacements atop the fort. Located at Kerala’s northernmost point, Bekal Beach is a beach destination of the future. It boasts lengthy beaches lined with palm trees and a rocky promontory with the massive Bekal fort atop it.
Hosdurg Beach
The Hosdurg beach lies 12 kilometers south of Bekal. The Kasargode District’s several magnificent forts are located there. The most visited site is the Hosdurg Fort, which was constructed in the middle of the 16th century by the Ikkeri Nayaks.
Kappil Beach
Located six kilometers north of Bekal is the isolated Kappil Beach. It is a lengthy stretch that is clean and spacious enough for beach walks and swimming. The enormous rock known as the Kodi Cliff is located on the shore and serves as a resting area for tourists.
Valiyaparamba Backwaters
A backwater retreat called Valiyaparamba is located in Kerala’s Kasargod district. Nestled among numerous small islands and surrounded by four rivers, Valiyaparamba is rapidly becoming a premier backwater destination offering enthralling boat trips. The area that separates Valiyaparamba from the solid earth is an important and well-known fishing location. Bekal is only a few kilometers away from Valiyaparamba, and it only takes an hour to get there by car.
Chandragiri River
The Chandragiri River lies on the banks of the river in the Kasaragod district in north Kerala, southeast of Kasaragod town.The river’s source is in the Karnataka state village of Koinadu, which is in the Kodagu district. Three kilometers south of Kasargod town is the Chandragiri Fort.1
“Unveiling the Beauty of Ranipuram”
List Of Nearest Places
- Ranipuram
- Ananthapura Lake Temple
- Kanwatheertha Beach
- Anjaneya Temple
- Kammatam Kavu
- Veeramala Hills
- Maipady Palace
- Trikkaripur
- Kottancheri Hills
Other Information
Timings: The fort is 24 hours open for all.
Entry fee: The entrance fee is INR 5 per adult.
Getting there
Nearest railway station: Kanhangad, About 5 km
Nearest airport: Kannur International Airport, About 85 km | Mangalore International Airport (Karnataka), about 90 km
- https://www.holidaylandmark.com/india/kerala/forts-in-kerala/hosdurg-fort/hosdurg-fort.html#photogallery ↩︎
