Tulunadu – ArtM Tourism

Tulu Nadu Monsoon Trail

Tulu is a native language used only for conversation, tribal songs, rituals etc but had no alphabets. Of late an alphabetical system was developed by Tulu enthusiasts but by using Kannada alphapets. Tulu is considered as one of the five sweet languages on the planet, others being Persian, Bengali etc. Several cultural forms exist in Tulunad where the tribal diaspora dominated. Most of the prominent Brahmin families, Bunts etc also speak Tulu. Rich with an agrarian economy flourishing in the Karavali region ( coastal ) between the westetn ghats and the arabian sea , Tulunad has been proud as a privileged community. They welcomed traders from all parts of the globe, allowed The Malik Deenar, the associate of Prophet Mohammed to establish one of the first ever mosques in India at Kasaragod, fought wars against Mysore kings and later against the British, had historical encounters between local kingdoms and so on. The prominent Ballal kingdom, Móoshika Dynasty, Mayipadi Royals, Bambraana Dynasty etc. were brave enough to fight head on against Chirakkal Raja, Hyder Ali, Tipu etc.and later against the British under the Tipu. Historical sites were built by those Tulu kings. The world famous Bekal Fort, the construction of which was started by Shivappa Naik was aTulu king based at Kumbala. Forts were also built at Polali, Chandragiri, Kumbala, Kasaragod etc all with red laterites.

Yakshagana, the famous art form of Kasaragod was founded by the late Pardhi Subbaiah of Kumbala. Kumbala Pardhi Subayya was a great poet and writer just as we have the late Vallathol Narayana Menon, poet, nationalist as father of Kadhakali in Kerala.The Yakshagana Puppet Museum, only the second museum that now surviving in India ( and the world ) is existing in Kasaragod. ART-M is trying to promote this museum and the puppet show on Yakshagana by the great grand son of Pardhi Subayya. A tulu Academy was recently forned jointly by Karnataka and Kerala governments. A Yakshagana Museum is also there in Manjeswaram.

We have so many religions, so many languages and has a secular, pluralistic and all inclusive diaspora which contributes the region with immense potential to attract world tourists. Within 40-50 kms we are able to make tourists experience high ranges , planes and beaches. All the forts made by Tulu kings including the iconic Bekal Forts stand as unique monuments to the valour and spirit of the past. We show case our ‘ ART-M Tulunad Monsoon Trail’ in August-September in association with reputed organisations of tour operators.

Enriched by rich forest, valleys, planes,beaches, forts and rivers and the friendly approach by the people of this region really make The land of Saptha Bhasha, Kasaragod (and Tulunad in particular ) a unique destination. It has in it’s credit exciting stories of sacrifices that our freedom fighters made and ART-M plans a Freedom Trail also very soon.

Programme Day - 1

Malik deenar mosque

Built in the typical Kerala style architecture, the Malik Deenar Mosque or Malik Dinar Mosque is believed to have been founded by Malik Ibn Dinar, who is credited with the propagation of Islam in Kerala. Located at Thalankara, the Juma Masjid or Mosque is one of the best kept and most attractive in Kasaragod. Intricate carvings in Arabic can be seen on the wooden beams and pillars of the mosque. The mosque details its history of construction in Arabic on the latticed woodwork.

History of Malik bin Deenar

Malik bin Deenar or Malik Ibn Dinar was a Tabi‘in who is famous for being the first to bring Islam to India. In 624 AD, Malik Ibn Deenar and twelve of his trade associates landed in Kerala. Their mission was not just trade but to propagate Islam in other parts of the world. The important local celebration takes place every year in commemoration of the arrival of Malik Ibn Dinar.

puppet show

Puppetry is a popular art form of the State of Karnataka and Kasaragod, the northernmost district of Kerala. The puppet show is a parallel tradition of Yakshagana, the classical dance-drama prevalent in these regions. The puppets, usually made of wood resemble the Yakshagana performers in costumes and ornamentation.

The language used is Kannada, though the troupe performs in Malayalam as well as Tulu (local dialect of south Karnataka). The puppetry is accompanied by the singing of verses and snatches of dialogues. The orchestra includes percussion instruments like chenda, maddalam, jagatta or chengila (cymbols) and chakratala or elathalam (small cymbols)..

Ananthapura Lake Temple

Ananthapura Lake temple is positioned in Ichilampady, a village of Ananthapura, Kasargod District in the state of Kerala, India. This is the only lake temple in Kerala and is believed to be the original seat of Lord Anantha Padmanabhaswamy. The temple is known as the moolasthanam, the original source, of the Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy Temple of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala State, which is in the far south.

The scenery surrounding the temple is a treat to the eye, creating a sense of peace and solitude. Sprawling hillocks sets the background and the temple is surrounded by vast grass lands. The Sreekovil is surrounded by a rectangular lake. The Temple Gopuram, the temple edifice, and the Sreekovil are connected by a small bridge. On the outer walls of the Sreekovil there are marvellous and ancient mural paintings on Puranic themes. To protect these paintings an outer wall was constructed around the Sreekovil in recent times.

The temple is raised in a unique structural aspects in the middle of the serene lake. The lake is gifted with a perennial supply of pure spring water.The lake of the temple measures around 2 acres of the area. The temple has an excellent collection of wood carvings. These carvings depict the legendary stories of Dasavataram.

Kudakkallu

The “kudakkallu” is a kind of megalithic monument found in the state. The “kudakallus” are burial sites in which the corpse is buried and curvilinear blocks are installed on the ground with a hollow space in between. An umbrella-shaped block is kept atop.

In the case of “thoppikallu” (hood stone), the umbrella-shaped rock is placed on the ground.

The “kudakallu” and “thopikallu” monuments are found at Chowannur, Kandanassery, Porkulam, Eyyal, Kattakampal and Ariyannur in Thrissur district. The “kudakkallu” is mostly found in regions that fall under the erstwhile Kochi kingdom.

Thonikadavu Green Hills

Thonikadavu in Kundamkuzy in Kasaragod District is known for its virgin forest and mist clad meadows. This place is just few kilometers away from the Historical Bekal Fort. This rustic village place is rich in vegetation and varied fauna & flora.

This place offers you an unforgettable experience from the hustle and bustle of the city life.This land is free from pollution and other environmental hazards.

The surfacing streams and cascade descending from the dale offers you a panoramic view. A walk through this lush green field will make to forget the pangs of your life.

Adukkath Bhagavathy Temple

Four Kilometers from Kundamkuzhy is Shree Adukkathu Bhagavathy Temple known as Adukkath Melom Temple, with Mahishasura Mardhini as the main deity.

Temple is surrounded by ‘Kaavu’ (small forest) and a holy pond. The temple pond is made by cutting rock with full of turtles.

The Adukkath Bhagavathy pond has more than five hundred turtles, the Kurma incarnation of Lord Vishnu Bhagwati is their food provider. Aamayoottu (feeding turtles) is a prayer in the temple for curing skin diseases.

Ayamkadavu Bridge

The Ayamkadavu Bridge is a bridge over the Vavadukkam river, that connects the Periya village with Bedaduka village in Kasaragod, Kerala, India. The 120 meter bridge is the highest in Kerala, with its spans measuring a height of 25 meter.

It was inaugurated by Chief Minister Pinarai Vijayan on 8 December 2019. The bridge connects summits of two hills and offers a breathtaking view of the area.

Bekal Beach

Situated on the broad expanse of the Malabar coastline, Bekal beach is popular for its backwaters, forts and scenic beauty. It’s a very small region on the shores of Arabian Sea, which is known for its unparalleled charm that holds various attractions and offers a perfect traditional Keralite hospitality to its visitors.

A beautiful view of the sun, sand, sea, and swaying palm trees adjoining the beach add more charm to the outstanding landscape. Bekal is a perfect tourist spot, popular for its scenic beauty and this grabs the attention of visitors from different places. It’s a fascinating place to visit during the vacation as you can take the pleasure of nature and rejuvenate yourself.

Programme Day - 2

River Lap Homestay

Located just 5.minutes walk from azhithala beach in Nileswaram. “RIVER LAP HOMESTAY’ we can offers comfortable accommodation with free WiFi access and parking. Just 15 minutes distance from the city and also 20 Km distance world famous tourist centre BEKEL FORT. we will arrange car hire and explore the surrounding areas. Yoga centre,fishing,villege celebrations and other tourist places. Here you can see very beautiful SUNSET and SUNRISE also, Arabian sea joining to the river and flowing infront the homestay.

Odakkolly Natural Cave

Odakolly is a small Village/hamlet in Nileshwar Block in Kasaragod District of Kerala State, India. It comes under Thayyeni Panchayath. It belongs to North Kerala Division. It is located 44 KM towards South from District head quarters Kasaragod.

Thabore Valley

Thabore is a hill top village in Kannur.Tourists come here to see the scenery of the hill station. A statue of Jesus Christ has been recently installed on the hilltop which attracts a large number of tourists. Nearby places include Udayagiri, Thirumeni, Chathamangalam Hills and Kozhichal.

River Rafting

Lose yourselves amid the hysterical waves of a gorgeous river and the lashing shower of monsoon rain. Welcome to Cherupuzha in Kannur district in Kerala from where starts the exciting rafting on the River Tejaswini. Those who are in the quest for extreme adventure, here, is a river that will satiate all your dreams and desires.

Tejaswini River has many surprises that would give a memorable rafting experience for all. The thick foliage that strides into the river, the rocky banks, branches of huge trees that lean over the river, the magnetic swirl all make the rafting a mesmerizing experience.

Kunhimangalam Bell Metal Heritage

Kunhimangalam heritage village near Payyanur in Kannur district is known for its handcrafted bronze lamps, sculptures and curios.

Nestled on the banks of Perumba River, the village is home to craftsmen, known as moosaris, who have specialized in works on bronze or bell metal. The craftsmen make these idols, lamps and other artifacts without machines. The finished products speak volumes about their unparalleled expertise in the 900-year-old art which was handed down from generation to generation.

The craftsmen make use of stories from mythologies to design the idols and lamps. These intricate works are made in a single casting and each mould is used only once, making their products unique. In 2018, the state government declared bell-metal sculpting as a heritage art and Kunhimangalam as a heritage village.

Kavvayi Kayaking

How to explore the beauty of Kavvayi Island and backwaters in Kannur district, Kerala… Travellers have the choices of Kayaking and country boat cruise to explore the beauty of Kavvayi Kayal. The best time to enjoy a ride is early morning and late evenings.

Kavvayi backwaters form the biggest wetland in North Kerala with an area of around 37 sq. km and offer vistas of scenic beauty surrounded by rivers, backwaters and mangroves.