Kanhangad

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Kanhangad | type = city | latd = | longd = |locator_position = right
state_name = Kerala
district = Kasaragod
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population_as_of = 2001
population_total = 65,499| population_density =
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Kanhangad (Malayalam: കാഞ്ഞങ്ങാട്) is a city and a municipality in Kasaragod district in the Indian state of Kerala. It is 28 km from the district headquarters of Kasargod. Kanhangad is also known as the "Commercial Hub" of Kasaragod district. Spiritual centers Nithyanandashram and Anandashram, located here has attracted people from different parts of the world. The tourist spot Bakel fort is also located within its proximity.

Kanhangad Town

Hosdurg (Hosa Durga in Kannada and Puthiya Kotta in Malayalam, meaning "new fort"), half a kilometer south of the town center Kottachery, hosts the municipal office, other administrative offices, the police station, and the civil and criminal courts. The nearest airport is at Mangalore [http://www.mangalore.com] , 85 km away.

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [GR|India] , Kanhangad had a population of 65,499. Males constitute 48% of the population and females 52%. Kanhangad has an average literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 83%, and female literacy is 74%. In Kanhangad, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age. The most widely spoken language is Malayalam. Konkani and Kannada are also spoken by minority. There is also a small Palghat Iyer Brahmin community which speaks a mix of Malayalam and Tamil.

Economy

Agriculture and fishing are the primary source of income for residents of the region. The soil and topography allow for a diverse selection of crops. Rubber, pepper, cashew and ginger are the important crops that are grown in the eastern part of the region, which comprises forests and hilly areas. In the coastal areas, coconut, paddy and tobacco are cultivated. The regional economy used to be agricultural, but this has changed; Kanhangad was once famous for its tobacco production.

Since the oil boom of the 80’s, young people have migrated to the oil producing Gulf countries in pursuit of lucrative job opportunities. This has considerably changed the economic situation and life style of the residents. Now most of the families depend on money sent by family members working in the Gulf and other regions.

Tourism

A good blend of people speaking different languages and following different religions reflects the unity in diversity of this region. Mopplaha, Malayalam, Kannada, Konkani languages are the languages prevailing in this region. Malayalam is the widely spoken language of the region and official state language. Hindi, Arabic and English is also spoken by many educated people. Abundance of Temples, Mosques and Churches reflect the spirituality of the region and people co-exist in peace.

* Kanhangad was originally known as KanchanGad, which translates to Golden Fort

* Nithyanand Ashram, a spiritual center frequented by people from various Indian states, is located in Hosdurga and is about 2 km from the Hosdurga bus stand. Abode of Swami Nithyananda has been a must visit site for all those who seek spiritual blessings from the Swamiji. A full size statue of a sitting Swami Nityananda made of pancha-loha is one of the attractions of the ashram. Also a network of nice caves or narrow enclosures within the base of the Nithayanad Ashram is a must see if you have a chance to visit the fort. The swamiji had spend rest of his life in Vajreshwari in Bombay and also have a Ashram at that place.

*Hosdurg Fort (half a kilometre south of Kanhangad) is reknowned for its chain of forts built by Somashekara Nayak of Keladi Nayaka dynasty of Ikkeri. The Naiks were worshippers of Shiva and followers of Shringeri Sharada Peetam. There is a shiva temple on south west side of the fort. Government offices and quarters have been constructed in this fort and a private english medium school was also constructed within the fort during the 1980's, neglecting the need for preservation of this historic fort. The school is one of the best educational insititute in the town and was used to be run by congregation of Italian Sisters.

* A beautiful old venkatramana temple is located about 1 km east of Southern end of the Hosdurga fort. The temple was recently renovated by the kannada speaking community people

* Beautiful Mosques are located on almost every 3-5 km on coastal roads of the town. A prominent feature that attracts the attention of travelers in Kanhangad town center is a tall minaret, a contribution from the wealthy merchants of the town who are predominantly MuslimFact|date=February 2008. Sufi cultures and traditions also prevailed in the region until early 1970's.

* Anandashram (5 km from Kanhangad) is an internationally renowned spiritual center founded by Swami Ramdas in 1939. It offers a quiet, peaceful ambiance best suited for meditation and spiritual studies. Swami Ramadas had extensively travelled throughout India and is author of many books.

* Alami Palli, located in south kanhangad is also one of the oldest mosques in the town.

* "Guruvanam" is a spiritual center, 6 km from Kanhangad via Arai bridge near Monacha. The main attraction is a stream of water flowing from the mouth of a statue of a cowFact|date=February 2008. This is called 'paapa nashini ganga' [source from Ganga] ".

* Bekal Fort is a 300-year old fort, one of the largest and best preserved forts in Kerala, lies 10 km north of Kanhangad. Its beaches have helped it become the focal point for the development of tourism in north Kerala. The Bekal Fort is the biggest fort in Kerala. The fort is believed to be built by Ikkeri Shivappa Nayaka. A Hanuman temple is located at the entrance of the fort. The construction resembles the Portuguese fort at Kannur St.Angelo fort, which was built by Portuguese.

* Adot Vana Durga temple, Bellikoth, where the "Sahashrachandika Yaagam" was conducted for the prosperity of the people living all over the world.

* Ranipuram is a small place in Kasaragod district of Kerala state, south India. This place was known as Madathumalauntil in the 1970s. Ranipuram is about 48 km east of Kanhangad on the Panathoor road branching off at Panathady and lies 1016 m above sea level, adjacent to Bhagamandala forest range. A wild life sanctuary has been proposed for this area, combining with reserve forest of Ranipuram and Kottancherry along with reserve forests of Karnataka as Ranipuram Wildlife Sanctuary.

Climate

The southwest monsoon starts towards the end of May or the beginning of June, heralded by thunderstorms and holds till September when the rain fades out. October brings in the northeast monsoon. Dry weather sets in by the end of December. January and February are the coolest months of the year. March, April and May are very hot.

Schools and Colleges

* Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Periye.
* Govt High School, Pakkam
* Govt Polytechnic Periya.
* Mahakavi P. Smaraka Govt. Higher secondary school, bellikoth.
* Little Flower Higher Secondary School
* Durga higher secondary school, Hosdurg
* Christ C.M.I public school, Mavungal
* Government High School, Hosdurg
* Iqbal Higher Secondary School
* Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Kanhangad
* Jamaath Higher Secondary School, Centre Chithari
* Govt. U.P. School, Melangot
* Govt Higher Secondary School, Pallikara
* Govt Higher Secondary School, Periya
* Crescent English Medium School, Ajanoor
* GHS Balla East, Chemmattamvayal
* GVHS Kottappuram, Nileshwar
* G.H.S Uppilikai
* Dr Ambedkar Govt. Higher Secondary School, Kodoth.
* Govt. Higher Secondary School, Parappa
* E.K Naynar Memorial College, Eleritattu
* St. Payas College, Rajapuram
* MIC Arts and Science College, Chattanchal
* CHSS, Chattanchal
* BC Kunhambu Memorial English Medium School

Institutions for higher education include Nehru Arts & Science College, Agricultural College, Swamy Nithyananda Polytechnic and the Private Paramedical Institution.

Personalities

Kanhangad has been the home town of eminent personalities such as Maha Kavi P. Kunhiraman Nair, a famous poet, Sri. K. Madhavan, a Veteran Communist leader, Vidwan P. Kelu Nair, an author and freedom fighter and C.M.Padmanabhan Nair, a former leader of the socialist party.

C Ramachandran, famous playback singer and music teacher

References

1. Kasaragod District.

2. Kasaragod.

3. Nileshwaram.

4. Kerala.

5. Bekal.

6. Madikai.

7. Aingoth

8. Padanekkad