Kasaragod was famous from time immemorial and Arab travelers who came to Kerala in 9th and 14th centuries AD had visited Kasaragod. The Bekal fort, which is of great historical and archaeological interest, is the largest and best preserved of its kind in the district and the land on which it is situated, runs into the sea with fine bay towards the south. Kasaragod is a land of Temples, Mosques and Churches. It has a rich cultural heritage and is famous for the art forms of Yakshagana, Bombe-yattu and Theyyam. Traditional art forms of pulikkali, oppana etc adds colour to festivals and celebrations.