Hosdurg Fort

Hosdurg Fort (celebrated across North Kerala and Tulunadu as the monumental 'New Fort' built by the Keladi Nayakas of Ikkeri and the historic spiritual gateway to Swami Nithyananda Ashram and Anandashram), situated in the heart of Kanhangad just 28 km south of Kasaragod town in Kerala, is one of Kerala's most prominent, battle hardened, and culturally celebrated coastal bastions.

Constructed in 1731 AD by Somashekara Nayaka (the powerful ruler of the Keladi Nayaka dynasty of Bednore who also built Bekal Fort and Chandragiri Fort to defend the southern frontiers of Tulunadu against the Kolathiri Rajas of Malabar), the fort gives Kanhangad its historic administrative name 'Hosdurg' (derived from Kannada words 'Hosa' meaning new and 'Durga' meaning fort), later serving as an important military garrison under Mysore rulers Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan before its annexation by the British East India Company in 1799.

It's the home of imposing laterite ramparts, massive semi circular observation bastions, a historic cluster of ancient temples consecrated by the Ikkeri Nayakas including the celebrated Karpooreshwara (Shiva) Temple, the sacred Nithyananda Ashram featuring 43 underground rock cut meditation caves (Guhas) excavated by revered saint Bhagawan Nithyananda in the 1920s, the nearby world famous Anandashram established in 1931 by Swami Ramdas (beloved as Papa Ramdas) and Mother Krishnabai radiating the universal chant of Om Sri Ram Jai Ram Jai Jai Ram, and the historic Hosdurg taluk administrative offices housed within its colonial perimeter.

It represents a rich military, spiritual, and architectural sanctuary where 18th century Nayaka coastal fortification engineering, Bhagawan Nithyananda rock cut cave meditation, Swami Ramdas universal love philosophy, and peaceful palm horizons unite in Kanhangad municipality.

Located in Kanhangad town along the main highway, it sits just 1 km from Kanhangad Railway Station (KZE), 10 km from Bekal Fort, 28 km from Kasaragod, and 80 km from Mangalore International Airport (IXE), easily accessible by regular town buses, auto rickshaws, and express trains.

The 1731 AD Somashekara Nayaka Bastion

Built with heavy dressed laterite stones and mud mortar, Hosdurg Fort once featured round cannon emplacements overseeing land and sea trade routes.

Within the fort walls stands the ancient Karpooreshwara Shiva Temple, built by the Nayakas with traditional Tulunadu stone mandapams.

Truth is, exploring the aged laterite ramparts under the shade of ancient banyan trees offers a captivating glimpse into medieval Malabar defense.

Swami Nithyananda Ashram & 43 Rock Caves

The 43 Meditation Guhas: Situated right adjacent to the fort, Bhagawan Nithyananda carved 43 interconnected underground rock caves for deep sadhana.

Panchaloha Statue: The ashram houses a life size sacred Panchaloha idol of Bhagawan Nithyananda, attracting seekers from across the globe.

Anandashram: The Abode of Universal Love

Founded by Swami Ramdas: Just 5 km east of the fort lies Anandashram, where the continuous chanting of Ram Nam creates deep spiritual peace.

Free Food (Annadanam): Anandashram serves free vegetarian meals to thousands of daily visitors and pilgrims with unconditional warmth.

After exploring Hosdurg Fort and Nithyananda Ashram, visit the 16th century woodcarvings of Madiyan Koolom Temple in Ajanoor, tour the majestic ramparts of Bekal Fort, or explore Trikkanad Temple in Kasaragod.