Veermala Hills

Veermala Hills (celebrated across North Kerala as the historic scenic hilltop sentinel of Cheruvathur and the romantic vantage point overlooking the Kariangode River backwaters and 18th century Dutch fort ruins), situated along the National Highway 66 corridor in Cheruvathur just 42 km south of Kasaragod town in Kerala, is one of the district's most captivating, historically intriguing, and breezy highland viewpoints.

Rising prominently above the coastal plains of southern Kasaragod, Veermala ( meaning 'Hill of the Brave') served for centuries as an indispensable strategic military observation post, crowned by the weathered laterite ruins of an 18th century Dutch watchtower fort built during the European colonial race to control the lucrative Malabar pepper, cardamom, and timber trade along the Tejaswini (Kariangode) river valley.

It's the home of winding rocky trekking trails lined with wild cashew groves, open laterite grassy knolls offering 360 degree vistas stretching from the misty peaks of the Western Ghats (Ezhimala hills) to the azure horizon of the Arabian Sea, the historic remnants of colonial ramparts and cannon bastions, natural rainwater catchment pools, cool mountain winds that blow across the hilltop throughout the day, and prime aerial viewing perches for watching houseboats glide along the coconut fringed backwaters of Kavvayi Kayal and Achamthuruthi river island.

It represents a rich ecological, trekking, and colonial heritage sanctuary where 18th century European fort archaeology, panoramic Kariangode river valley views, peaceful hilltop nature walks, and sunset photography unite in Cheruvathur grama panchayat.

Located in Cheruvathur right beside the NH 66 highway, it sits just 1.5 km from Cheruvathur Railway Station (CHV), 10 km from Nileshwar, 42 km from Kasaragod, and 85 km from Kannur International Airport (CNN), easily accessible by local passenger trains, state buses, auto rickshaws, and easy hiking paths.

The 18th Century Dutch Fort Watchtower Ruins

Dating back to the Dutch East India Company era, the laterite rampart ruins atop Veermala provided military watchmen with an early warning system against naval invaders.

Today, the moss covered stone foundations stand as romantic historical artifacts inviting trekkers and history enthusiasts.

Truth is, sitting on the ancient stone ramparts at dusk while the Kariangode River glimmers like liquid gold in the setting sun is wonderfully peaceful.

Panoramic Kariangode River & Kavvayi Backwaters

The Tejaswini River: From the hill peak, visitors get an aerial view of the meandering Kariangode River winding through lush mangrove islands towards the Arabian Sea.

Ezhimala Hills View: On clear days, the distant historical promontory of Ezhimala and the Arabian sea coast can be seen stretching along the southern horizon.

Trekking, Photography & Picnics

Easy Hiking Trail: A gentle 15 minute uphill walk from the highway base leads hikers through shaded trees to the open summit.

Sunset Photography: The hilltop is a favorite destination for landscape photographers seeking unobstructed golden hour reflections across the river basin.

After trekking Veermala Hills, take a houseboat cruise on Kavvayi Kayal in Nileshwar, visit the 60 acre Kammadam Sacred Grove, or explore the historic battlements of Bekal Fort in Kasaragod.