Located on the banks of the Payaswini River in Kasaragod district, the Chandragiri Fort is considered to be a 17th century marvel. Noted for its architectural brilliance, the Fort lies at the confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Payaswini River. 

The history of this fort is rather interesting. There was once a time, a few centuries ago, when the Chandragiri River was considered to be the border of two extremely powerful kingdoms. The two kingdoms were that of Kolathunadu and Thulunadu. When the Vijayanagara Emperor captured Thulunadu, the kings lost the Chandragiri region to them. It was only later in the 16th century that the Vijayanagara empire declined and the Ikkeri Naikkars or the Bedanoor Naiks assumed power over Chandragiri. It was then that the Chandragiri Fort was built by the then ruler Sivappa Naik for the protection of his kingdom. Over the years the fort went into the hands of the different rulers of the area including Hyder Ali of Mysore and then to the British East India Company. The ancient laterite walls of the fort still bear the marks of cannon ball attacks. Through the State Reorganisation Act, 1956 of the Government of India, the Chandragiri region was made a part of the State of Kerala. The fort is today a protected monument. 

The Chandragiri Fort is a massive structure that stands tall 150 feet above sea level therefore the sunsets you see from atop the Fort are ethereal. The astonishing panoramic view of the Arabian Sea from this spot is one of the biggest highlights of the destination. People throng here from far and wide to view the sunset from the ancient Kizhur Siva Temple located here. The Bekal Fort situated nearby is also a well renowned hotspot for tourists to the area. 

A few of the other attractions that lure visitors to the area include the boat trips that are available to the numerous nearby islands and palm groves, also houseboat cruises, island camping, and wildlife tours as well.