The central University of Kerala operates from two transit campuses. The permanent is being set up at Periya.

Central University of Kerala is situated in Kasaragod, the north-western coastal district of Kerala. Often called the ‘land of seven languages’ due to the linguistic diversity and cultural confluence here, this historical border district is the ideal seat for a higher education centre with an inter disciplinary, inter cultural vision such as the CUK’s.

The contributions of Kasaragodan men of letters such as Mahakavi Kuttamath, Mahakavi P Kunjiraman Nair, T S Thirumunpu, T Ubaid, and Rashtrakavi M Govinda Pai to the Malayalam, Mappila and Kannada literary cultures are remarkable. Arabimalayalam is a unique linguistic form in these parts. Kasaragod also has a rich cultural tradition; Yakshagana, Theyyam, Thirayaatam are distinctive cultural forms. Kasaragod also houses research and educational institutions of national importance such as the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI).

Kasaragod, a part of the Kumbala Kingdom of the Kolathiris, was an important trade centre during the medieval times, and was a favourite destination of Arab traders. Later, it came under the rule of Vijayanagar Empire that vested the administration of the region with the Naikans. Chandragiri and Bekal forts, two major tourist attractions in Kasaragod, were among a chain of forts constructed by the powerful Shivappa Naikan. Later these forts came under Hyder Ali who handed them over to Tippu Sultan. The British took charge of the forts after Tippu’s death in 1799. The agrarian struggles against exploitation in these parts contributed much to the National Movement. Post Independence, Kasaragod became part of Kerala, during the reorganisation of States.

Kasaragod is marked by the Western Ghats that run parallel to the sea. Its 12 rivers and stretches of forest add to its natural beauty. Climatically, Kasaragod gets enough rains during the monsoons, and is generally pleasant throughout the year; the place gets warmer only during March-May.

Apart from the spectacular Bekal fort and beach, Kasaragod also attracts travellers owing to the Ananthapuram Lake Temple, Gothic-style Bela Church, copper-roofed Madhur temple, mosque founded by Malik Ibn Dinar, Chandragiri fort, Maippady Palace once the seat of Kumbala Rajas, Nityananda Ashramam etc.