There are some Traditional Games in Kasargod, which are as follows:

Buffalo Race:
Buffalo race forms a part of Tulunadu culture. This is prevailing only in Kasaragod Dist that is in Southern parts of Dekshina Kanada Dist. It usually goes on with the starting of agricultural operations in the paddy fields. It declares the glorious importance of soaring and harvesting. In the beginning the race was confined to the fields prepared by ploughing. But later on it grew to a large scale involving hundreds of bull buffalos and thousands of men. It is usually conducted in extensive race fields. Strong and fatty buffaloes are breeded specifically for this purpose. There were people who devoted their entire life for the race and spend enough of money in the said game.

Though it resembles the bull race in other parts of Kerala, the main point lies in that buffalo race is different in many aspects. The racecourse is usually of a length of 500 to 100 feet and a breadth of 20 to 50 feet. This is formed in to large locations in the muddy fields, which is known as Kanbalam. In prominent places, permanent racecourses or Kambalams are there.

Races were conducted annually in those places. When unusual races are conducted occasionally. The renowned riders are invited by the organisers to be a part of it and make it successful They bring bulls and buffalos from distant places with a view to make the art or game more colourful.

This grand rural sport is very popular in the northern parts of Kasaragod district. Especially in Kumbala and Manjeswar the art is prevalent. In this art form the majestic and graceful animals exhibit their brutal strength and speed when aroused by the skillful riders. Though accidents occur in rare cases, by and large it is not a dangerous sport and no harm is caused to the animals or the rider.

No spectator can deny the enchanting powers of this rural sport. By taking adequate measures this can be transformed into a tourist attraction. Even now many people come here and take the immense pleasure by watching this sport. But to take the pleasure the persons should be healthy enough as this can arise lot of tension to the mind as well as body.

There are two types of races. In the first case a wooden plank is connected to the yoke by a long wooden pole and a pair of buffaloes controlled to the yoke. The wooden plank touches the muddy ground in a slight angle enabling the rider to stand on it. While riding, the rider keeps his balance by clutching the tales of the buffaloes. There is a hole in the wooden pole and while riding fast, the muddy water splashes through the hole. The speed of the buffaloes and the expertise of the rider are measured by computing the height reached by the splash. In the middle of the Kambala a banner is put up across it at a considerable height. It is a challenge to the rider to get the banner changed with the muddy water splashed through the hole of the wooden plank.

In the other case, buffaloes are harnessed only with the yoke. The wooden plank and connecting pole has no role. The rider has to run after the buffaloes and the winner are selected by their speed with the use of a stopwatch.
Cockfight is another rural attraction in Kasargod District. It has got a legendary origin also. It is extensively referred in the folk songs of Malabar. Till now cockfights are an inseparable and unavoidable part of temple festivals. And this happens especially in the northern parts of Kasargod district. Though it is legally forbidden, cockfights are conducted secretly and surreptitiously in many parts of the district.

From earlier days the religious tint is assigned to this sport and that is why even now cock-fight is conducted in the territories of temples. Special breeds of cocks are grown for the fight. These fighter cocks have great energy and stamina, and they exhibit courage during the fight. A sharp double-edged small weapon is tied to one of the legs of the bird. During the fight the fighter bird rises high and tries to kick the enemy bird. Usually one of the birds gets fatally wounded and dies. Sometimes the defeated bird runs off from the arena. The owner of the successful cock is entitled to get the defeated or killed cock. If both cocks are killed in the fight the owners used to exchange the dead birds. Large scale betting is also prevalent in many parts.

Instant traditional treatment is given to the wounded cocks from the fighting arena, making them fit again to resume the fight. The owners are well versed with the physiological features of a good fighter cock. They derive this knowledge from the ancestors. It provides an entertainment to the rural folks, even though we have to admit that it is a cruel sport, causing immense pain and harm to the poor creatures. This also keeps the cultural heritage of Tulunadu alive and there is no doubt about its enchanting powers. Sometimes this sport is related to the masculinity, and in many ancient discourses there are reference of this cockfighting. Women are prohibited from watching this sport.