Saturday, February 23, 2013

Ezhimala






Ezhimala is a hill reaching a height of 286 protruding into Arabian sea. It was the former capital of the ancient Mushika Kings, and is considered to be an important historical site. It is a conspicuous, isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory, 38 km north of Kannur Town. A flourishing seaport, and center of trade around the beginning of the Common Era, it was also one of the major battle-fields of the Chola-Chera Wars of the 11th century. It is believed by some that Lord Buddha had visited Ezhimala.

Indian Naval Academy is located in Ezhimala. There is a famous temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman and the Mount Deli Lighthouse also located here. It is maintained by the Indian Navy and is a restricted area. The beach sand is of a different texture and the sea is bluer than in other areas. At the Ettikulam Bay, one can enjoy watching dolphins.

Ezhimala in Ramayanam
Ezhimala is close to the Arabian Sea. According to the legends, the Ezhimala is related to Ramayana tradition. It says that during the battle between Rama and Ravana, many from Rama’s army were killed. In order to bring them back to life, the senior member of the vanara sena named Jambavan prescribed to bring four medicinal herbs from the Himalayas. Hanuman was sent in search of it. On reaching the Himalayas, Hanuman could not recognize the medicinal herbs and so he plucked the whole mountain and flew back to the war land. On the way a piece of the mountain fell into the sea and that was Ezhimala. It is the belief of the local people here and so they think that Ezhimala still possess those medicinal values.

How to reach
Nearest airport is at Karipur, Kozhikode which is 150 km
Nearest railway station is at Payyanur which is 8 km
Nearest town is Ramanthali which is about 2 km.

Saturday, February 16, 2013

Ambalavayal Heritage Museum


The history and cultural heritage of picturesque Wayanad district nestled in the hilly region of Western Ghat comes alive with the amazing display items preserved in Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, Kerala. Belonging to an early time of 2nd century A.D. the fascinating array of exhibits sheds lights into the unknown chapters of history.
Ambalavayal Heritage Museum, also known as the Wayanad Heritage Museum, is located in Ambalavayal Town, around 11 km from Sulthan-Battery. Collections of rare artefacts that date back to the 2nd century Ad are exhibited in this museum. It is segregated into four blocks, namely the Gothrasmruthi, Devasmruthi, Jeevanasmruthi and Veerasmruthi.

The Veerasmruthi Block showcases relics of primitive wars and tiger hunts that showcase the life of the primitive man. Gothrasmruthi, the second block, showcases various interesting artefacts like the fish collecting bags, cow bells and ploughs that reflect the lifestyles of the tribal communities of Wayanad. Various artefacts belonging to the the Neolithic Age and the 17th century are displayed at the Devasmruthi Block. This block also holds display of around 20 idols that are made of stones and belong to the period between the 12th century and the 16th century.

The last block of this museum, the Jeevanasmruthi, exhibits a variety of hunting traps, bangles, ear ornaments and necklaces that were used by various tribes of Wayanad. The museum also houses a separate section for the artefacts excavated from Muniyaras. Muniyaras are also referred to as the rock monuments that belong to the Megalithic age. The museum also has models of burial chambers of these tribes that have four stones placed on the edges and are roofed by a fifth one known as a cap stone.

These are evidences of an advanced civilisation that existed in the mountains of Wayanad. The articles are fascinating for the historian, the archaeologist and the common folk alike. At the museum are articles as varied as clay sculptures, ancient hunting equipment, stone weapons and curios.

How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station : Kozhikode, 97 km from Sulthan Bathery.
Nearest Airport : Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Q S T and R Block Kayal





Situated in Kuttanad popularly known as the rice bowl of Kerala, QST & R Block Kayals (backwaters) remind the visitor of the famous dikes of Holland.A striking example of the indigenous agricultural engineering know-how,here cultivation and habitation are made possible at four to ten feet below the sea level.For this purpose extensive land has been reclaimed from the backwaters and is protected by dikes built around it.A leisurely cruise along the canals here is a memorable experience.

Kuttanad is the most beautiful backwaters region of Kerala. It is here that most of the snake boat races are conducted and a majority of the rice boat & houseboat cruises are scheduled. Keralas network of navigable backwaters stretches to over 900km. These serene waterways are fringed by palm grove and paddy fields and offer a striking spectacle of the rustic life.
 
Best Season: August to March 
Transport Terminals: Nearest city: Alappuzha 
Location: QST & R Block Kayals are accessible by boat from Alappuzha ( 1.30 hrs by motor boat and 30 minutes by speedboat.)
 How to Reach: Nearest Railway Station : Alappuzha
Nearest Airport : Cochin International Airport about 85 km from Alappuzha

Saturday, February 2, 2013

Dharmadam island


Dharmadam  island  is located  in thalassery taluk of kannur district in the state of kerala.The small island(5 acre) covered with coconut palms and dense bushes is a beautiful sight from the beach. It is  situated about 100 meters from the shore. Permission is required to enter this privately owned island.

How to Reach:
Nearest Railway Station: Thalassery.
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode international Airport.