All posts by : Jyothik

Kalaranthiri is a small village in Koduvally municipality of Kozhikode district, Kerala. Kalaranthiri which is 3 kilometre away from Manipuram town, situates on the western shore of Cherupuzha, a tributary of Chaliyar river.

Kalaranthiri is well connected by road networks. Kalaranthiri - Nellamkandy road connects the village with NH 766 (Kozhikode - Kollegal). This road also provide easy access to Koduvally. State Highway 68 (Thusharagiri - Adivaram - Kappad) runs through Manipuram town. Velimanna village on the eastern side is accessible from Kalaranthiri through a foot and two wheeler bridge. During early stages of monsoon season, water level rises dramatically and obstructs traffic through bridge. Cherupuzha is dangerous during early stages of monsoon (June to September) as the under current is stronger and entering river with high water levels may cause threatening life.

Kalaranthiri has an overwhelming majority of Muslim population as it situates in the muslim belt of Kozhikode district. All muslims here are followers of Sunni. Both AP faction and EK faction of sunnis are very active here. Remittances from non-resident Indians in the Middle East countries are the major source of income. A huge number of skilled and unskilled workers have migrated to gulf countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman.

Hanumankavu Temple is a historic Hindu temple in Tirur, Malappuram. This temple, which is associated with Ramayana, attracts many devotees from inside and outside Kerala. It is believed that temple has a history of more than 3000 years and Hanuman, a vanara companion of Rama, jumped and flew to Srilanka in search of Sveta Devi from here. It was once a major temple in Vettathunadu kingdom. Temple has deities of Lord Rama and Hanuman inside and Lakshmana outside of the temple. Hanuman’s head is tilted slightly to the left in a way of listening to the words of Lord Rama.In Lanka, it is believed that Rama was giving the sutra to find Goddess Sita.

Alathiyur Hanumankavu Temple is gaining more popularity in India and even outside of the country. Former Tamilnadu chief minister J.Jayalalithaa, former Union minister P. Chidambaram and former Srilankan Prime Minister Renil Vikramasinghe are among the notables who visited here.

Both Palpayasam and Avil (kneaded beaten rice) are offered to Rama and Hanuman as nivedyam respectively. Many devotees come here to ease their purposes and to remove obstacles for foreign trips.

How to reach Hanumankavu Temple

Tirur is the nearest railway station and regular bus services are available between Tirur bus station and Kuttippuram. Pilgrims can get off Musliarangadi bus stop near BP Angadi. Autorikshas are available to temple complex. Pilgrims traveling from Ponnani through Chamravattom Bridge can stop in BP Angadi then travel by bus to Kuttippuram.

Mangattiri is a small suburban centre of Tirur town in Malappuram district of Kerala. It lies in the Thalakkad grama panchayath on the bank of Tirur river which is the major source of water for Tirur town. As Tirur city grew more southward due to presence of Thunchan Parambu, Malayalam University, Koottayi Beach, Noor lake, Shihab Thangal Hospital, more areas including Mangattiri were annexed to Tirur town eventhogh it is still part of Thalakkad grama panchayath. Mangattiri fort, which does not exist now, was one of the Ettukotta (eight fort) of Vettathunadu king to prevent attack from outside.

Mangattiri is a junction from where roads are running northward to Tirur Thunchan Parambu and Noor lake while southward to Garudankavu Temple and Pulloonikavu Bhagavathi Temple. East - west road which connects BP Angadi and Arikanchira on Tipu Sultan road.

Tirur river

Tirur river, after providing necessary water to Tirur city, naturally flows to Mangalam Thuruth and then to Bharatapuzha just before discharging into Arabian Sea. Tirur river in Mangattiri separate both Thalakkad and Vettom panchayaths. Tirur river in Mangattiri is ecologically more sensitive as the area has rich resources of mangroves which are found along the coast of Tirur river until it empties into Bharatapuzha. It provides habitat for several species of fauna and is an important spawning ground for several species of fishes. The place has rare sightings of migratory birds, as seen in other parts of coastal areas of Malappuram district.

Malayalam University

Mangattiri is the proposed site for the permanent building for Malayalam University in Tirur. Government of Kerala has acquired land on the shore of Tirur river between Mangattiri and Pariyapuram in Vettom panchayath. Government has altered plan of the site to prevent damages to sensitive mangroves in the area due to protest by environmentalists. Mangattiri is just 2 kilometre away from Thunchan Memorial. Temporarily Thuchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University functions in the premises of Thunchan Memorial Government College in Vakkad, Tirur from its foundation on 1, November, 2012.

Kolupalam is a village on the bank of Tirur river in Thalakkad grama panchayath of Tirur taluk, Malappuram district. Eventhogh it is part of Thalakkad grama panchayath, it is part of fast growing greater Tirur urban area. Kolupalam is 3 kilometres away from BP Angadi, headquarters of Thalakkad grama panchayath. Kuttoor - Mukkilapeedika road merges with Kuttippuram - BP Angadi road at Kolupalam.

Kolupalam is a low lying and flat land which is adjacent to Arabian Sea (10 kilometres). It is situated between two major rivers of Malappuram district, Bharatapuzha and Tirur river. Tirur river, which originates from Athavanadu and flows through Tirur town and provides reliable and consistent water supply to Tirur town, flows through Kolupalam. Tirur river separates Kolupalam from Thekkan Kottoor.

Kolupalam is well connected by road and railway network. Tirur is the nearest railway station.

Kolupalam is in a belt of Hindu pilgrims tourism circuit where exists many temples of state and national importance. Pulloonikavu Bhagavathi Temple, Garudankavu Temple, Thrikandiyoor Temple, Vairamkode Bhagavathi Temple, Hanuman Temple, Tripangode Shiva Temple, Tirunavaya Navamukunda Temple and Chamravattom Ayyappan Temple, all of which are within a radius of 10 kilometres from Kolupalam town.

Hanumankavu Temple

Hanumankavu Temple is a historic Hindu temple in Tirur, Malappuram. This temple, which is associated with Ramayana, attracts many devotees from inside and outside Kerala. It is believed that temple has a history of more than 3000 years and Hanuman, a vanara companion of Rama, jumped and flew to Srilanka in search of Sveta Devi from here. It was once a major temple in Vettathunadu kingdom. Temple has deities of Lord Rama and Hanuman inside and Lakshmana outside of the temple. Hanuman’s head is tilted slightly to the left in a way of listening to the words of Lord Rama.In Lanka, it is believed that Rama was giving the sutra to find Goddess Sita.

Vairamkode Bhagavathi Temple

It is believed that sister of Kodungallur Sree Kurumba Bhagavathi crossed Bharatapuzha and reached Azhvancheri Mana in Athavanadu (Azhvancheri Thambrakkal Vazhum Nadu). Sensing the presence of Bhagavathi, Azhvancheri Thambrakkal placed Bhagavathi in Vairamkode around 1500 years ago. Thambrakkal then was supreme authority of Brahmins in Kerala in matters of religion and rituals. Vairamkode is just 6 kilometers away from Azhvancheri Mana in Athavanadu. Azhvancheri Thambrakkal usually skip temple visit and darsan due to historical reasons. It is believed that Bhagavathi will resurrect to show her esteem if Azhvancheri Thambrakkal visit Bhagavathi, Thambrakkal themselves place her in Vairamkode.

Karathur is a village in Tirunavaya grama panchayath of Malappuram district, Kerala. It is a suburban of Tirur town which situates 8 kilometers away. History of Karathur is interwined with Codacal, a neighborhood village and Vettathunadu, an erstwhile kingdom of Tanur. Karathur has witnessed many incidents during Malabar Rebellion in 1921 and incidents related with land acquisition process to establish Codacal Tile Factory. It is believed that Karathur and neighboring areas were under the ownership of Edamana Neelakandan Namboothiri, a landlord of Tirur before taking over by Missionaries.

Karathur and areas between Tirunavaya and Pattarnadakkavu were the adobe of Nayadis, a tribal community in Vettathunadu, until most of them were converted into Christianity. After the conversion, they were more exposed to mainstream of society. Still Codacal and neighboring areas have significant amount of Christian community who are native which is a rare sight that most of the Christians in Malappuram are immigrants from Central Travancore region in 1940’s.

Karathur is a predominantly a Muslim majority area where all three religions co-exist in harmony. Well known Hanumankavu temple is situated in Karathur. Karathur is in a belt of Hindu pilgrims tourism circuit where exists many temples of state and national importance. Pulloonikavu Bhagavathi Temple, Garudankavu Temple, Thrikandiyoor Temple, Vairamkode Bhagavathi Temple, Hanuman Temple, Tripangode Shiva Temple, Tirunavaya Navamukunda Temple and Chamravattom Ayyappan Temple, all of which are within a radius of 10 kilometres from Karathur town.

Hanumankavu Temple

Hanumankavu Temple is a historic Hindu temple in Tirur, Malappuram. This temple, which is associated with Ramayana, attracts many devotees from inside and outside Kerala. It is believed that temple has a history of more than 3000 years and Hanuman, a vanara companion of Rama, jumped and flew to Srilanka in search of Sveta Devi from here. It was once a major temple in Vettathunadu kingdom. Temple has deities of Lord Rama and Hanuman inside and Lakshmana outside of the temple. Hanuman’s head is tilted slightly to the left in a way of listening to the words of Lord Rama.In Lanka, it is believed that Rama was giving the sutra to find Goddess Sita.

Alathiyur Hanumankavu Temple is gaining more popularity in India and even outside of the country. Former Tamilnadu chief minister J.Jayalalithaa, former Union minister P. Chidambaram and former Srilankan Prime Minister Renil Vikramasinghe are among the notables who visited here.

Both Palpayasam and Avil (kneaded beaten rice) are offered to Rama and Hanuman as nivedyam respectively. Many devotees come here to ease their purposes and to remove obstacles for foreign trips.

Kakkayam Dam is a reservoir of Kuttiady Hydro Electric Power Project as well as a eco-tourism hotspot in Kozhikode district, Kerala. Along with Banasura Dam in Wayanad and Peruvannamuzhi Reservoir near in Kuttyadi river make up Kuttiady Electric Power Project. Water from the reservoir is flown to Peruvannamuzhi through tunnels and penstocks . Kuttiady Project which was started in 1972 and  has a capacity of 225 MW. After power generated, water is released to downstream Peruvannamuzhi Reservoir which is used for irrigation purposes.

Kakkayam dam which is situated in a highly sensitive part of Western Ghat mountains of Kerala. At an altitude of 750 metre from sea level, it is part of Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary which is rich in endangered species of flora and fauna in Southern western ghat. Wild elephants, deers, wild boars are frequently sighted. There are reports of tiger sightings near Kakkayam dam by tourists.

Kakkayam Dam is a major tourist destination in Kozhikode district as well as a water reservoir. Kakkayam dam and Urakuzhi waterfalls which is 2 kilometres away from dam site, are operated by KSEB (Kerala State Electricity Board). Kakkayam dam is situated 50 kilometers away from Kozhikode town. Steep hairpin curve road from downhill to dam will take visitors away from usual hustle and bustle of urban environment. On the way to dam, there is a mesmerizing viewpoint which is known as Kakkayam Vewpoint. There is entry fee into the dam site. All tourists are welcomed with kids play area and restaurant.

One of the important activity here is speed boating through reservoir. Serene boating boasts of eye-catching experience of flora and fauna on the shore through a meandering ride through reservoir.

Urakuzhi waterfalls

Urakuzhi waterfalls is a stunning but dangerous cascades which falls down abruptly near Kakkayam dam in Kozhikode district, Kerala. It is truly a breathtaking experience to see such waterfalls which falls into the long holes of rocks which were formed through ages by the force of water.

Urakuzhi is part of Kakkayam dam tourism. A two kilometre footwalk is required to reach Urakuzhi from Kakkayam dam site. Private vehicles are not allowed in Dam - Urakuzhi road. Kakkayam dam and Urakuzhi waterfalls are run by KSEB (Kerala State Electricity Board). KSEB offers vehicle services between dam and Urakuzhi on a chargeable basis.

Thonikadavu

Known as the “Ooty of Malabar”, a place with breathtaking scenic beauty of green meadows and river water. Thonikadavu is situated between Kakkayam dam and Peruvannamuzhi Reservoir both of which are part of Kuttiady Hydro Electric Power Project, largest power project in Malabar region and third largest in Kerala.

Misty hill valley which was adorned by green carpet of lush green grass, tall trees standing here and there might be remnants of landslides which happened in the past. It is a forest turned meadows which was reshaped after the construction of two reservoirs. Though it is not that much in heights like other major tourists destinations, it attracts thousands of domestic tourists especially from Kerala and Karnataka. Thonikadavu has altitude of 750 metre above sea level.

Known as the “Ooty of Malabar”, a place with breathtaking scenic beauty of green meadows and river water. Thonikadavu is situated between Kakkayam dam and Peruvannamuzhi Reservoir both of which are part of Kuttiady Hydro Electric Power Project, largest power project in Malabar region and third largest in Kerala.

Misty hill valley which was adorned by green carpet of lush green grass, tall trees standing here and there might be remnants of landslides which happened in the past. It is a forest turned meadows which was reshaped after the construction of two reservoirs. Though it is not that much in heights like other major tourists destinations, it attracts thousands of domestic tourists especially from Kerala and Karnataka. Thonikadavu has altitude of 750 metre above sea level.

Thonikadavu along with Karyathumpara has been a fastest growing destination for film and album shooting, wedding photography. Tourists are blessed here to sit on the lawn and enjoy hills and mountains of western ghat that tower over the sky from long distance. Thonikadavu amazes visitors with its cool and soothing climate throughout the year except summer. Months from June to February offer its scenic beauty in its full form, but it is highly recommended to skip trips from June to August. Southwest monsoon usually sets in over around first week of June. Kakkayam dam and hills above are highly sensitive and there are lots of chances for landslides. Periods between November to February is ideal for visit.

Thonikadavu is situated 50 kilometres away from Kozhikode city. If you are traveling by train or road through NH 66 (Mumbai - Kanyakumari), Koyilandy is the nearest railway station (30 km). Those who travel through NH 766 (Kozhikode - Kollegal), also known as Bangalore - Kozhikode road, can get off in Thamarassery. There are buses running between Thamarassery and Koorachundu. Car and private vehicles can reach in Thonikadavu and has parking area. While starting from journey from Thamarassery, take a right turn to Thalayad from Ekarool, a small junction between Thamarassery and Balussery.

In a single trip, visitors can tour Karyathumpara, Thonikadavu, Kakkayam Dam and Urakuzhi waterfalls.

Kariyathumpara is a beautiful and picturesque tourist destination near Kakkayam dam in Kozhikode district, Kerala. It is well known for its green meadows and grassy pastures and rivers flowing from Kakkayam dam reservoir. Kariyathumpara along with Kakkayam dam, Urakuzhi waterfalls and Thonikadavu offers an awesome beauty to natural lovers and showcases hight potential for photography and outdoor shooting. It is a growing destination for wedding photography and film shooting.

Kariyathumpara is comparatively a safe tourism destination than other places in Kozhikode which is home of dangerous waterfalls. It is safe for kids and family, as it offers to play in a shallow stream flowing over a rocky surface with plenty of beautiful pebbles. Green meadow shore like spreading green blanket, crystal clear water and mountain standing tall behind, reminds rural landscape of Alps mountain in Switzerland. Locals tourists call Kariyathumpara as the “Switzerland of Malabar”.

Most of the tourists who visit Kakkayam dam and Urakuzhi waterfalls miss this scenic beauty due to lack of proper signboards and information eventhogh it is very close by.

Safety

Kariyathumpara is completely a safe destination for kids and family. It is highly recommended to wear life jackets when wading into the waters between rocks. Safety boots are advised to prevent from slippery while walking through pebbles. There is a car parking area and an entrance fee to Kariyathumpara.

Urakuzhi waterfalls is a stunning but dangerous cascades which falls down abruptly near Kakkayam dam in Kozhikode district, Kerala. It is truly a breathtaking experience to see such waterfalls which falls into the long holes of rocks which were formed through ages by the force of water.

Etymology

The word “Urakuzhi” was formed from two Malayalam words Ural and kuzhi. Ural is a man-made home utensils from rock or mortar to grind grains and other seeds. Kuzhi means holes and the holes in Urakuzhi seems to look like “Ural”.

Urakuzhi is part of Kakkayam dam tourism. A two kilometre footwalk is required to reach Urakuzhi from Kakkayam dam site. Private vehicles are not allowed in Dam - Urakuzhi road. Kakkayam dam and Urakuzhi waterfalls are run by KSEB (Kerala State Electricity Board). KSEB offers vehicle services between dam and Urakuzhi on a chargeable basis.

Urakuzhi waterfalls is situated in the rigid forest of western ghat mountains of Kerala. The area is rugged The area is rich in flora and fauna. There is a presence of many rare species of birds and flowering plants. There are more than 500 species of plants including medicinal plants and some of them are endemic to southern western ghat mountains. 34 kilometers of forest area around Kakkayam dam is protected . Wild elephants, wild boars, deers are widely found nearby. Vicinity of Urakuzhi waterfalls offers good eco tourism potentials. The area is part of Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary which is a rich hotspot of fauna, Flora, waterfalls, dams. Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary is spread across Chakkittappara and Koorachundu panchayaths of Kozhikode districts.

Urakuzhi waterfalls is situated in Koorachundu panchayath, one of the largest hilly panchayaths in Kerala. Tourists are blessed to see Kakkayam dam, Kariyathumpara and Thonikadavu tourist destinations in a single trip along with Urakuzhi.

Safety Warning

It is essential to ensure all safety measures to keep our family members happy and joyfull throughout our trip. All tourists should strictly follow warning signs and guides directions. Urakuzhi is a dangerous waterfalls and eventhogh steel fences have been erupted to prevent fall, people tend to cross fences and reach edge of waterfalls. Any kind of slippery is risky and lead to death. According to the guide who look after Urakuzhi waterfalls, it is the only waterfalls in Kerala where rescue operation is not possible due to nature of waterfalls and terrain.

Comrade Rajan and Urakuzhi

It is widely believed that dead body of P. Rajan, a student of Regional Engineering College (now National Institute of Technology), was thrown into Urakuzhi waterfalls. Rajan was arrested on 1 March, 1976 during national emergency from the hostel of his college. Then he was shifted to Kakkayam police camp. There he was tortured to death by six policemen.