The ezhimala and its history

ABOUT EZHIMALA:

Ezhimala, also known as Ezhimalai is a hill reaching a height of 286 meters and is located in Kannur District. Ezhimala was the former capital of the ancient Mooshika Kingdom and is to be considered as an important historical site. It is a prominent and isolated cluster of hills, 38 Kms. away towards north of Kannur town. It was also one of the major battlefields of the Chola –Chera wars of the 11th century. It is believed by the people that Lord Buddha had once visited this historical place.

Ezhimala had played a significant role in the history of the country. It borders the western parts of Payyanur in Kannur District and the nearest place to Eshimala is Ramanthali. Ezhimala is the magnificent mountainous region on the Arabian seashore. It is believed that Ezhimala was the head quarters of the Ezhimala Rajya during the Sang period. Its real name was "ezhil malai" which means high hillock. It is believed that in the later years ezhilmalai reduced to ezhimala. This region is also known as "Elimala", "Mooshika Sailam", "Sapta Sailam","Mount Eli" and "Mount the Eli" in the history. It was the seat of the renowned Mooshika dynasty. The Mooshika dynasty reached its peak of glory during the regime of King Nandan. Ezhimala was a well-known landmark of the ancient sailors. The remnants of the past indicate that it was an inhabited region from the very ancient past. The burial chambers, caves, granite-platforms are indications of this.

There is a beautiful beach in Ezhimala and the nearby bullock which is around 290mts. High. For the last few years this has become a major attraction. Ezhimala hills (forests) hills are noted for rare medicinal herbs. Carved stone pillars, an ancient mosque and an ancient burial chamber can be seen at the foot of the hills. The Mount Dilli Light House here remained a tourist attraction until this area was acquired by the Govt. of India for the development of Naval Academy. The foundation stone for the Naval Academy was laid by our late Chief Minister of Kerala and 'LEADER' Shri K. Karunakarn around 25 years back in the famous Madayi para.

EZHIMALA NAVAL ACADEMY:

The proposed Naval Academy is getting ready here. After completion of this project, the Naval Academy (estimated cost of it is around 500 crores) will be the largest of its kind in the whole Asia. It is believed that the completion of this massive project will change the whole face of this region. Permission is required for entry to these premises from the Naval Academy Authorities.
The Dolphin jumping in Ezhimala beaches is a rare view and very famous attraction of all the foreigners and other visitors. Guru Freddy's Ashramam was another attraction of Ezhimala till the naval authorities took over the Ashram in 1983. Guru Freddy, the Belgium –born, who is known as the "white Malayalee" is a follower of Sree Narayana Guru. The Ashram at Ezhimala was established as per the advice of Nataraja Guru. After the Ashramam and its surrounding lands were taken over by the Naval authorities, it was shifted to Somanahalli near Bangalore and is being run by the followers of Guru Freddy.
A Naval Academy is being developed here. The Naval project whose estimated cost is around 500 crores will be largest of its kind in the whole Asia. It is believed that the completion of this massive project will change the whole face of this region. Permission is required for entry to these premises from the Naval Academy Authorities.

The Ezhimala beaches are also known for its rare view of Dolphin jumping. Guru Freddy's Ashramam was another attraction of Ezhimala till 1983. Guru Freddy, the Belgium –born, who is known as the "white Malayalee" is a follower of Sree Narayana Guru. He established his Ashram at Ezhimala as per the advice of Nataraja Guru. The naval authorities acquired the Ashram in 1983. Presently he is running his ashram at Somanahalli, near Bangalore.

HOW TO REACH:

38 Kms. Towards north from Kannur town (can reach by train – Elimala station - and bus).
•Nearest town is Ramanthali about - 2 km.
•Nearest railway station is at Payyanur - 8 km
•Nearest airport is at Karipur, Kozhikode - 150 km