The Endearing Charm of Ezhimala!

 

My published article from Kerala Calling

What a joy it is to feel the soft, springy earth under my feet once more,    

to follow grassy roads that lead to ferny brooks    
where I can bathe my fingers in a cataract of rippling notes,    
or to clamber over a stone wall into green fields that    
tumble and roll and climb in riotous gladness! 

Helen Keller, the acclaimed American author and disability rights advocate sensed the pulsating vibe of nature in its myriad shades. This holds true for the picturesque hamlet, Ezhimala, ravished by the verdant of the vibrant hues. Far from the madding crowd, there lies a scintillating hillock braving the landscape and stifling weather in Ramanthali Panchayat of Kerala’s Kannur district. The land of seven hills has a rich history and an incredible seafaring tradition that makes one spellbound. This jewel on the Kerala coast, known by numerous appellations comprising Eli, Eli Mala, Ezhimala, Ezhimalai, Mount D’Ely, etc. was the former capital of the ancient Kolathunadu kingdom of the Mushikas. As per the legend, the seven hills are a part of the Rishabdri Mountain that fell to the earth when Lord Hanuman was bringing the life-giving elixir, ‘Mritha Sanjivani’ on a mountain in his hand. A few pieces of the mountain dropped here and they turned out to be +the ‘sapta shaila’ or Ezhimala. The hills, renowned for plants with medicinal properties, witnessed the battles between the Chola and Chera Kingdoms of the 11^th century. According to historians, Vasco da Gama was led straight to Ezhimala by his pilot who had earlier informed him that this mountain would be his maiden glimpse from the Indian subcontinent. 

When I was an Ad-hoc Faculty of the Indian Naval Academy

All these still reverberate in the rhythm of this riveting hamlet. Mount Dilli Light House, an old tower of great antiquity, and Ezhimala Hanuman statue make one reminiscent of its glorious past. Lord Buddha visited Ezhimala as per a legend and one of the ancient Buddha Vihars was at Madai located at the east of Ezhimala. The ecological paradise of Madayipara enchants one with its alluring flora and fauna. The wonder lavished by the colours in the striking backdrop bestows a real visual feast to the spectators. How can one not fall for the backwater stretches fed by Kavvayi, Kankol, Vannathichal, Kuppithodu, and Kuniyan Rivers? Rural village tourism, backwater tourism, and Aqua- tourism have great potential in this pristine land dancing in greenery.

To read my full article, please click https://prd.kerala.gov.in/publications (2021)