Ezhimala — Local services in Kerala

Ezhimala (ezhu means seven and mala means mountain in Malayalam), is a seven-peaked mountain, about 55 kms from Kannur. The mountainous region, which stands at a height of about 286 m above sea level, is seven kilometres from Payyannur.

History

The historically significant Ezhimala has an interesting past that dates back to the Sangha period. It was the headquarters of the Ezhimala kings and later, of the Mooshika kings. It witnessed the battles between Chola and Chera dynasties in the 11th century. At the foothills, there are relics of the distant past, such as burial chambers, carved stone pillars, caves and granite platforms.

The area was a centre for trade during ancient times, and frequented by Arab traders. It is also believed that Lord Buddha visited the place once.

Ambience

A walk up hill reveals the ruins of a mosque, which is believed to house the remnants of Shaikh Abdul Latheef, a Muslim reformist. The winding road up is rich in herbs. The majestic serenity of the mountain peak and the green valleys are sure to be etched in the visitor's memory for a long time.

From Ezhimala, one can see the Mount Dilli lighthouse, the ruins of an old fort near it and a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman. An important institution here is the Indian Naval Academy. Prior permission is required to visit...

Ezhimala is a 286-meter high hill, located surrounding a pristine beach. Situated at a distance of 38 km from Kannur in Payyanur, Ezhimala has a few carved stone structures, and the herbs found in this location are famous for their unusual medicinal properties.

The term Ezhimala is an amalgam of the words 'ezhu' and 'mala', which mean seven and peaks respectively. A popular hill station in the region of Kerala in southern India, this site also has a rich history associated with itself. The seven peaks are believed to have been dropped here by Lord Hanuman while he carried the Sanjeevani herb to Lord Lakshman.

The Naval Academy Ezhimala (NAVAC), which is the largest in Asia, was inaugurated here by the Prime Minister in the year 2009 on the 8th of January and is an essential feature of this tourist attraction. This destination also holds religious values for the Buddhist community, as it is believed that Lord Buddha had graced Ezhimala with his holy presence. With the scenic beauty and circuitous pathways, Ezhimala will steal your heart with its...

The short history of Ezhimala, which is part of Ramanthali panchayath , is one of the most important places in the recorded history of north Malabar. From before the period of known history, some chapters of the Ramayana and local Hindu legends associate the Ezhimala Hills with the famous epic, in particular with lord Hanuman. Ezhimala, Pazhayangadi, and several villages and towns in this region find plenty of mention in the extant Tamil Sangam Period's literature (500 BC to 300 AD). Pazhayangadi is the present corrupted form of its ancient name of Pazhi. Pazhi is mentioned as the ancient capital of King Udayan Venmon Nannan(known as Nannan or Nandan) of the Mushikaor Kolathiri Royal Family. Though the Dynasty of Nannans was a cousin or sister dynasty of the Cheras and Pandyas and Cholas, warfare among them was nearly consistent, and the period of Nannan was no exception.There are texts that speak of Nannan fighting heroic battles at Pazhi against the CheraKings who...