BEEYEM KAYAL @ PONNANI – UNSEEN BACKWATERS

Beeyem Kayal is a spread of backwaters near Ponnani town, where a boat race is conducted annually, during Onam celebrations. A permanent pavilion is built for the spectators and nearly a dozen country boats, including some rowed by women participate.

Ponnani is the only port in Malappuram district and one of the oldest ones in Kerala. A tidal port at the mouth of Bharathappuzha, Ponnani is an important fishing center. Ponnani is a town of mosques and Khabaristans popular as the ’Mecca of Kerala’. Though described as a place of 23a mosques, there are nearly more than 50 mosques. Malik Ibnu Dinar, the first Islamic missionary who cam to Kerala, was believed to have visited Ponnani. The Huma Ath mosque, the biggest mosque in the town was built by Sheikh Zainuddin Makhodum in the 16th Century. Zainuddin was proficient in Arabic and he wrote books. Zainuddin Makhodum-II was another scholar who wrote the early history of Kerala Muslims. The religions established by the Makhodum-I, is renounced all over the country.

Trikavu in Ponnani was one among the seats of the Zamorin, from where he controlled the trade and commerce. The famous Trikavu Durga temple here, clebrates Navarathri festival.Ten km southeast of Ponnani, is the legendary Mookuthala Bhagavathi Temple, one of the ancient Durga temples of Kerala. It is believed that Sankaracharya is associated with founding of the temple. The Karthika Mahotsavam, celebrated in Vrischikam (November-December) attracts thousands of devotees. The Mookkuthala stone, believed to be growing from below the idol every day, is considered sacred. Sukapuram temple near Edappal, is another important Hindu temple.


Facilities available:
At present DTPC - Malappuram is running boating facilities at Beeyem kayal. DTPC has got a pavilion, comfort station, boat shed and a few boats. A detailed plan for its development is in the offing.

How to reach:
Beeyem Kayal is quite close to Ponnani town. Ponnani is connected by road from Kuttipputam railway station. National Highway – 17 passes through this town, which is divided by the Canolly Canal, adding to its beauty. The place is also easily accessed from Chavakkad and Guruvayur – the temple town.

VALLIKKUNNU – SWAYING PALMS

Vallikunnu is located at Tirurangadi taluk at Malappuram district. Vallikunnu and nearby Kadalundi is known for its mangrove areas and estuary which is a splendid and spectacular feast to the eyes. This is an ideal place for the public to enjoy the leisure time in the lap of pristine green nature and to observe them in close vicinity. The mangrove vegetation in this area attracts a lot of researchers and other visitors. Boat cruises across the backwaters at Kottakkadavu are a major attraction. The Vallikkunnu azhimukham and beach amidst coconut groves are other major attractions. It is an abode of over sixty varieties of migratory birds, which flock in on the vast stretch of water during February-April and is a bird sanctuary. A 200 m hillock provides splendid view of the river mouth and the sea. The place abounds in fish, mussels and crabs. Pooram festival in the Niramkaitha Kotta Bhagavati temple near Vallikkunnu lasts for a week, attracting thousands.

Facilities available:
At present DTPC - Malappuram is running boating facilities at Vallikunnu. DTPC has got a pavilion, comfort station, and a few very old boats. Eventhough the facility is very less, hundreds of visitors both domestic and foreign tourists visits the place. A detailed project is under consideration for developing the spot.

How to reach:
Kadalundi Nagarm is situated in the north western border of Malappuram district, where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. The place is merely an hour ride away from the city of Calicut. It is 10 km north of Parappanangadi. The nearest railway station is a Vallikkunnu. The Calicut airport is only one and a half hour ride away.