Vatakara

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Vatakara railway station.

Vatakara is a small coastal town in Kozhikode district of Kerala a southern state in India). It is the administrative centre of a muicipal corporation of the same name. Geographically Vatakara is situated about 48 km to the north of Kozhikode city. The town lies by the side of a river known by different names as Moorad river, Kuttiadi river or Kotakkal river. Originally known as Vadakkekara (north shore) due to its position with respect to the Kottakkal puzha, the place came to be called as Vatakara by popular usage later.

1 History
2 Transportation
3 Tourist Places
4 School

[edit] History

Historically, Vatakara is the capital of old Kurumbranadu which was inhabited by a tribal folk known as Kurumbrar. The name Kurumbranadu has its origin in the name of this tribe.

In 1934, as part of a trip to Malabar for Fund Raising, Mahatma Gandhi visited Vatakara. Vadakara is a commercial focal point in Kozhikode district with all the amenities vital for a modern township. There are hospitals, colleges, schools, technical education centres, and recreation facilities. The martial art form Kalarippayattu had most popularity and largest number of exponents in vatakara.

Vadakara is known as the birth place of Thacholi Othenan - the legendary hero of the Vadakkanpattu (ballads of North Malabar). These ballads of oral tradition are considered to be of great literary and aesthetic value. Thacholi tharavadu (the original thacholi family home) is still preserved and the birth anniversary of thacholi othenan is celebrated. Lokanarkavu is one of the famous temples in this area. Vadakara is a coastal town with fishing as one one its main commercial activities. The river mouth where Moorad river flows into the Arabian Sea is close to the town. Sand Banks, a sunset spot and a place of tourist interest is on the river mouth.

[edit] Transportation

Railway Station- Vadakara Railway station.
Nearest Airport- Calicut International Airport (distance-apprx. 80 km).
Road- Vadakara is well connected by road as the National Highway 17 passes through Vadakara town. NH 17 connects Vadakara to Cochin (Ernakulam) towards south (apprx. 250 km) and to Mangalore towards North (approx. 200 km).

[edit] Tourist Places

Birth Place of Kunhalimarakkar The Marakars were admirals of Zamorines. who valiantly resisted the Portuguese on high seas. Kunhali Marakars built a fort on the southern bank of Moorad river which was completely destroyed by Portuguese with the help of Zamorins for various reasons. The place is known today as Kottakkal. It is 46 km. North of Kozhikode. A small hut belonged to Kunhali Marakkar with collections of ancient swords, canon balls and knives can be seen here. We have Marakkar Bhavanam in the Photo Gallery.

Velliyamkallu A massive rock "Velliyamkallu" associated with the valiant Kunhali Marakkar Situates 13 km. off Payyoli Beach. The rock though much dreaded by navigators was safe ground for the Marakar to attack the invading Portuguese. The fisher folk look at it with awe and fear. However., it is worth exploring it to see for oneself the beautiful figures nature has engraved on it. It was on this rock that Marakars killed the whole crew of a ship belonging to the Portuguese.

Lokanarkavu Temple This is situated 5 km. from Vatakara. This temple is associated with the heroes and heroins Vadakkanpattu. In the vicinity of the temple, there are three rockcut caves. The candid murals and carvings here are of great fascination to the visitors. The main deity is Goddess Durga. The festival, locally called Pooram, is celebrated during March/April. It is believed that the temple is 1500 hundred years old. There are two temples adjacent to the Lokanarkavu with Vishnu and Shiva as deities. There are frequent buses from Kochi to Vatakara. From Vatakara there are frequent buses to Lokanarkavu. Please see our Picture of Lokanarkavu.

Siddasramam Situated near the Payam Kuttimala, Siddasrama is a well known spiritual centre. Siddasramam has branches in Kerala as well as outside Kerala. Please view our Photo of the Ashram.

Sandbanks Sandbanks is a famous beach which supplements the seaside beauty of Vatakara. This beach where Kottakkal puzha reaches the sea is a stunningly beautiful beach. One should reach this place to enjoy its beauty. There is a well known Bungalow of Birla opposite to the sandbanks beach. There are buses plying to the beach every five minutes from Vatakara. Beach is a pastime for the local people.

Silent Beach South of sandbanks is silent beach. One can feel an extraordinary calm while at this area of the beach. I feel that it is beyond what words can express.