Ezhimala

Ezhimala is a collection of hills forming a peninsula, 38 km north of Kannur. Situated at a height of 286 m above sea level, Ezhimala is home to the country’s premier defence naval training establishment, the Indian Naval Academy.

During the 5th century AD, there were three kingdoms in Kerala. Ezhimalainad was to the extreme north, which later came to be known as North Malabar, Cannanore and Kasergode areas. Since Ezhimalai or Mount Eli was the capital of this area, it acquired the name of its capital.

The mention of Ezhimala dates as early as 1298 by Marco Polo. According to some, Ezhimala happened to be one of the first Indian lands to be spotted by Vasco Da Gama.

Eli Mala in Malyalam means Seven Hills. As the name suggest, Ezhimala is a collection of hills forming a peninsula, 38 km north of Kannur. It stands at a height of 286 meters above sea level, and was the capital of the ancient Mooshika Dynasty of the Sang period and is still believed to be of premier historical importance. It was during their reign that the terms ‘Elimala’, ‘Mount Eli’ and ‘Mount the Eli’ were coined.

An erstwhile thriving sea port and centre of business in ancient Kerala, Ezhimala had also been one of the major war zones in the 11th century that was held between the Chola-Chera Dynasties. Now Ezhimala is home to the country’s premier defence naval training establishment known as the Indian Naval Academy.

With prior permission from the Naval Academy, you can visit the Mount Dilli Lighthouse between 3:00 to 5:00 pm, which is situated inside the naval base. Its not a very high lighthouse, but its worth a trip as it gives you a breathtaking view of the virgin beaches of Ezhimala and Zamorin. The entry fee for the lighthouse is Rs. 10/- for adults, Rs. 3/- for children, Rs. 25/- for foreign tourists, camera charges Rs. 20/- and video photography Rs. 25/-.

Just next to the lighthouse, you’ll see a tiny fort which is known as the Ezhimala Fort and is under major restoration work. There isn’t much to see and do there as of now, however, its worth a wait for a few more months when the fort will be ready for public viewing.

A Travel Series for Yatra.com.