Vadakara is located on the Malabar coast along the Arabian sea about 40 kms northwest of Kozhikode city. Vadakara is a fishing port and trade centre for pepper, copra and timber.
Apart from this geographical importance what makes Vadakara so special?
Vadakara is the home of ‘Kalaripayattu‘; a martial art form originated in Kerala. It’s quite surprising that this little coastal town of Kerala has such a rich and tangible cultural heritage of its own. Going through the golden pages of history this town was the abode of great Kadathanadu family, the home of Kalaripayattu. It was there battle-scarred clans and many legendary warrior’s especially the great hero of Northern ballards (Vadakkan pattukal) the great Tacholi Othenan was born.
Let’s see what is the history of “Kalaripayattu”?
“Kalaripayattu” is a martial art indigenous to Kerala. Myth lovers like to believe that history of this martial art is related to Parasurama, sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. But according to history this art form originated in between 200 to 600 B.C and gained popularity in between 14th and 16th centuries. “Kalaripayattu” was practiced in ‘Kalaris’ and the master is called as ‘Gurukkal’. Usually the ‘Kalaris’ are located near Devi temples and in olden times this martial art is associated with machismo and those who are not well versed in sword handling will not be considered as masculine and will be destined to live like slaves. The most astounding feature of the martial art is the great flexibility of these martial art practitioners.
The princely state of Kadathanadu was the former feudatories to the powerful Kolathiri’s. This region is the epicenter of all the activities depicted in the northern ballards prominently known as ‘ Vadakkan pattukal’. As mentioned earlier Kadathanadu witnessed many mighty warriors like Aromal Chekavar , Chandu Chekavar, Unniyarcha , Kuroli Chekon and the legendary Tacholi Othenan. These dynasties left behind a rich cultural legacy and enriched our culture. ’Lokanarkavilamma’ is the patron goddess of Kadathanadu family. All these great warriors will pay their tributes to the goddess.
In this small and beautiful town of Vadakara, you can sense the undying spirit of these great warriors in every breath along with the engravings of humming’s of ‘Vadakan pattukal’ in your mind and soul.
Glorious past of great Marakkars
Vadakara was also the base of all four Marakkars , who were the renowned naval admirals of Zamorins of Calicut. As per historical records they fought with full vigor against the Portuguese invaders from 1520 to 1600. Marakkars were credited with organizing first naval defense across the Indian Ocean. Portuguese were actually terrorized by the admiral fleet under the leadership of Kunhali Marakkar and we can consider it as first organized naval attack against the European invasion in Indian subcontinent.
Reminiscence of the past glory
Apart from the history what all remnants of history we can visualize in Vadakara?
- Lokanarkavu Temple at Vadakara
As mentioned earlier ‘Lokanarkavilamma’ was the main deity of Kadathanadu family. It’s a complex of three temples each devoted to mother goddess, Vishnu and Siva. This temple is an architectural brilliance with a wide array of mural paintings.
- Kunhali Marakkar museum at Iringal
This includes a fort built by the third Marakkar , Pattumarakkar along the northern boundary of Zamorin kingdom. Originally it spans over an area of three sq. Km, but what remains now is only a small part of fort and a mosque. This museum was stablished in 2004 and remains as a historical archipelago. Museum contains artifacts of iron swords, granite cannon balls, Veerarayan silver coins, Portuguese – Indian coins and stone cannon troughs and many more.
- Kottakal Juma’ath Masjid in Vadakara
A beautiful traditional mansion which showcases a sword, hanging lamp and throne that Marakkars captured from the Portuguese.
- Memorial in honor of Marakkars at Iringal
This memorial was erected by Indian Navy to honor the valiance of Marakkars. These are some of the notable historical structures in and around Vatakara. Apart from this there are many ‘ Kalaris’ nearby which are worth visiting. You can also practice and master the martial art Kalaripayattu here.
In this beautiful town in the admits of Arabian Sea each sand particles will sing and boast about their rich cultural heritage and legacy to everyone who embrace it. Along with this Vadakara is also a picturesque landscape nestled by Arabian sea. After imbibing the historical extravaganza, this place also gives you an enthralling experience and the notable one’s are Sand banks and Mini Goa.
- Sand banks of Vadakara
This is actually a confluence of Kottakal river and the Arabian sea. The beach strip is known for its tranquility and sunsets. This area will be a perfect getaway to relax in calm environment and cool breeze will rejuvenate u in every moment.
- Mini “GOA” at Vadakara
You must be wondering how the name Goa syncs with Vadakara. This place is also a must visit place in Vadakara. Mini GOA is a part of Kolavipalam beach. It’s an estuarine area surrounded by Mangrove forests. This place is famous for its scenic beauty. Beaches are famous for white sands in the admits of lush greenery.
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