Ezhome: A jewel of north malabar

EZHOME: A JEWEL OF NORTH MALABAR

Text: K.V. Narayanan

Ezhome, is a quiet village, otherwise known as granary of erstwhile Chirakkal Kovilakam, cuddling in the midst of luxurious green foliage on the shore of calm, pristine and yet swinging Kuppam River. It is stretched out between Taliparamba and Pazhayangadi towns in Kannur District, and about two hours drive from the town of Kannur. The original name of this beautiful hamlet is said to be Ezhilakam, which, in course of time either got diluted or corrupted to form the present name Ezhome.

Ezhome beckons you

In the scheme of State sponsored Malabar Cruise Tourism Project, Ezhome finds a prominent place. Ezhome has a rich heritage historically, politically and culturally. This gorgeous village once played as a bellwether in the advent of land reforms, which revolutionised the State. Peasants of this village were the first amongst those who dared to voice against the barbarous and brutal feudal system prevalent then. Ezhome is vibrant culturally too. There are several celebrated performing artists in this milieu. Theyyam festivals are intrinsic to this village, which is as old as its history, performed in temples and select homes. The usual Theyyam season begins from October and lasts upto May. Tourists visiting Ezhome during these months will have an added advantage of watching this cultural extravaganza. Theyyams in local terminology are gods in human form or speaking gods, who listen to devotees, hear their woes and in turn bless them.

Ezhome has produced exceptionally effervescent political activists, social workers, spiritual leaders, mystics, physicians, musicians, artists, artisans, teachers, engineers, judges, and world class academicians, one of whom found place as far as in Tokyo to embellish the chair of Vice Rector of United National University. Legendary technocrat late KPP Nambiar’s paternal home is at Ezhome. Late Kallen Pokkudan is another prodigy of this village, a renowned ecologist, who devoted a major part of his life in the care and preservation of mangroves along the banks of this river. He has authored many books on Mangroves and has also been honoured with a film ‘Sthalam’ (The Place) portraying his life. There are four varieties of high yielding, non-lodging organic rice named after this pretty village, styled and patented as Ezhome 1, 2, 3 and 4 cultivated in the saline prone polder lands protected by dykes. In local parlance dykes called as Kaippad, and is developed by Kerala Agricultural University with the active participation of farmers of this village.

The wateway is embroidered with lush green coconut trees and mangroves across the shorelines, which offers scintillating views, and will leave an everlasting impression in your hearts, even after your cruise sojourn at Ezhome.

Other useful information:

Nearest airport Kannur (Scheduled to open in December 2018) or Kozhikode/ Mangaluru.
Nearest Railway Station: Kannur/Pazhayangadi. Line buses are available to Ezhome throughout the day from Kannur, Taliparamba and Pazhayangadi. Cruise Tariff Fully day (10 pax) Rs. 8000/- (10 am to 5 pm). Half day (10 pax) Rs. 4500/- (10 am to 1 pm, or 2.30 pm to 6.00 pm). One hour cruise (10 pax) Rs. 2000/- (Food and beverages provided. Check with the officials while you do your bookings. These rates and facilities are only indicative and never to be taken as authentic, which may change from time to time or may be relaxed). Contact for Booking Mr. Venu Phone +91 8848744075. Mr. P. Govindan Phone +91 9447646236. 

Kuppam river exploration by cruise boats

Kuppam River cruise is a part of tourism project launched by state government with an idea to exploit the vast tourism potential in the North Malabar region unrevealed hitherto, of which Ezhome is a hot spot. Kuppam river originates at KeralaKarnataka border and finds her salvation in the Arabian sea. This river is navigable from Kooveri enroute Kuppam down to Mattool. This water beauty unfolds her flamboyant looks and charm throughout her expedition from Koovery to Mattool. The waterway is embroidered with lush green coconut trees and mangroves across the shorelines, which offers scintillating views, and will leave an everlasting impression in your hearts, even after your cruise sojourn at Ezhome. The flora and fauna along the river stretch undeniably is a feast to eyes. There are a good number of cruise boats available for whole day trip or for a short term on hourly basis for discerning tourists. These boats are provided with exquisite state of the art facilities, fulfilling mandatory safety norms prescribed by the authorities. Food, beverages, and snacks are provided on board. Speed boats are also available on request. Cruise boats are manned by professionals, who are well trained, well behaved and friendly. Roads of Ezhome are well laid out asphalted roads. Driving is indeed a pleasure on these roads in the midst of lush green paddy fields. In fact, the main road of Ezhome runs parallel to the river linking the towns of Taliparamba and Pazhayangadi. Ezhome Cruise service is an initiative by Ezhome Service Co-operative Bank Limited, whose headquarter is located right in the heart of Ezhome on the main road. This bank is the financial hub of the village and has seven branches in the neighbourhood, extending support to the local agrarian community, merchants and traders at low interest rates with strong NRI accounts. This bank plays a key role in the developmental aspects of this village. Homestays are available. Well appointed star hotels are available in the town of Kannur, and medium sized hotels and lodging houses are also available in the bordering towns of Pazhayangadi and Taliparamba suiting to one’s choice and budget. Therefore, when you next visit Kannur on a holiday, never forget to visit Ezhome, and enjoy the boat cruise there for a mesmerizing never before experience. In case, you choose to have an exclusive pickup and drop in service before and after your cruise, the officials who manage the cruise, assure that the same will be provided at reasonable cost. Feel free to ask the booking officials for your specific requirements. After the boat cruise, taking a stroll around the paddy and farming fields, or just watching the Kaippads, will get you rejuvenated. You will be surrounded with the unpolluted air all around you, in the midst of clean unexploited water bodies, with cool breeze pampering you all along. This is an experience you might never had before. For this outing spree, Kottakeel, and Ezhome Moola are the perfect spots, which are serene archipelagos in their own right, exactly right on the river bed, where you have an appointment.

After the boat cruise, taking a stroll around the paddy and farming fields, or just watching the Kaippads, will get you rejuvenated. You will be surrounded with the unpolluted air all around you, in the midst of clean unexploited water bodies, with cool breeze pampering you all along.