The name Vatakara came from the name of historical Kottakkal puzha’s north bank “Vadakkekkara”. We wish to take you on an excursion to Vatakara’s 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 Kms. 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
VelliyamkalluA massive rock “Velliyamkallu” associated with the valiant Kunhali Marakkar Situates 13 kms. 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 kms. 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.
Quotable Quotes:
“To ask a question may bring a moment’s shame,
but not to ask and remain ignorant is a lifetime of shame.”