A favourite destination of navigators and traders from across the world since thousands of years, Malabar is fast regaining its reputation as a much sought after destination – this time, much more for its tourist attractions than as the centre of industry and commerce.

Malabar or North Kerala comprises the five northern districts of Malappuram, Kozhikode, Wayanad, Kannur and Kasargod. Together they offer the tourist every attraction that is unique to Kerala – long stretches of backwaters, Ayurvedic health holidays, serene hill stations and plantations, rare wildlife, secluded beaches, spectacular art forms, handicrafts and handlooms. Keeping the tourism potential of this region in mind, the state Government is going all out to develop and promote north Kerala.

The Bekal Tourism Project in Kasargod

The historic Bekal Fort forms the centrepiece of this project. This is one of the three destinations selected by the Government of India to be developed into a Special Tourism Area. An exclusive resort with comprehensive holiday facilities has been planned here. The Pallikere and Kapil beaches, Valiyaparamba – perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala – and Ranipuram, a picturesque hill station, are all in the process of being developed as tourist destinations. Once the Bekal Tourism Project is completed, Kasargod will become one of the key tourist destinations of Kerala.

The immense natural wealth of the high range district of Wayanad holds great potential for eco-tourism projects. In addition to dense forests, wildlife sanctuaries, mountain streams and spice plantations, the Wayanad hills are home to many clans of tribals who are the caretakers of a wealth of the unspoiled ethnic culture. The treehouses of Wayanad, an eco friendly tourism concept, are fast catching the attention of the travel world.

Kannur: History, Culture and Scenic Beauty Creates a Major Centre of Tourism

Historic Kannur, a cauldron of various cultures and a centre of traditional arts and crafts is fast becoming a major tourist destination. The handlooms, handicrafts and the cultural arts of Kannur are already hot favourites with visitors. The Muzhappilangad beach, which will soon become an international resort, adds to the lure of this northern district. Steeped in history, the city of Thalassery also offers several natural and cultural attractions. It is the seat of the traditional martial art form of Kerala – Kalari-payattu. The best circus artists of the country invariably belong here.

Kappad Beach, Kozhikode: Still a Favourite with Travellers

More than its halwa, biriyani and history, the Kappad beach, where Vasco da Gama landed in 1492 AD, is a haven for tourists who seek the rejuvenative touch of Ayurveda. Tusharagiri, already a trekkers’ favourite, too has much to offer. The backwaters of Kozhikode, including the bird sanctuary at Kadalundi, are fast catching the attention of both domestic and foreign visitors alike. Houseboat cruises are now conducted along these backwaters.

The Cradle of Exotic Arts and Crafts

The art forms of North Kerala, are elaborate, exotic and spectacular. Theyyam, one of the oldest ritual arts of India has its origin in Malabar, and is a regular feature of almost all the temples in northern Kerala.

Northern Kerala also abounds in a number of tribal and folk arts, which are now performed only at local festivals. Folklore centres are reviving some of these arts which are on the verge of disappearance. The handlooms and handicrafts of Malabar too are popular the world over and consitute a major part of Kerala’s exports.

Easy Accessibility

If the Malabar seaport was the entry point to this region in 1250 AD, today it is the Malabar International Airport that connects Northern Kerala to the rest of the world. Daily flights from the Gulf and major cities in India touch down here. The region is also well connected by road and rail to Bangalore, Hyderabad and Chennai.