Thalassery

Decidedly for the intelligent tourist. Thalassery caters to a diversity of interests. If tripping over history is your idea of a perfect holiday, north Malabar is exactly the place of your dreams. Thalassery tumbles out new enchantments nonchalantly, at each turn of its winding roads and pathways luring each of your senses to test and savour experience which will remain with you long after you have left this ancient kingdom of the Chirakkal Raja

Circus artistes


Keeleri Kunhikannan, a famed kalari exponent of his day, watched the British soldiers drill in their barracks. He absorbed the fundamentals of the what he saw into his particular expertise –and thus was born the Indian circus. He brought together groups of children and trained them in circus acrobatics.


The movement he started thrived and supplied artistes to all of the famous Indian circuses such as Gemini and Jumbo, which originated from here, since the circuses are always on the move, it’s unlikely that you’ll get to see one here.


Fisherfilk Temple


A comfortable walk from the stadium will bring you to the temple of the fisherfolk near the maidan where cricket was first played in India 200 years ago. It stands on a beautiful stretch of beach, a symbol of gratitude to the Arabian Sea for its bounty and its grace.


The triad


The Catholic Rosary Church stands next to the English Church and fort, south-west of the cricket maidan. While the former pulses with the even tempo of daily prayer. The latter is closed. The juma masjid stands in friendly proximity. The three buildings stand together the congregations wafting their prayers on the same elements.


Wellesley’s Bungalow


Savour the peace and amble on to Wellesley’s Bungalow. The house owned by Mr Babar, a company man, played host to Lard Wellesley, hence the name. the honour is bestowed to the guest because it was Wellesley who introduced cricket to Indians. The land surrounding it might well become the Mecca of Indian cricket. It is in these environs, in the 18th century that Indians first played cricket. Cricket had already been played on Indian soil but only by the British. The house is now the home of a sub collector.


Tellicherry Fort


To get a bird’s eye-view of this whole complex, climb to the ramparts of the Tellicherry Fort ( also known as St Michael’s Fort ) south-west of the cricket maidan. Built in 1708 you can still see the pepper cellars from which trade was conducted. Situated on a headland guarding the port, it provides a panoramic view of sea and land picturesquely endorsing its invulnerability over the ages.


Timings – 9 am to 6 pm.


Where to stay and eat


Ayisha Manzil

Phone No : 0490 – 2341590.

Tariff : Rs 6,900.


Pai’s Presidency

Phone No : 0490 – 2342666 / 68.

Tariff : Rs 450 – 780.