Velliyamkallu - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

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Velliyamkallu is a two acre rocky island in the Arabian Sea, about 36 km from Kozhikode City of Kerala State in Southern India. The island is located 14 km from Payyoli and 16 km from Thikkodi sea shores and is one of the best places for adventurers to watch seabirds and sunset.

Historical significance of Velliyamkallu

The massive rocks of the island was much dreaded by navigators and has witnessed many battles between Zamorin’s (the ruler of the medieval Kingdom of Kozhikode ) fleet and the Portuguese.

This huge rock was used by the great Kunhjali Marakkar, naval commander of Zamorin. Velliyamkallu was the vantage point of Marakkars and helped to sabotage the Portuguese ships during encounters. In 1598, a Portuguese ship was attacked and its entire crew was killed here by the Marakkars. Finally, once the Portuguese conquered the area, the island was used by them to throw the local troublemakers from Velliyamkallu into the sea. The rock was hence also known as Sacrificial Rock or Balikkallu locally.

 

At present, the only indication of any man made activity on the island is the plaque proclaiming it as the property of the Government of India.

Exploring Velliyamkallu

Velliyamkallu has some unique natural carvings on the rocks to explore. Many of the rocks are also marked with cannon ball hits as the area has witnessed a period during which battles were fought between the local ruler and the European powers. The island has both shallow and deep caverns and treacherous rocks. Inside some of the caverns are deep wells filled with sea water.

 

The island can be seen at a distance from Payyoli Beach as a small dark spot.


The almost one hour boat ride from the shores makes it look a lot bigger once you get closer and closer.  One of the prominent rocks in the island looks like a turtle from a distance. The entire rocks are filled with seagulls and the sky with eagles.

The sea is very deep here, with dark blue waters and many fishing boats in the vicinity. The boat will stop near to the rocks if the currents are weak, and then you will have to jump into the waters and swim to the rocks. The surface of the rocks are too slippery and sharp due to mussels and oyster shells for walking. 

 

Best time to visit and how to reach Velliyamkallu?

The best time to visit the island will be from October to May after the monsoon when the sea is comparatively calmer. Exploring the island during low tides is much preferred, in any case the captain of the boat you hired will know the best times to visit during the day.

The island lies 36 km away from Kozhikode City and 14 km from the nearest shores. There are boats from Thikkodi/ Payyoli/ Vadakara beaches but one will have to go to either of these places and make a booking for the boat service. There are buses from Kozhikode City to all three places. The nearest railway station is also in Kozhikode.

Activities Around

Attractions Near Velliyamkallu

St. Theresa Shrine, Mahe

St. Theresa Shrine, Mahe

4.43km from Velliyamkallu

St. Teresa’s Shrine, Mahe is one of the most visited shrines in India. The Shrine is located in Mahe, in the State and Union Territory of Puducherry which shares its boundaries with the State of Kerala.

Mahe Lighthouse

Mahe Lighthouse

4.5km from Velliyamkallu

Mahe Lighthouse is a lighthouse situated on the south side of the entrance of the Mayyazhi river in Mahe, Puducherry. It was established in the year 1893. There is a project by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships to upgrade the lighthouse.

Mahe Boat House and walkway

Mahe Boat House and walkway

4.58km from Velliyamkallu

The walkway on the banks of River Mahe is one of a kind facility where aesthetics and purpose integrate together and extends one’s mind and soul huge satisfaction. The walkway resembles a diamond necklace around the landscape of the Mahe town. The Walkway is well lit and furnished with enough park benches to relax and enjoy the beauty of Mahe River. At one end of the Walkway near the Govt. House, there is the visual portrayal of the famous Novel of the noted writer “the story teller of Mahe” Sri

Thalassery Fort

Thalassery Fort

11.17km from Velliyamkallu

Thalassery Fort (also known as Tellicherry Fort) is a 17th-century fort in Thalassery town of Kannur District of Kerala State in Southern India. The fort was a stronghold of the British during their occupation of India and it lies on a low wooden hill running down to the sea, protected by waters.

Dharmadom Island

Dharmadom Island

15.45km from Velliyamkallu

An island that can be accessed on foot during low tides.

Mahé River and Azhikukham

Mahé River and Azhikukham

17.47km from Velliyamkallu

Mahe river is a river in South India. It flows through the state of Kerala and the coastal exclave of Mahé in Puducherry and the Azhimukham is the estuary of Mayyazhi River and Arabian Sea. This picturesque location of Mahe which flanked by blue wavy ocean and rippling Mayyazhi river. In otherwords Mayyazhi means Beautiful Estuary. The small and beautiful Tagore Park is situated here. Recently the Azhimukham location has been reconstructed with a walk way nearly 2kms long through the bank of ri

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