Malabar Island is one of the easternmost islands in the Indian Ocean and belongs to the country of Kerala. It is famous for its once-thriving spice trade and for being a major departure point for foreign traders travelling to India and the Middle East.
The island is also home to a large Muslim population and a number of coastal cities, including Quilon, which was once the chief port of the region. The main attraction of Malabar Island is its landscape, which is characterized by palm-lined beaches, luxury resorts, and dense forests.
Contents
All Discussion Of Malabar Island
History
The island of Malabar was first settled by the Chera people around the 2nd century BC. It later came under Muslim rule and, as a result, has a number of important Islamic sites, including the world’s oldest mosque (15th century). The spice trade played an important role in Malabar’s history, and it is now home to several well-known luxury resorts.
The main attraction of Malabar is its landscape. It has some beautiful beaches and lush greenery, which is accentuated by the island’s mild climate throughout most of the year.
The city on this quaint little Island – Kochi or Cochin being its former name – also makes for a great destination when it comes to food (especially seafood) and shopping in India as well, further leading up to what seems like an endless succession of festivals with high-spirited tradition, culminating in the world famous Onam Festival especially celebrated by Kerala’s people.
Malabar Island Climate
Malabar has a tropical climate with high humidity. The island experiences two seasons, the wet season (June to September) and the dry season (October to May). The southwest monsoon brings frequent showers and typhoons between June and October, causing regular disrupted shipping channels. North of Cocoa the trade winds prevail throughout the year.
Safer harbors are toward the west end of the island. On an average, Kochi city gets 122 mm rainfall in a very short period (100 days) during Monsoon and occasional Typhoons cause floods throughout Kerala which normally start from mid June to September which put a lot of pressure on roads causing traffic congestion for over 2 months in both north and south side as well does putting stress on inter-state highways that links Kaliyadavu and Kanjirapally.
Malabar Island Culture
Malabar has a rich cultural heritage. The traditional dress of men is the dhoti and the women wear sarees. Many people in Kerala follow Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Buddhism.
Kochi has been home to both Hindu kings like Tipu Sultan and Christian conquerors like Thomas Coonan V Seringapatnam. Malabar’s culture has also influenced Indian cinema with many films set in this region such as Thalassea, Kalyanavattam and Rajamanikyam.
The Malayalam film industry is centered around Kochi; the city has been home to many well known Malayali Film artists such as Sathyan Anthikkad, Gautami Dasa, Lohithadas and Biju Menon who have appeared for films that portray the uniqueness of Kerala’s culture.
Politics
The state of Kerala is a southern state in India. It occupies an area of 36,058 km2 and has a population of over 33 million people according to the 2011 census. The legislative assembly has 140 members which are elected on the basis of universal suffrage by secret ballot.
Kochi along with Thiruvananthapuram forms the so-called “Crescent” (or Malabar) Sea coast region comprising nine districts: the Northern and Central districts of Kochi and the Kollam, Malappuram, Kozhikode – City (the capital) in north Kerala. Sometimes this region is referred to as “Cochin-Northern” or simply Cochin.
Government services
The state of Kerala is divided into 14 districts, 8 of which are metropolitan and 6 rural. The Kochi district has the municipal corporation and a first level judiciary comprising a High Court, 4 district courts (Nellikkal-Idukki, Aluva-Kottayam-Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam – North Eastern & Southern Districts) plus 1 appellate court (Kalasekera Kal olsavam). Outside the state administration, Kochi is also part of The Indian Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
Malabar Island Tourism
Tourism is the main industry in Kerala. The state is well known for its backwaters, beaches and tropical forests. Major package tourist destinations include Thrissur, Kochi, Kollam (Alleppey), Arambag-Kozhikode corridor, Malappuram-Ernakulam-Thiruvananthapuram route involving mosques and churches also 2 hill stations including Munnar and Ooty.
Tourism has a rapidly growing importance and since ancient times, Indian tourism has been described in travelogues of foreign explorers such as Megasthenes from Athens.
Transport
The major means of transport in the state are by road, rail and air. At present there is an extensive network of National Highways that connects all the major urban centres with each other which includes State Highway 13 connecting Alleppey to Kochi and NH 466 starting from Thrissur passing through to Mahe on its way down south east coast towards Kannur at coastal places also traversing several middle hills near old popular street angam ali also known as “sagara pathanam” and at places like Ooty crossing the famous Adi Shankhayani river by a suspension bridge built in 1934 which is presently being rebuilt.
Cuisine
Cuisine of Kerala is similar to that of neighbouring state Tamil Nadu. Rice and pulses are the most common ingredients used in preparing dishes, with a heavy reliance on coconut milk and spices. There are also a number of distinctly Kerala-style dishes, such as payasam (a milk dessert) and aviyal (a vegetable dish). Curry is ubiquitous in north Indian cuisine, but it has traditionally been less popular in Kerala due to its milder climate and lower humidity.
Wildlife
Kerala has a rich diversity of wildlife including elephants, tigers, leopards and bears. You can also see nilgiris in the high ranges of Western Ghats. The rare and beautiful birds of rain forest can be seen in the reedy forests and wetlands. Reptiles like crocodiles, cobras, kraits are found only in pond waters and not elsewhere in Kerala.
Though activities regarding tiger hunting are banned now but you will find illegal mining activity still ongoing after that rule relaxation.
Conclusion
Malabar Island is a beautiful tropical island located in the Indian Ocean. It is the largest archipelago in the country and belongs to the state of Kerala. The island has a population of about two million people and is known for its natural beauty, traditional culture, and relaxed lifestyle. Some of the most popular destinations on Malabar Island are Ponmudi, Anjuna, Calicut, and Kannur.
FAQ
1.What Are The Main Attractions Of Malabar Island?
Ans: The main attractions of Malabar Island are its landscape, which is characterized by palm-lined beaches, luxury resorts, and dense forests. Some popular tourist destinations on the island include Ponmudi Beach, Anjuna Beach, Calicut City Shopping District, and Kannur Town.
2.Where Is The Wildlife On Malabar Island?
Ans: Malabar Island is home to a large number of endemic species like Indian bottlenose dolphin, tiger and elephant.
3.How Do I Get To Malabar Island?
Ans: Malabar is served by several flights daily which connect the island with key cities like Mumbai, Chennai and Kochi. There are also ferries that depart from Quilon and Cochin ports.
4.What Is The Currency In Malabar Island?
Ans: The Indian rupee and many other currencies are used as legal tender on this island.
5.What Is The Weather Of Malabar Island Like?
Ans: Malabar has a tropical climate with pleasant summer days and cool evenings throughout the year.
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