Land of 3 C's: Thalassery

Whenever I think of Thalassery, my core is filled with delight. It's not just because I spent my four years of hilarious college life here, quite simply because it's here where I lived being myself. Yet, for many, Thalassery remains as the city of bombs, and blood shed. I would like to dedicate this blog post for those people, who have not yet known Thalassery.

Thalassery! The land of 3 C's : Circus, Cake & Cricket. Thalassery is renown as the cradle of Indian circus. It was here where the first circus school was started by Keeleri Kunjikannan, the kalaripayattu maestro. 

The cricket stories of Thalassery are as old as Indian cricket. It was Lord Arthur Wellesly who introduced cricket to Thalassery, which later gained acceptance all over Kerala. Ranji trophy cricket matches are still held in Thalassery municipal cricket ground. 

And what about cakes? The old bakeries, still with those baking units tell us the sweet relation between Thalassery & cakes. Mambilli cakes, which once served the Britishers, have still not lost their predominance. Now keeping aside history, let's explore Thalassery.

Hangouts

 Thalassery Fort

Thalassery Fort is situated in the heart of Thalassery town, near the old bus stand. The fort was built by British East India Company to establish a stronghold on the Malabar Coast.

The square fort, with its monumental walls, secret tunnels to the sea and intricately carved huge doors, astonishes us with the dexterity of British engineers. Within the fortress there are underground caves, secret tunnels to the sea, covering places and cannons.

Secret passage

Luckily, I was capable to contract into one of those underground tunnels or cave (whatever it is).  From the ground level, Climbing down the steps, we will reach a plain hall like area which further leads deep inside the cave. However, the darkness inside will force you to stop exploring further. I wonder,how many soldiers might have gone through this way! May be even the Duke of Wellington too!!

Being a historic memorial, the fortress is now kept up very easily. For those who are interested in history, Thalassery fort is the best place to explore.

 Overbury's folly

The Overbury's folly is located on a hill near Thalassery municipal stadium. It was constructed as a picnic spot at the cliff and is named after its builder, E. N. Overbury, a Briton who was madly in love with Thalassery.

The folly is occupied by the civilians in the evening, where they could relax for a spell from the hectic life. Climbing up the steps of the social system that resembles the light house you could generate a fantastic panorama of the folly and of course of the sizzling Arabian sea. Feeling the cold sea breeze and listening only to the music of the tides, you would feel like drifting through the sky, like a feather. Further, the small cafeteria here can handle your stomach very well.

 St.John's Anglican Church

I always love the silence of the churches. Among all the churches I have visited, this small church happens to be my favorite one. For years, the church stood silently near the Arabian sea, abandoned by everyone. But, upon realization of the historical importance, the church was renovated and is now open to the believers & tourists. Painted in white, St.John's Anglican church is a beautiful Gothic structure with wooden doors & windows, stained glasses,exquisite chandeliers and clay-tiled floor.

Situated at the rearward face of the fortress, facing the Arabian sea, there is naught that could stop the heavy silence of the church.

Even the noise of children from nearby schools won't hinder your prayers. I could always sit for hours here, and feel my heart getting relaxed.

In the church compound itself, there are lots of tombstones, of the British officials,soldiers and their kins. Among those, rests a great man who loved Thalassery more than the natives; Sir Edward Brennen. For the betterment of the children in Thalassery, he initiated an English medium school, which subsequently got up into the present Brennen college.

 Sea view park(Centenary park)

In every place, located near the sea, obviously there would be a park. So is the case of Thalassery too.  Besides the folly, the sea view park is also a hangout frequented by local ccitizens in the eves. The shade of trees and the stone benches, lets you unload your tensions. Though the steel fences stand between you and the sea, you could enjoy the sweeping Arabian sea from a distance.

I have chosen only these four places, since they lie in the near vicinity of Thalassery town (<1km). However there are many more interesting places nearby Thalassery, which includes Muzhuppilangad drive in beach, Dharmadam islet etc.

Taste house

Thalassery is also famous for its cuisine. Lets check it out.

 Thalassery biriyani

Among the biriyani lovers Thalassery biriyani holds a prominent position which is quite different from other biriyani cuisines. Usually  biriyani is prepared elsewhere using Basmati Rice, while Thalassery biriyani uses a special rice called Kaima. Along with this, the special spicy recipe makes it one of the prestigious cuisine of Malabar.

For food lovers, I would like to recommend two hotels: Raravis & Paris, where they could enjoy the delicious Thalassery biriyani to its fullest.  

 Kallummakkaya

This is one of the most special dish of Thalassery. Variety of dishes are made with Asian Green Mussel, called as kallummakkaya in the local dialect. Among those, two dishes- Kallummakaya porichathu (Fried mussel) and  Arikkadukka (mussel fried in rice batter) are prominent.

 Though many bakeries provide these "kallummakaya's", the ones prepared in the local tea shops are of exceptional taste.

 Kozhikkal

Hey, don't get so excited by hearing the name. It's not the fried chicken leg! This is a veg dish, prepared using sliced tapioca and is similar to the French fries; except, kozhikkal is fried in a bunch.

Muttamala, pazham nirachatu (fried banana filled with grated coconut sugar or jaggery), unnakaya, kaayi pola, chatti pathiri and ari pathiri are other prominent cuisines.

I am fairly certain that a single day spent in Thalassery, will make you fall in love with her :)

~aThi@~