Beypore is a bustling town situated in the picturesque Kozhikode district of Kerala, India. Beypore, also known as Beypur or Beypoor, is a captivating ancient port town located in the Kozhikode district of Kerala, India. Situated at the estuary where the Chaliyar River merges with the Arabian Sea, Beypore holds a significant place in maritime history. It forms a part of the Kozhikode Municipal Corporation and has been a hub of trade and commerce for centuries.
With previous names like Vaypura, Vadaparappanad, and Beydary, the town was later renamed “Sultan Pattanam” by Tippu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore. Beypore is renowned for its historic port, which has played a vital role in trade with the Middle East. Today, visitors can enjoy the town’s marina and beautiful beach, while Beypore continues to thrive as an important cultural and commercial center in the region.
History of Beypore
The historic trading port of Tyndis is frequently associated with the region of Kadalundi-Chaliyam-Beypore. Tyndis held significant importance as a major trade center, second only to Muziris, in the exchanges between the Cheras and the Roman Empire. Notably, Pliny the Elder, a renowned Roman historian of the 1st century CE, mentions that the port of Tyndis was situated at the northwestern boundary of Keprobotos, which refers to the Chera dynasty.
During the Sangam period, the North Malabar region, situated north of the renowned port at Tyndis, was under the rule of the kingdom of Ezhimala. The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea indicates that a region called Limyrike commenced from Naura and Tyndis. However, according to Ptolemy, Tyndis alone was mentioned as the starting point of Limyrike. This region likely extended until Kanyakumari, roughly aligning with the current-day Malabar Coast.
The estimated worth of Rome’s annual trade with the region amounted to approximately 50,000,000 sesterces. Pliny the Elder noted that Limyrike, the region including Tyndis, was susceptible to pirate attacks. Additionally, Cosmas Indicopleustes mentioned that Limyrike served as a notable source of peppers, highlighting the region’s significance in the spice trade.
Medieval Beypore
During the medieval period, Beypore was ruled by four Kovilakams: Karippa Puthiyakovilakam, Manayat Kovilakam, Nediyaal Kovilakam, and Panagad Kovilakam. These Kovilakams belonged to the Beypore branch of the Parappanad family, which was closely associated with the famous Travancore royal family. The Parappanad family had branches not only in Beypore but also in Parappanangadi, Vallikkunnu, and other regions.
Within the Parappanad family, there were distinct North and South factions. The North Parappanad faction further divided into Beypore, Cheruvannor, and Panniyankara Kovilakoms. This intricate division of power and influence reveals the complex socio-political structure of the region during that era.
Interestingly, Raja Ravi Varma and his brother made references to Beypore and specifically mentioned the Manayyat location. This suggests a potential connection between Raja Ravi Varma’s lineage and the ancestors of the present Manayyat kovilakom, further adding to the historical significance of Beypore and its association with notable figures in Kerala’s history.
Beypore Beach
Beypore features a marina and a beautiful beach, while its port stands as one of the oldest in Kerala, known for historical trade with the Middle East. The village is renowned for its construction of wooden ships, referred to as dhows or urus in the local Malayalam language. Originally utilized by Arab merchants for trade and fishing, these vessels now serve as tourist attractions. Captain Iwata, a founding member of the Association of Sumerian Ships in Japan, suggests the possibility of Sumerian ships being built in Beypore. Evidence supports the village’s direct trade links with Mesopotamia and its significant role as a key connection on the maritime silk route. Kerala’s first railway line, established in 1861, extended from Tirur to Beypore (Chaliyam), passing through Tanur, Parappanangadi, Vallikkunnu, and Kadalundi.
Beypore port, located around 10 kilometers south of Kozhikode, serves as a sub-port of the larger Kozhikode port. The land for the port was acquired from Beypore Karippa Puthiyakovilakam in 1963 and 1964. Positioned at the point where the Beypore river meets the Arabian Sea, Beypore port is known for its estuarine setting. The town of Beypore itself is situated approximately 180 kilometers north of Cochin and 391 kilometers away from Trivandrum.
Being the second largest port in Kerala, after Cochin, Beypore port handles a substantial amount of cargo, handling around 100,000 tonnes per annum. It also accommodates about 7,500 passengers annually. The port’s strategic location makes it easily accessible to other major ports such as Kochi and Mangalore. Currently, the port boasts a depth of approximately 5 meters alongside the wharf and approach channel. There are plans underway to further develop the port in stages, including the installation of essential utilities such as storage sheds, cranes, and tugs. This will enhance the port’s capacity and efficiency.
Significantly, Beypore port holds historical significance as one of the oldest ports in Kerala. It has been a vital hub for trade with the Middle East, showcasing its enduring role as a center of maritime commerce.
Population of BeyporeBeypore Climate
Beypore enjoys a coastal setting and is situated at an elevation of just 1 meter above sea level. The village’s location offers a scenic coastal charm and a tropical climate throughout the year. The coastal environment contributes to the village’s unique character and provides residents with opportunities to enjoy maritime activities and experience the natural beauty of the region.
Famous Places in Beypore
Beypore, a place of historical and cultural significance, is renowned for its famous attractions. One of the notable landmarks is Pulimuttu, a remarkable 1-kilometer-long stone bridge that stretches into the sea. This unique structure is created by piling stones, forming a pathway that leads visitors towards the magnificent ocean views.
The Stone Pier is another prominent site where visitors can soak in the beauty of the surroundings and enjoy panoramic vistas. For those seeking relaxation and tranquility, the pristine Beypore Beach offers a serene escape, while the iconic Beypore Lighthouse stands proudly at the southern bank of the Chaliyar River, providing a symbol of maritime heritage.
Travelers can find solace and comfort at the Gotheeswaram Resort, located on Thambi Road, offering a peaceful retreat. Exploring Beypore would be incomplete without a visit to the Beypore Fishing Harbour, Beypore Port, and the various temples that dot the area, such as Beypore Shiva Kshethram, Badrakali Temple, and Chambayil Chittekkat Bagavathy Temple.
Beypore also welcomes visitors to its religious sites, including mosques like Beypore Juma Masjid and Iqraa Masjid, as well as the St. Andrew Church. To add to the natural beauty and charm of the region, the picturesque Chaliyar Lake provides a perfect setting for relaxation and enjoyment.
Transportation Ways to Beypore
For transportation, Beypore offers convenient connections via various modes:
By road: Beypore enjoys excellent road connectivity and is situated a mere 11 kilometers away from Kozhikode. This proximity makes it easily accessible by car or other road transportation.
By air: The nearest airport, Calicut Airport (also known as Karipur Airport), is located approximately 23 kilometers from the city center of Kozhikode. This airport serves as a major air gateway to the region, offering domestic and international flights.
By rail: Kozhikode Station, the main railway station, is situated about 10 kilometers away from Beypore, providing convenient rail access to and from the area. Additionally, Feroke Station is a nearby railway station, located just 4 kilometers from Beypore.
Beypore Local Dialing Code and Postal Code
Beypore has a local dialing code of 495, facilitating convenient communication for its residents and connecting them to local services and businesses. The village’s postal code, 673015, enables efficient mail delivery and helps identify Beypore within the broader postal system.
Recommended Articles
Stay tuned to Kerala Scapes for more interesting facts