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Kunhimangalam heritage village near Payyanur in Kannur district is known for its handcrafted bronze lamps, sculptures and curios.
The beautiful village of Kunhimangalam has an abundance of paddy fields with coconut trees, cashew nut trees and areca nut palms adding serenity to its surroundings caressed by rivers. The verdant village is bordered by river Changoorichal on the northwest side and river Chemballikundu on the east side. Ezhimala (seven hills) stand tall in the western part of Kunhimangalam. Ezhimala Naval Academy, Asia’s largest naval academy, was built near the mountainous region and is just a couple of kilometers away from the village.
Nestled on the banks of Perumba River, the village is home to craftsmen, known as moosaris, who have specialized in works on bronze or bell metal. The craftsmen make these idols, lamps and other artifacts without machines. The finished products speak volumes about their unparalleled expertise in the 900-year-old art which was handed down from generation to generation.
The craftsmen make use of stories from mythologies to design the idols and lamps. These intricate works are made in a single casting and each mould is used only once, making their products unique.
In 2018, the state government declared bell-metal sculpting as a heritage art and Kunhimangalam as a heritage village.
For details
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC)
Caltex, Kannur
Ph: + 91 497 2706336
Getting there
Nearest railway stations: Ezhimala, about 550 m; Payyanur Railway Station, about 9 km
Nearest airport: Calicut International Airport, about 147 km
