Anjaneya Giri, Ezhimala Hill

41 feet height tallest sculpture of Lord Anjaneya Swamy is situated at Anjaneya Giri, Ezhimala Hill belongs to Ramanthali Panchayat under Kannur district near Payyanur (or Payyannur or Payyannoor) in the Indian state of Kerala. It is located just 7 kms from Payyanur and 35 kms away from the district headquarters Kannur via NH-17 and Payangadi-Valapattanam Road.

The statue stands against wind from the Arabian Sea. It reflects Lord Hanuman’s potential to face any adverse situation. The face of Anjaneya is calm and composed. According to myth, the faces of those holding inherent powers are always calm.

The term Ezhimala is formed from two Malayalam words 'ezhu' means seven and 'mala' means mountains. Thus, the term ezhumala denotes and stands for the seven peaks hence Ezhimala is also known as Sapta Sailam (Seven Hills).

Ezhimala is, being the former capital of the ancient Mushika dynasty, a place of historical importance. Additionally the site was a major port around which trade got flourished in the Common Era. Many wars between Chola and Chera dynasties were fought at this location in the 11th century. It is believed by some that Lord Buddha had visited Ezhimala.

Ezhimala is a hillock, which is 286 meters above sea level; rise above the beautiful beach here. Carved stone pillars, an ancient burial chamber and an ancient cave can be seen at the foot of the Ezhimala hillock. The hills are well known for its rare medicinal herbs. Indian Naval Academy-Ezhimala (NAVAC), one of the largest of its kind in Asia, is located here.

In early days, Ezhimala was known as "Mrita Sangeevani Garden". According to legends, during the times of Ramayan, while Lord Hanuman was taking the whole Dronachal hill with herbs to Lanka for saving life of Lakshman, a piece of hill to be fallen off at this area which is now called Ezhimala. This piece broke into seven pieces on impact with mother earth. Today, these seven pieces (hills) together are called as Ezhumala. Also people still believe that these peaks to have those precious ayurvedic herbs & Mrita Sangeevani are there in Ezhimala. Almost 90% of herbs required in Ayurveda can be found in and around Ezhimala. The air we breathe in Ezhimala has lots of ayurvedic medicine properties, it will flush out all toxins from our body.

Ezhimala in Ramanthali panchayat is surrounded with water. You may call this as an island with very beautiful seen of sea, rivers and forest. The rest of the area is fully covered with coconut trees. This island is currently connected to Payyanur and Payangadi towns through two bridges at Ponnakkadvu and Plakkod respectively.

Ashtamachal temple, Madayi Kavu temple and Kunhimangalam are nearby tourist destinations which are worth visiting. An ancient ruin of Muslim mosque is there on hill. It is believed to be the house of Shaikh Abdul Latheef, a Muslim reformist.

As you go upon hill station through the zig-zagged road you can still see many kinds of Ayurvedic herbs standing on the both sides of the road. The hill that protrudes into the Arabian Sea, green valley abutting with beach, winding roads will capture once mind for a long time. You will really enjoy visit to this hill station and Ezhimala beach so you can return from Ezhimala with lots of ever memorable scenes in mind. The climate is very pleasant at this area and this is one of the points of tourist attraction.