Heritage walks offer a tour of historic and cultural sites in cities. In India, regular heritage walks are conducted in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Mysuru and Thiruvananthapuram.
Despite being an old city, laden with rich history, Kozhikode did not have heritage walks till recently. Now, the National Institute for Research and Development in Defence Shipbuilding (Nirdesh) and the Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode (IIM-K) have teamed up to start regular heritage walks in the city.
“A typical heritage walk covers a distance of one to one-and-a-half kilometres, dotted with heritage structures and historic places. Different heritage trails have been identified along the beach, around Mananchira, along S.M. Street, around Thali temple and along Valiyangadi. People interested in history will come together and walk these trails, along with experts who will explain the historic significance and interesting anecdotes related to the heritage structures,” said Nirdesh Project Director Captain Ramesh Babu.
He said the first heritage walk would be held along the beach, from 8.15 a.m. to 10 a.m. on April 1. “Starting at the Light House, walkers will go along Customs Road, Moonnalunkal, Corporation building, Silk Street, Anglo-Indian School, Mother of God Cathedral, Flag Staff Road, Beach Road, Empress Road and finally wind up at French Bakery. History and anecdotes related to the Light House, Buddha Vihara, Connolly’s Park, French Loge, Dutch territory, French Villa, Silk Street, Lotus Pond, Portuguese Church, Anglo Indian School, Spenser, telegraph office and the other heritage structures along the way will be explained by experts,” Captain Ramesh Babu said.
Advocate Seluraj TB, anecdotal historian who has authored two popular books on Kozhikode’s heritage, will join the walk and talk to participants about the city’s history.
Representatives of different communities such as Gujaratis, Parsis, Anglo-Indians, Marwadis and Sindhis who have made Kozhikode their home will also participate in the walk and talk about how their communities are connected to the city.
Heritage structures such as the old light house and piers ( kadalppalam ) that do not exist now will be shown to walkers through sketches prepared by artist Preman of Kadalundi.
Captain Ramesh Babu said a group of about 25 people, interested in the city’s rich heritage, could participate in this walk. They will be given newspaper bags and gloves with a request to pick up plastic waste along the route. “The walk is being jointly organised as a part of the corporate social responsibility initiative of Nirdesh under the guidance of social development project of IIM-K,” he said.
Those who wish to be part of the heritage walk may contact calicutheritagewalks@gmail.com or kozhikodeheritagewalks@gmail.com by March 30.
