My Way On Highway: Day 31, Dolphin Spotting in Kozhikode

Saba Shaikh

Last updated: Apr 3, 2017

The monsoon may be yet to officially arrive in Kerala but the rains are making their presence felt already. Yesterday, we were very keen to uncover the not so well-known Mangrove Trail of Payyanur but had to cancel due to bad weather. (Do go if you can and tell me how it was!) The early morning today in Kozhikode too came drenched in heavy rain only to clear up the sky by 8 am.

Dolphin Tale

Eager to spot the dolphins at the Beypore Beach, we drove the 30-minute stretch from our hotel Marina Residency in Kozhikode to the Dolphin Point. The husband and I went the Beypore way to walk the 1-kilometre long pier built in, and lo and behold, in front of us was the Arabian Sea! We didn’t spot any dolphins but we did see the majestic Brahmin Eagle.

my-way-on-highway-brahmin-eagle — The Brahmin Eagle

In A Pickle

my-way-on-highway-delicious-pickle — Delicious pickle snack for just Rs. 4

I am yet to meet anyone who does not L-O-V-E mangoes! The King of Fruits (for me at least) finds yet another savoury route, the Kairali way, to reach our stomachs. The many stalls in public chill out zones here in Kerala, you will notice, have these big glass jars filled with fruits and vegetables dipped in brine and green chilli. An acidic and extremely toothsome rendition, this type of snack has the right balance of tang to refresh you. Tariq, my husband, got a slice of mango for just 4 rupees. Coming to South India makes us realize how insanely over-priced North India is!

Tender Love & Coir

my-way-on-highway-tender-love — Gandhiji's monkeys made out of dried and discarded coconut coir

My silent salute to the artisans I am crossing paths with on the MyWayOnHighway Road Trip. It is amazing to see how beautifully creativity can transform the most mundane items into a masterpiece. After witnessing the unique art of Nirona, today we saw the magic of the Beypore talent. Using nothing but dried and discarded coconut coir, they have lovingly crafted beautiful home decorative items. We spotted artificial bird nests, Gandhiji’s monkeys and few usual pieces you see at a woodwork store. Just couldn’t resist picking up seashell table lamps for home. Everything is reasonably priced but you can go ahead and give haggling a shot here. You won’t be disappointed.

Before I sign off for today, let me tell you how our taste buds are being pampered silly by the finger-licking concoctions of the chef at our hotel Marina Residency. Trip Stop recommendation to them!

(Photo Credit: Tariq Khan)

Saba Shaikh

Saba is a nomad at heart. Having lived in 12 cities, she looks to experience different cultures and is dying to trot all over the world in more than 80 days (what’s the rush!). Daydreaming and baking are her other love interests!