The old world charm of this ancient ship building centre near Calicut in north Kerala is enchanting. Here, the time stands still as the specialist craftsmen design and shape “Uru“s (traditional vessels). During the heydays of Beypore, the fame of Urus had spread far and wide and Arabs made a bee line to this coastal town.
Khalasis, who are the traditional shipbuilders here, are amazing with their ship building knowledge and craft. The client, often an Arab, gives the specifications and his needs. No design is drawn, and the plan of the Uru is conceptualised wholly in the mind of the master craftsmen. And log by log, each component comes together like a giant jig-saw puzzle and the final product is truly breathtaking. And to think that nothing was planned on paper, but the whole designing and intricate measurements and calculations were done entirely in the mind is truly astounding.
A fledgling wood industry thrived in Beypore ship building activity. Now, past its prime, the wood industry is just a shadow of its former self. Still huge logs can be found floating down the river and is reminiscent of its glorious past.
Getting there:
By road: Beypore is well connected by road and is just 11 km from Calicut.
By air: Calicut airport, is at Karipur and is 23 km from Calicut city centre.
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