The man who owns the Lokah cave in Kannur
Now known as the Kunjiparamba caves, visitors arrive here to marvel at the impressive natural formation, estimated to be around 500 metres in length and approximately 15 metres in height.
Now known as the Kunjiparamba caves, visitors arrive here to marvel at the impressive natural formation, estimated to be around 500 metres in length and approximately 15 metres in height.
Now known as the Kunjiparamba caves, visitors arrive here to marvel at the impressive natural formation, estimated to be around 500 metres in length and approximately 15 metres in height.
The mystery cave with brooding, jagged interior, where the young Neeli gets superpowers in the Malayalam movie Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra was once a secluded spot on a rubber plantation in Kannur's Payyavoor. The land is owned by T Ummer, a native of Payyavor. More than a decade ago, he purchased a plot of land, seven kilometres from his home.
The property, intended for farming, harboured a small, inaccessible cave, shrouded by creepers and thickets. After the land was cleared, the local residents took a liking to the cave and began visiting the spot. Now known as the Kunjiparamba caves, visitors arrive here to marvel at the impressive natural formation, estimated to be around 500 metres in length and approximately 15 metres in height. These majestic caves provided the backdrop for numerous crucial scenes in Lokah.
"Nikesh, a Kozhikode native, first approached me about using the location for the film 'Kumari'," Ummer said. "He had heard about it from the local residents. Later, many YouTubers started visiting the place. Eventually, the 'Lokah' team contacted me. Initially, I was worried about the potential impact on nature and the property. However, the crew took great care for the site, and the natural environment remained unharmed."
Ummer expresses immense satisfaction with the newfound attention the caves are receiving. He hopes that more people will visit and appreciate the Kunjiparamba caves, with no intention of monetising the site. "I hope more people will come here, and with that, the area will experience further development," he added.
Currently, the area lacks a proper bus route, a situation Ummer hopes will improve as the popularity of Kunjiparamba caves continues to grow.
The property also features rubber plantations, looked after by dedicated workers. In the past, the caves occasionally attracted individuals involved in anti-social activities, who used the space for drinking and drug abuse. Ummer frequently visited the site, personally cleaning and maintaining it.
Ummer, who previously worked in the Gulf, returned to Kannur a few years ago. He lives with his wife and three children.