A small village close to Kannur's Payyannur, Kunhimangalam is a region where the delicious smells of local mango varieties waft in the summer season. While the region also boasts a rich heritage of bronze and bell metal sculpture-making, at this time of the year, it primarily attracts visitors and food lovers eager to experience its unique Kunhimangalam mangoes, which are also called 'Kunyangalam' mangoes in local parlance. The mango season has just begun in the region this year. Kunhimangalam is also closer to the home of Kuttiattoor mangoes, which received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag a while ago. The region also has a mango-special collective called 'Kunhimangalam Maanga Koottaima,' which has around 200 members and has been active for the past few years. Environmentalist PP Rajan, who leads the group, tells us more about the place, the mango, and what tourists get to experience in the region. 

What to see
April to mid-May is the peak mango season in Kunhimangalam. "It's best to check out the trees in the mornings and evenings, as afternoons can be quite hot. Those interested in tasting mangoes and learning about it can get in touch with us, and we can take them on a guided walking tour in the company of neighbourhood kids. Most of the trees are in various people's private land, but as this is a close-knit village, there isn't a problem of access," Rajan explains. Last year, the region organised various programmes to help people understand the mango trees, the fruit, the specialities and ages of various mango trees here, and more. "This year, we are still assessing where the best mango growth is concentrated. Once that's clear, we should be able to organise programmes," he says. 
Visitors can also check out the 'Bell Metal Heritage Village' of Kunhimangalam, where sculptures are made and craftsmen live. Kunhimangalam also has a 43-acre forest region and a significant mangrove population. "The forest, in the centre portion of the village, is a property acquired specifically for conservation," says Rajan. 

Photo: Jibin Chempola/Manorama
Last year, the region had organised various programmes to help people understand the mango trees, the fruit, the specialities and ages of various mango trees here and more. Photo: Jibin Chempola/Manorama
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Activity possibilities
1) Take nature walks
2) Learn about trees and the generation of saplings. Meet farmers and botanists who employ new techniques of grafting and growing trees. 
3) Check out the sculpture-making areas
4) Check out GI-tagged Kuttiattoor mangoes
5) Buy mangoes from Kunhimangalam and Kuttiyattoor. Now, a kg of mangoes costs around Rs 150. They should be available for Rs 70 to 80 in the peak season.

Attractions nearby
1) Payyannur College
2) Bell Metal Heritage Village (visit between 9 am and 9.50 am, preferably to see the making of idols and artifacts)
3) Kunhimangalam Weavers' Society
4) Visit local farms to check out climbing of coconut trees, coconut leaf weaving
5) Narikkottu Illam
6) Boating at Ezhom
7) You can also catch theyyam performances at local temples or forums if they are in season. 

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How to go
From Kannur's Payyannur Railway Station, head to Payyannur College bus Stop in Kunhimangalam. It is just 5 km from the railway station. 
Phone: 9400500778 (PP Rajan)

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