Lord Shiva at the feet of Kalika Devi

Ever seen any statue of  Lord Shiva where he is being crushed by Kali?

We also hadn't seen any such idol or depiction till we travelled to a remote island in the middle of Kali River near Karwar in Karnataka.

How to Visit?

This picture story takes you to Kalika Devi Temple on an island. Only way to reach the island is by a boat. Boat rides are available from Nandangadda Boat Point 12 kms north-east of Karwar town. See the picture of Navy Veterans wading through knee deep water. We also share a map below.

The other option is to take a longer boat ride from Deobagh Beach side. For the guests staying at Jungle Lodges and Resorts at Deobagh Beach, a boat ride is included in the package. We, few Navy Veterans took the ride in a swanky motor boat. See the map and the video below.

Sharing below a short 12-sec video clip of our boat ride.

Significance

Kali island has a temple and a statue of an angry Kalika Devi crushing Lord Shiva under her feet! Unbelievable, isn't it?

Legend has it that Lord Shiva lies at the feet of Goddess Kali to pacify her uncontrollable rage after the battle with the demon Raktabija. Seeing her destructive rampage threatening the universe, Shiva laid himself in her path. When she stepped on his chest, Kali instantly realized she was standing on her husband, bringing her fury to a halt. See a series of pictures below.

Boat Ride

The boat ride is subject to the weather conditions. We were lucky to get an exclusive ride. It was heartening to see the life jackets for all passengers in good working condition. We had to navigate under Kali Bridge on NH-66 with a long span. The visit to the island has to be timed with the tide timings. The water level on the stony pathway to the island changes with the tide. See the pictures below.

Kali Matha Island

It is a small island. We had to anchor on a shallow patch and then wade through knee deep water. The island also has a 240-metres boardwalk to observe the mangroves. However due to damages, it was closed. Pictures below.

Kalika Devi Temple

It is a small temple with two wells for drinking water. Our guide from the Resort accompanied us to the island. A pujari and his dog stay on the island. The temple has large following.

Deobagh Beach

It is a beautiful beach. As stated earlier, we had stayed at the Jungle Lodges property on the beach. We will bring you an exclusive story on the beach, the resort and the views all around.

Stories of Other Island Locations

Ghumakkad has visited many islands in India and overseas. Sharing below the links to few of the stories of 'island attractions'. Click the link to browse the picture story.

Bhavani Island An Ideal Getaway - Another island named after Goddess Durga. The story shows the tree houses and water sports on the island in River Krishna near Vijayawada.

Laknavaram Lake Resort - Picture story with videos shows you the lake resort accessible through a suspension bridge. Guest rooms are on stilts in water!

Ruins of Ross Island - Picture story of an island just two kms east of Port Blair. The ruins speak to you. The island has since been renamed as Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep.

War Memorial on an Island - Picture story of Anjadip War Memorial which commemorates the battle of Anjadip, 1961.

We end with Ralph W Sockman's quote on islands which says, "The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder." 

Islands have their own attraction. Whether it is a river island or an island at sea, the thrill starts with the boat ride. Do take an island holiday in India. So many locations some of which we have shared above.

In the ongoing vacation season, happy travelling.

Thanks for browsing. Do leave a comment and stay connected.

   - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ Secunderabad and Karwar/ 18th May 2026

#KaliRiver #KalikaDeviTemple #Karwar #LordShivaAtTheFeetOfKali #Destruction #Rage #Durga #MaaKali #BoatRide #KaliBridge #NavyVeterans #Reunion #DeobaghBeach #JungleLodges #GhumakkadHarsh #ghumakkadhb #Islands #IslandOfKnowledge

Veterans-- Powerhouse of Energy

Veterans never get old--may be a rhetorical or symbolic sentiment. They do get old like all other senior citizens. But when they get together for Reunions, they are a powerhouse of energy! As if re-born!

This picture story shows the energy, enthusiasm and zest for life in 'young' Navy Veterans in the age group of 74 to 83 years! These Veterans who had served as faculty members together 50 years ago (in mid-1970s), had a Reunion in Kannur, Kerala recently. Indigo welcomed us at the airport.

Kannur is famous for Theyyam, Beaches, Cotton Weaves and Tea. Yes, Kannur boasts of real cool tea parlours. Cool from the point of design, but serving a hot cup of tea. On most roads in the city. Picture of a tea parlour at night.

What did these Veterans do during the Reunion?

• Woke up early morning (yes, on a vacation!) for a walk
• Sang to their heart's full
• Shook a leg or two-- never mind the walking stick!
• Feasted on rich chocolate cake and other desserts
• Danced on a house boat 
• Watched a martial art performance and so on

Does it not require high energy levels to do all of the above? Browse the pictures and videos below and then tell us whether the Veterans are a powerhouse of energy or not?

Beaches Excite All

As the old saying goes, 'Success comes in waves'. Do you agree?

'Feelings are much like waves: we can't stop them from coming, but we can choose which one to surf', does the short video reflect this thought?

Beaches bring people closer....

Kannur has hundreds of temples. We visited a few. Sharing a picture of Parassinkadavu Muthappan Temple on a river bank. You need to climb down a flight of stairs and then climb back. Pictures below.

Veterans Sing and Dance

Veterans may be walking with the support of a stick, but when it comes to shaking a leg with fellow Veterans, they forget the pains and aches! See the video below.

The dancing continued. More action shots for you.

Who says you can't dance at 78? See the video clip below Kumkum Jindal dancing on the Bhajan 'Janaki Vallabham'

The award for best dancing couple went to...

Feasting by Veterans (not fasting!)

Our Reunion was so well timed for GR Nair! We celebrated his 74th Birthday with a Chocolate Cream cake.

At Kannur, you can't miss the sea food. Our Resort served us some of the finest fish!

You are never too old to make noise. Just see the short video clip below where the veterans and spouses are waiting for the food to be served. Are they waiting patiently?

House Boat Cruise in Backwaters

Roads and highways criss-cross the backwaters in Kerala. Our houseboat also sailed under a bridge. See the video below.

After a hefty sea food lunch, do you enjoy a snooze on the upper deck of a house boat? Well, Ghumakkad certainly does till shaken up by 'jealous' buddies!

Theyyam - If you haven't seen a Theyyam performance, you haven't been to Kannur. We had posted an exclusive story on Theyyam earlier. Click the link below to browse.

Theyyam Dance of the Gods

Kalaripayattu - Similarly, watching a livewire performance of the ancient martial art of Kerala is a must. You can browse our exclusive  story below.

Kalaripayattu World's Oldest Martial Art

Where Did We Stay?

We stayed at Krishna Beach Resort in Kannur. Sharing few pictures and a video below.

Built using the local laterite building material, the resort has been designed very aesthetically. Each room has a spacious sit out. See the video below.

The promoters worship Lord Shiva. You would have noticed the Shiva statue in the video above. Few more pictures of the Resort which we wholeheartedly recommend.

Special thanks to GR Nair for sharing some of the pictures.

Other Reunions

We share below the links to some of the earlier Reunions. Feel the energy and the enthusiasm.

Manas National Park Assam - Where crickets sing like temple bells

Himachal Bound Grandparents - Veterans at Chail Palace and more

Did you know this part of Chandigarh - Veterans revelation for you

There is Magic in the Air - When they meet

Magical Sunrise at Puri  -  And the veterans go shooting at a sea beach! Never too old to splash your feet!

If you are a senior citizen or approaching to be one, do participate in your college and other Reunions. It recharges life's batteries and you return home ten years younger, if not more!

We close with a group photograph of the Veterans who made it to Kannur.

Thanks for browsing. Do leave a comment to encourage us. And yes, stay connected.

   - Harsh-the-Ghumakkad/ Secunderabad and Kannur/ 9th April 2026

#kannur #northkerala #DTPCKannur #KeralaTourism #KrishnaBeachResort #NavyVeterans #Reunion #RechergeLife #powerhouseOfEnergy #LivingLife #IndianNavy #ghumakkadhb #ghumakkadharsh