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 conceptualized wholly in the mind of the master craftsmen. And log by log, each component comes together like a giant jigsaw 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 fledging 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.Basking in the generosity of the sun and rain the climate of Kerala supports a lush vegetation and a wide array of wildlife unlike anywhere else in the country.

This miraculously unspoiled serene wilderness is all nature lovers' paradise and rapidly gaining momentum as a popular tourist hub in and around the country. The exotic Kerala beaches on the crystal waters of the Arabian Sea are little pieces of heaven on earth. The Beypore beach is particularly popular.The Khalasis the traditional boat builders at Beypore were famous as the manufacturer of Uru the boats used mainly by Arabs for trading overseas. The ancient Uru has an indigenous design that has been passed down through generations. Witnessing an Uru take shape at the expert hands of a Khalasi, is a truly unforgettable experience. The nearest airport to Beypore is the Calicut airport at Karipur, 23 km from Calicut city.