A 3D image of the proposed open stage over the pond at Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village, Iringal, Kozhikode.
The Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village at Iringal, near Vadakara, in Kozhikode is being upgraded as part of the Global Gateway to Malabar’s Cultural Crucible project.
New infrastructure as well as a drastic change in the landscape is envisaged. The construction of a multi-cuisine restaurant is already under way.
“This project is completely funded by the Union government as per the recommendations of the State government. The project, for which ₹95.34 crore has already been sanctioned, is expected to develop the destination on a global scale. It is also part of the proposed Sargaalaya-Beypore tourism circuit,” said T.K. Rajesh, senior general manager of Sargaalaya.
Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale
The project being implemented at Sargaalaya is one of the two recommended by the State government under the Development of Iconic Tourist Centres to Global Scale scheme, the other being the Kollam Biodiversity and Recreational Hub on the banks of Ashtamudi Lake which is being developed at ₹59.71 crore.
Besides the restaurant, some of the highlights of the project include a light-and-sound show, an open stage, visitors’ pavilion, art gallery, a conference hall, Kalari centre, children’s play area, craft workshops, demo spaces, decentralised food court, air-conditioned cafeteria and a whole new landscaping.
The multi-cuisine restaurant, resembling a floating one, is being set up on one side of the rocky pond in the village. The construction on raised pillars will not affect the pond. The light-and-sound show to be set up in the pond is touted to be the biggest in south India. The stage will be positioned amid the pond where live performances will be held. “The light-and-sound show will be based on the folklore and culture of the Kadathanad region. There will be one or two shows every day after 7 p.m.,” Mr. Rajesh said.
Visitors’ pavilion
The art gallery to be set up beside the visitors’ pavilion will be available for artists’ residencies and exhibitions. There will be craft demonstration spaces along the path towards the main building. Besides the food court, there will be a cafe in the courtyard at the centre of the main building. There will be food demonstrations at the restaurant. The air-conditioned cafeteria will have a seating capacity of 150.
The landscaping will be changed completely with more greenery included.
“Some of these are part of the proposed master plan for Sargaalaya. Besides what is included in the project, we also plan to change the interior of the craft stalls already present,” Mr. Rajesh said.
The project is being undertaken by the Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society, which manages Sargaalaya and is expected to be completed by March 2026.
Published – June 30, 2025 04:51 pm IST