History of Calicut (aka Kozikode) has it that the Sacrifice Rock was used as a watching site for Kunjali Marakkar, the Naval Chief of the Zamorin Dynasty which ruled Calicut in the late 15th century (1490s through 1560 or so). Marakkar used to camp on the Sacrifice Rock in protecting the waters leading to Calicut. Calicut, known for its rich trade prospects was monopolised by Arab trade till then. Postuguese in due course, aware of the high trade potential of Calicut were now interested to overtake the Arabs in trading with Calicut. Vasco-da-gama in 1498 initiated these efforts. The portuguese began attacking the Arab ships enroute Calicut, which upset Zamorin, which caused Marakkar to fight the Portuguese away. Battles in the sea around the rock, evident from marks on its surface were severe. Marakkar was once able to kill a whole crew of the Potuguese ship, about 150 of them, from the Sacrifice Rock. Fishermen to this day look at the Sacrifice Rock with awe and fear (they believe evil spirits of the deceased crew to live around the Rock).
It is interesting to see the beautiful figures nature has engraved on this rock, in addition to the artillary marks that are left behind from the fights fought from it.
(Does'nt the picture on the above left remind you of a skull? eeeeeks..)
Note the size of people on top of a part of the rock, should give you an idea of the size of the Sacrifice Rock.Other Details:
Distance from coast ~ 13 kms
Location of the rock - 08º1812º42N 074º53077º07E
Depth of Sea water around the rock ~ 18 mts
Island belongs to Kerala State Group