Ezhimala (also known as Ezhimalai), a hill reaching a height of 286 metres, is located near Payyanur, in Kannur District of Kerala, South India. As the former capital of the ancient Mushika Kingdom, it is considered to be an important historical site, and is a conspicuous and isolated cluster of hills, forming a promontory, 38 km north of Kannur Town. A flourishing seaport and center of trade around the beginning of the Common Era, it was also one of the major battlefields of the Chola-Chera Wars, in the 11th century. It is believed by some that Lord Buddha had visited Ezhimala. The hill was once known as Mount Delly by the English or Monte D'Ely by the Portuguese.