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Welcome to Ishabil Nest.

🏡 Ishabil Nest: Our Home, Our Journey, Your Budget Travel Guide Welcome to Ishabil Nest —a place we call home in the serene Oorakam Village of the beautiful Kerala state, India. My name is Ikbal Valiyathodi , and this website is a window into my world of family, collecting, and, most importantly, budget travel . 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Story Behind the Name The name Ishabil is the heart of our family. It's a loving blend derived from the names of my children: Isha and Shabil , with a nod to my youngest, Ishwa . This home, this nest, is built on their love, and it's the anchor for all my global adventures. ✨ Our Collections: A World Under One Roof Step inside Ishabil Nest, and you'll find reflections of the world I've explored. We take great pride in our carefully curated collections: Miniature Landmarks: As you can see from our cabinet, we have an extensive collection of miniature buildings and world-famous landmarks—a tangible reminder of the architecture and cultures I...
Recent posts

Chasing Mist and History: A Journey to Oorakam Hill

  They say the best views come after the hardest climbs, but sometimes, the best views are hiding right in your backyard, waiting to be discovered. This is exactly how it feels to visit Oorakam Hill , a hidden treasure tucked away in the Malappuram district of Kerala. Imagine standing 2,000 feet above the ground, where the wind whispers in your ears and the clouds feel close enough to touch. This isn’t just a hill; it is a place where history sleeps and the modern world looks like a toy set below. The Journey Begins The adventure starts on the Malappuram-Vengara State Highway . You leave the busy town traffic behind and turn off at a spot called Oorakam Poolapees . For the next 4 kilometers, you travel along a winding path. The road here is what you might call "medium" —it isn't a silky smooth highway, but it isn't a rough off-road track either. It is a manageable drive that most vehicles can handle with ease. As you drive up, the air starts to get cooler, offering a ...

Oorakam: A Saga of Heritage, Struggle, and Culture

  Oorakam Grama Panchayat is not just a geographical entity; it is a land steeped in history, nestled in the scenic folds of the Malappuram district. Situated at the western edge of the old Eranad Taluk, between the flowing Kadalundi River and the majestic Oorakam Hill, this village comprises the areas of Oorakam, Melmuri, and Keezhmuri. From its origins as a dense forest to its evolution into a culturally rich society, the story of Oorakam is one of resilience and transformation. 1. The Land of Hills and Folklore Etymology and Geography The name "Oorakam" is believed to be derived from the phrase "Malamadakkukalkkakath Kidanna Ooru" (The village lying inside the folds of the hills). Centuries ago, this region was a dense wilderness, isolated from the outside world, with the Kadalundi River serving as the only link to civilization. The land’s wild past is echoed in its place names: Karimpili Pannippara (Pig Rock) Mullan Madakkal (Po...

Oorakam: The Village Nestled in the Folds of Malappuram

  Located in the verdant landscapes of the Malappuram district, Oorakam Grama Panchayat is a region defined by its stunning topography and rich history. Situated within the Tirurangadi Taluk and the Malappuram Block, this scenic village covers an area of 21.65 square kilometers. From its lush paddy fields to its historic hills, Oorakam offers a glimpse into the serene village life of Kerala. Geography and Topography Oorakam represents the quintessential beauty of the Kerala countryside. Historically part of the western edge of the old Eranad Taluk, the panchayat is geographically situated between the Kadalundi River and the imposing Oorakam Hill (Oorakam Mala). The landscape is a mesmerizing blend of diverse terrains: Steep Slopes & Hills: The region is marked by high hill ranges and steep slopes. Laterite Terrain: Large sections of the land feature laterite-rich hills (Chenkallu). Waterbodies: Crystal-clear streams flow down from the mountain ranges, feeding into the agricultu...

The World in Miniature: A Tour of the Ishabil Nest Collection.

  Welcome to Ishabil Nest , where the world’s most iconic skylines and historic marvels fit right on a shelf. Our curated collection of over 50 architectural miniatures brings together the engineering of the modern world and the artistry of ancient history. From the romantic streets of Paris to the holy sanctuaries of Makkah, this is a journey across continents—no passport required. Here is an inside look at the treasures housed within the Ishabil Nest. 🏙️ Reaching for the Clouds: The Skyscrapers The crown jewels of the collection are undoubtedly the titans of the skyline. The collection features a timeline of the "World's Tallest Buildings," represented in intricate detail. The Burj Khalifa (Dubai, UAE): Standing as the tallest existing structure in the world, our metal replica pays homage to this 830-meter giant. The Petronas Towers (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia): We hold a distinct 20x4 cm iron replica of these twin marvels, which held the title of the world's tallest...

The Arabian Ascent: Trading the Shop Counter for the Saudi Hustle,

  My name is Ikbal Valiyathodi , it  is a deeply personal life story of my early working life in Kerala, the financial realities that necessitated a shift, and the often-challenging initial steps I took in Saudi Arabia to build a better future. Early Entrepreneurship in Kerala My professional life began right at home. Even during my student years, I spent my free time working at my father's shop. By 1998, I was fully integrated into the business. I managed the shop solo in my father's absence and assisted him when he was there, absorbing the essentials of trade and customer service under his guidance. Around the year 2000, my uncle launched a distribution agency for the confectionery brand  Nutrin , supplying sweets to nearby regions. My cousin Nooru and I became part of this venture. Though it was a completely new field, we managed to make headway. As the product line expanded, our mode of transport upgraded from a Jeep to a van The Gulf Necessity Despite being actively ...