WELCOME TO KOZHIKODE

Calicut or Kozhikode is well known for its beautiful landscape, festival calendar and above all its warm and fun loving local populace. Kozhikode has an important part in the history of Kerala as the Portuguese explorer; Vasco Da Gama had first set foot on its shores at Kappad beach. It was a busy port and a trading hub and was of great strategic importance in the yore. The name Calicut, is thought to have originated from Calico, the hand woven cloth, which originated here. Kozhikode is an interesting juxtaposition of the old and the new. The bustling bazaars and the historic attractions rub shoulders with the state of the art buildings and structures, giving it a diverse character.

There are many tourist places to visit in Calicut. Take a peek at the past by visiting the Kappad Beach & Beypore Fort. The unspoilt and unbelievably uncrowded, the Kappad beach offers a memorable experience. Enjoy one of the best sunsets that you have ever seen or soak up the enviably slow pace of life here. Nothing seems to have changed in Kappad for the last many years and this timeless charm is what makes it a hot tourist attraction.The bird watchers cannot afford to miss out a trip to the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, which is home to over hundred bird species. All Calicut holidays would invariably have a trip to the Thusharagiri waterfall that beats down from an impressive height. It is a popular trekking and rock-climbing spot as well, which makes it popular among adventure tourists. No matter whether you are here to enjoy a tranquil holiday in the lap of nature or an adrenalin fueled holiday, Tusharagiri would be the right option. It also has crocodile farm, managed by the state forest department.

Peruvannamuzhi dam site is another must see in Calicut Tourism . Nestled amidst verdant green hillocks, it is a popular picnic spot. Speed boat and slow boat cruise options are available in the reservoirs. In case you wish to do something off the beaten track, then set out on exploring the uninhabited islands nearby, which would surely be a memorable experience for sure! .Calicut sightseeing is easy and hassle free as the city is well accessible by air, rail or bus.  The international airport is situated 22 km from the city centre. Taxis and auto rickshaws are convenient options to travel around the city and the best part is that these run on meters unlike the many other cities of Kerala.

No Calicut tours can be complete without making a stopover at the fabled food joints of this city that is well known for its exotic dining options including dum biriyani and exceptional Malabar meat and fish preparations. Do not forget to buy the famous Calicut halwa, which is available in various lip smacking flavors and the freshly made, crispy banana chips.    If shopping is on your cards, then head straight to SM  Street, where you can shop for anything under the sun literally! Make sure to grab the iconic Calico cloth that is available only here as a souvenir of your Calicut tours!

 

                      PILGRIMCENTRES IN KOZHIKODE                  

MISHKAL MOSQUE

Mishkal Mosque at Kuttichira, Kozhikode This five-storied structure is a landmark architecturally as well as historically. Built by a rich Arab businessman and ship owner Nakhooda Mishkal, nearly 650 years ago, this mosque is built extensively of wood barring the outer Italian tile paving, the laterite superstructure and the Malabar tiles on the roof. The entire structure is supported on 24 solid pillars of carved wood and there are 47 doors, which are opened to receive devotees, 300 of whom can pray on the ground floor alone. The salient features of old mosque in Kerala include the abundant use of timber and an absence of couples and minarets. A unique feature of this mosque in Kerala here is the square or rectangular tanks attached to them, similar to those in temples of Kerala. The Kuttichira tank though is a little away from Mishkal Mosque. Old, weather beaten laterite benches surroundings the tank afford an inviting retreat to men in the locality who gather here for after dinner chats. A local resident, Prof Koya, is considered an authority on Kuttichira and Mishkal Mosque in Kerala.

MOTHER OF GOD CATHEDRAL

This 14th century Gothic Cathedral by Jesuit missionaries stands on a site where a Portuguese chapel known as Metri Dei once stood. Locally known as Valliyapalli, this pilgrim centre in Kerala is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic congregation in Malabar.It is said that Italian architects were brought to Kozhikode to design the church. This ancient shrine is a tribute to Italian know-how and the skill of Indian craftsmen.The adjoining cemetery holds old grave stones, some well preserved, like that of the first Catholic missionary of Kozhikode, Rev Pedro de Covilhany arrived here on May 20, 1498.

TALI TEMPLE AT KOZHIKKODE

Tali Temple, Kozhikode, Kerala Built in the 14th century, its origin goes back to a small temple at this spot in a village called Tali that belonged to the Namboodiris. When the Zamorin invaded and captured Kozhikode in the 13th century, and took over the control of the temple. Manavikraman, a later Zamorin, built the temple on a larger scale. During wars with Tipu Sultan the temple suffered extensive damages. Large scale renovation was carried out in 1964.The intricate bas-relief on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum is fascinating. Equally interesting is the elaborate carvings on the wooden roof. Tali Temple is the venue of Revathi Pattathanam, an annual cultural and intellectual event and is an important pilgrim centre in Kerala.

 

CSI CHURCH

C.S.I Christ Church In 1815, in the small town of Basel in Switzerland, the Basel Mission was constituted to resist the aggression launched by French conqueror, Napoleaon Bonaparte. Nearly two decades later, in October 1834, a group of Basel missionaries arrived in Kozhikode where they set up headquarters. In 1842, the biggest Basel Mission church in Malabar came up. This church in Kerala situated in the heart of the city, is today CSI church.The cathedral has the distinction of being adorned with the only pipe organ among all the dioceses in Kerala, a gift from St Ayden’s Church in Cheltenham, England.

MUCHUNDIPALLI

Built in the 13th century, this is the oldest mosque in the city. A stone slab inscribed in the ancient script called Vattezhuthu (early Malayalam script), narrating the donation of the property to the mosque by a Zamorin, was found nearby. It has been subsequently installed on a wall inside the mosque.

VALAYANADU DEVI KSHETRAM

The temple dates back to the 14th century when despite having an immense army, the ruling Zamorin could not conquer the kingdom of Valluvakkonathiri. Realizing that kingdom’s spiritual strength was the reason for their failure in battle, the Zamorin started worshipping devi intensely. On subsequently attaining victory, he consecrated a temple for the devi in Valayanadu.The biggest festival of the temple, held in the Malayalam month of Makaram (Dec-Jan) and lasting for eight days, attracts a huge number of devotees.

LOKANARKAVU TEMPLE

Lokanarkavu temple, one of the famous Bhagavathi temples situated in Malabar, is a temple associated with the heroes and heroines of Vadakkanpattu (Northern Ballads)of Kerala. It is said that  Thacholi Othenan, the legendary martial hero of Kerala, used to worship Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi every day. Situated at Memunda, about 2 kms from Vadakara  and 54 kms from Kozhikode (formerly Calicut) the main deity here is Goddess Durga. The magnificent murals and intricate carvings of Lokanarkavu temple are a delight to art lovers.The most famous Vettakkorumakan temple is the Balussery Vettakkorumakan temple.Balussery Vettackorumakan Kavu is situated east of Quilandy twenty five kilometers from Kozhikode ( Calicut) via karappampu - kakkodi.Vettakkorumakan Pattu is a special ritual performed to please Lord Vettakkorumakan( Formerly this temple was owned by the Kurumbranad Rajas). Pantheerayiram thengayeru (breaking of 12000 coconuts continuously in a rythmic motion) is a unique ceremony performed for Vettekkaran pattu. Vettakkorumakan Pattu ritual is almost similar to Ayyappan Thiyyattu.

SREE VETTAKKORUMAKAN TEMPLE, BALUSSERY

Lord Vettakkorumakan or Vettekkaran is a popular deity worshipped in North Kerala. Some devotees believe that the deity is Kirathamoorthy or Lord Shiva in the form of a hunter. Others consider Him as the son of Lord Kiratha (Shiva in tribal hunter form) and Goddess Kirathi (Parvathi in tribal huntress form). There is another view that Lord Vettakkorumakan is a form of Lord Ayyappa. It's a fact that most of the Vettakkorumakan temples are situated in Malabar region where as most of the Ayyappa temples are situated in Travancore - Cohin region of Kerala. The legend of Vettakkorumakan is connected with the Kiratharjuneeyam story in Mahabharatha.

                    PALCES TO VISIT IN KOZHIKODE

KAPPAD BEACH

The popularity of the Kappad Beach is owing to the fact that it was the place where Vasco da Gama, the famous world explorer first set his foot. A stone monument is erected on the beach to commemorate the significant historical event. This rock studded beach is called by the locals as Kappakkadavu. It is considered to be the gateway to the Malabar Coast. Tourists can reach Kappad by availing the backwaters that offers an enjoyable experience. They can reach the beach by taking a ride down the backwaters through the River Korappuzha.

KOZHIKODE BEACH

Kozhikode, the most important region of Malabar in yesteryears, was the capital of the powerful Zamorins and also a prominent trade and commerce center. It was here at Kappad that Vasco Da Gama landed in his search for the spices of the Orient. Today the serene beaches, lush green countryside, historic sites, all combine to make this a popular tourist destination filled with a warm ambience.Kozhikode Beach is a favourite haunt of sunset viewers. Its natural beauty and old world charm makes it a dreamy place to visit. The beach has an old lighthouse and two crumbling piers running into the sea, each more than a hundred years old. Children can be entertained at the Lions Park and the Marine Water Aquarium. Should you be able to drag yourself away from the beach the city of Calicut or Kozhikode awaits you with its unique culture and other treasures.

MANANCHIRA

Mananchira Square is the palace tank of King Vikrama, one of the great rulers in the region. It is situated in the heart of the city and is named after the Mananchira pond that spans an area of a square kilometre. While the place derived the name from the pond, the pond derived its name from the ruler of Zamoothiri Kingdom known as Manadevan. The palace tank has a traditional architectural design and is reminiscent of the ancient times. The Square is inclusive of the Mananchira Square, pond or Mananchira and Old Krishanamenon part comprising of the musical fountain. The Mananchira Square is surrounded by temples, churches, mosques and several traditional houses. The whole square is encircled by a laterite-sculpted wall and the area is carpeted with green grass.The Square comprises various important buildings including the Public Library, Town Hall and Commonwealth Trust office. It was primarily the main courtyard of the Zamorin Rulers palace but presently, it has been converted into a beautiful park. The ‘Maithan’ has been changed to an arcadia with trees and plants, shrubs, artificial hill and sculpture. Besides a musical fountain, the Square comprises of an artificial stream, open-air theatre and music stage.

SWEET MEAT STREET (MIDHAYITHERUVU)

Sweet Meat Street (S M Street), locally known as ‘mittayitheruvu’ is the busiest street in Kozhikode city of Kerala. In olden times the street was lined with several sweetmeat stalls and hence the name.Today also there are old bakery shops selling the famous ‘Kozhikodan halwa’ and banana chips. For travellers to Kozhikode, this sweet is a not-to-miss experience.Strolling through the buzzing street in the evening is interesting.Parsi Anju Amman Baug, Kerala’s only Parsi fire temple is located in this street. The temple is believed to have been established about 200 years ago.Parsi traders from Gujarat and Bombay (Mumbai) came to Kozhikode for trade purposes. Since ancient times, Kozhikode (Calicut) was a prominent trade and commerce centre.Though there were hundreds of Parsi families in the district, today only one family exists. Others left the place for better trade opportunities.

THE PAZHASSI RAJA MUSEUM

The Pazhassiraja Museum is situated in East Hill, at a distance of 5 km from the Kozhikhode town. It houses several historical and archaeological artefacts that are significant to the region such as the antique bronzes, gold coins, old paintings, ancient umbrella stones and monuments that are megalithic in nature such as the dolmonoid cysts. The art gallery and museum was named after Pazhassiraja Kerala Varma of the Padinjare Kovilakom of the royal family of Kottayam. Pazhassiraja was known for leading the renowned ‘Pazhassi Revolt’ and introducing guerrilla warfare against the British colonialism.Timing: 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Tuesdays to Sundays).

KRISHNA MENON MUSEUM

Few kilometers away from the heart of Kozhikode city at East Hill, the Krishna Menon Museum houses a good collection of paintings by Raja Raja Varma and Raja Ravi Varma. A section is devoted to the memorabilia of the late V.K. Krishna Menon, former Indian Defence Minister and national leader.The section in honor of the great Indian leader V.K Krishna Menon has on display the collection of personal belongings and souvenirs gifted by this world leader. It is next to the Pazhassi Raja Museum.Timings: 9.30 am to 12.30 pm 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm.Closed on Mondays.

CVN KALARI SANGAM

 A good place to get a taste of this fascinating art form would be the C.V.N. Kalari Sangham, the Kalari and Ayurvedic treatment centre at Nadakkavu, Calicut. Established in 1955, this is a well-known institute for training in this ancient system of martial art and physical culture. The gurus, the teachers of the Kalari apart from being masters at Kalaripayattu are also adept in the Kalari way of treatment for muscular, neuro and orthopaedic disorders and body massaging (uzhichil) for general health. There is a presiding deity for the Kalari - Lord Shiva in combination with Goddess Shakti, and traditional lamps are lit and worship conducted daily. The centre has produced some very famous Kalari exponents. Tourists can watch live demonstrations of the art, which involves the sword and supreme agility.

THE KADALUNDI BIRD SANCTUARY

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, about 19 km from Kozhikode and 7 km from Beypore Port on the Arabian Sea, Calicut district, north Kerala.The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. The place is locally known as Kadalundi Nagaram.This virgin land is the abode more than a hundred species of native birds and over 60 species of migratory birds, like seagulls, terns, sandpipers, sandplovers, red and greenshanks, turnstones, that flock here in large numbers from October to March.A hillock nearby, which is 200 m above sea level, offers a splendid view of the river mouth and the sea. Kadalundi is also known for a wide variety of fish, mussels and crabs.

THUSHARAGIRI WATERFALLS

The Thusharagiri Waterfalls is as beautiful as its name. Nearby the waterfall are plantations of spices, ginger and pepper. A drive through one of these is bound to be an exhilarating experience. The Peruvannamuzhi dam and its surrounding areas also make for a good picnic spot; fresh air, greenery, walks through the forests, you can have all this and more here. The best way to drink in the beauty around would be to take a slow boat cruise along the reservoir. The area also has a bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm. If you want to do something a bit more ‘wild,’ you can make a visit to one of the uninhabited islands here. Kakkayam also has a dam; the site around the dam is ideal for trekking and rock climbing.  

KUNJALI MARAKKAR’S RESIDENCE

The Kunjali Marakkar Museum is situated about five kilometres from Payyoli, at Kottakkal near Puthanpadam.Marakkar was the title given to the family of valorous fighters, who were the admirals of the Zamorin’s fleet.  Kunjali Marakkar, the most famous of them, fought valiantly against the Portuguese army. It was only through treachery that the Portuguese could finally defeat him. He was captured and later, beheaded in Goa.The Kujhali Marakkar museum, the old house of the brave warrior, has on display the sword that he used. Cannon balls and some other war relics belonging to the period of the Zamorins can also be seen here.

BEYPORE

Beypore is located about 10 km south of Kozhikode town at the mouth of the Chaliyar River. Historically, it has a special place as being one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours, and was also an important trade and maritime centre during the days of the early Arab and Chinese travelers and later the Europeans. Soon after gaining prominence as a port and trade centre, Beypore slowly began to flourish as a centre for shipbuilding, since ships were 0in great demand merchants from Western Asia. The shipbuilding yard at Beypore is famous for its traditional construction of the Uru or the Arabian trading vessel. This tradition of shipbuilding is nearly 1,500 years old, and the craftsmanship of the workers here is exceptional.

Traditionally, Arabs constitute the major chunk of buyers. They place orders with their specifications and needs. Unlike modern day shipbuilding involving the development of blueprint and machinery to facilitate manufacturing of ships, here, at Beypore everything is conceived in the minds of the shipwrights, who as a team execute the highly intricate woodwork to perfection. It is an amazing aspect if one is to observe the manner in which the Uru takes shape with minimum sophistication in production. The entire team observes certain work ethics, of which discipline is the foremost. A visit to this historic place is a must in order to have a close look at some of the deft fingers and alert minds, measuring and fixing different parts of the ship to perfection.

LION'S PARK

This children’s theme and amusement park is located next to the popular light house on the Calicut beach. The theme park offers various rides for both the children and the parents. The park is also the ideal setting for enjoying good view of the sunset.

KALIPOYIKA

Kalipoyika is situated at a distance of 2 km from Kozhikode. Tourists can avail the option of cruising on the waters at Kalipoika in both row and pedal boats. It will be kept open from 8.00 am to 7.00 pm.

CANOLLY CANAL

Canolly canal is also known as ElathurKallai canal. It was named after the former collector of Malabar R. Canolly who constructed this canal.  It is a man-made canal constructed in 1850.  It became famous in the year 1950′s. This canal links the Purapparamba River with other rivers flowing in the city.this place is best suited for boating. It also connects the Korapuzha River in north side and Kallai River in South side. It has a length of about 11.4 km and has a width which ranges from 6 to 20m and it covers about 150 m.  During the rainy season the level of the water ranges from 0.5 to 2 m.

ELATHUR RIVER

Elathur River is also called as Korapuzha River. It is located within 18.9 km away from Kappad. It is located among the edges of north Malabar and south Malabar. Elathur River is created by connecting of two rivers namely Agalapuzha and Punnurpuzha.  These two rivers begin flowing from the mountain of Wayanad district. The Punnurpuzha is the significant branch of west coast Inland navigation system and starts flowing from Arikanakunnu.  It starts to flow from Agalapuzha and Arikkanakunnu and supply as backwaters. It covers a length about 40 kms and it has a drainage area about 624 sq km.  It joins with the Arabian Sea at Elathur.  It passes through other places like Kallai, Beypore and Kozhikode. The river and other major tributaries form more waves as it is very close to Arabian Sea.In old Malabar district Elathur River is normally considered as the line between south Malabar and north Malabar. Until the 20th century women from north Malabar prohibit to marry a south Malabar man. Those who don’t follow this rule are punished.

KOLAVIPALAM BEACH

Kolavipalam beach is one of the prominent beaches in Kozhikode in Kerala district. It is also called as “turtle beach”. It is situated in the south side of the Murad River within 4 km away from Kottakal and located very close to Payyoli beach. In this beach you can find many turtles hence it is called as turtle beach. The turtle seen in this beach is not an ordinary turtle it’s a special turtle belongs Olive Ridley turtle’s family. The best season to see this turtle in the sea shore is in the month of September. For this reason many tourist visits this place during the season time.