Mananchira Square
Located in the busiest part of the city, the Mananchira Square encircles the Mananchira tank, the private bath of the Samuthiris in the erstwhile era. The Square, which was recently renovated, houses some of the most important structures of the city like the Commonwealth Trust Factory, Town Hall, Public Library, Lalitkala Academy Hall, CSI Church, Pattalam Mosque, Commonwealth Spinning Mill, Kuttichera (an old Mapilla settlement), Mishkal Mosque, Kuttichera Tank, Jama'atpalli Mosque and Muchhandipalli Mosque. The last mentioned mosque is the oldest one in Kozhikode while the second last one boasts of the largest floor area amongst all the mosques in Kerala. The Kuttichera Tank is sacred for both Hindus and Muslims while the Spinning Mill is a 500 year old structure. The Lalitkala Academy is the venue for a number of art exhibitions that take place in Kozhikode.
The Sweat Meat Street is famous for Mithai Theruvu, a sweet that has made Kozhikode quiet popular in Kerala. The sweet comes in various colours - red, yellow, green and black and is fondly referred to as Kozhikode 'halwa'. Yet another Keralese edible attraction, the banana chips are also available here. The Street begins from the Mananchera Square
This market place bustles with a whole lot of activities going on simultaneously. The major attraction of the market is the Mohiudeen Mosque which is the only one of its kind in entire Kerala in the sense that it is equipped with close circuit TV to enable the Imam deliver his sermons to a large number of people spread out at different storeys at the same time.
The Thali Temple was constructed by the Samuthiris and played host to the famous Revathi Pattanam. This annual competition had a number of artists exhibiting the skills and talents infront of the Samuthiri. Today, the temple is still a religious hotspot for Hindus. Nearby is the old Samuthiri Kovilakam which now serves as a school of Samuthiri.
Beaches are a special attraction in the state of Kerala. Kozhikode is no exception. The beach here allows you to take a relaxing walk on the sand with pleasant breezes blow on your face. Also, you can taste some exotic seafood at beach stalls. There is also a Lion's Park which is of special interest to the children as there is a play area for them. There are also a lighthouse and two piers to catch your attention.
The Dolphin Point is a place near the beach from where you can spot a few dolphins jumping and playing with the sea water. Mornings are just perfect for dolphin sighting.
This is where the planetarium and the Science park of Kozhikode is located. The Science Park displays huge working models of bisects that are immensely popular with children. For adults, the park provides shady areas to rest and enjoy cool breezes. The Planetarium begins its show every day at 2, 4 and 6 pm.
The Pazhassi Raja Museum is located atop the East Hill at a distance of 6 km from the Kozhikode town. The museum displays items like antique bronzes and old coins, as well as models of temples, megalithic monuments like dolminoid cysts and umbrella stones. Mural paintings are an added attraction of the Museum. Very nearby is the Krishna Menon Art Gallery that exhibits the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and Raja Raja Varma. A section of the art gallery is dedicated to late V.K. Krishna Menon, former Indian Defence Minister and national leader. Items that have an association with him are kept in this section.
Kirtads or the Kerala Institute of Research and Development of Scheduled Tribes and Castes is a tribal study centre located at a distance of around 9 km from Kozhikode. The library here contains mostly literature on tribals. There is also a museum in this study centre. The Study Centre is open everyday from 10 am to 5 pm, except on Sundays, second Saturdays and public holidays.
Kalaripayattu, the famous ancient martial art form of Kerala has close connection with Kozhikode in the sense that Kozhikode the CVN Kalari Sangam of this place has produced a number of expert fighters. You can see for yourself this art form and the artists (if fighters can be so called) in action. Prior request needs to be made so that a demonstration is arranged. The Kalari centre is situated in Nadakkavu.
Kallai river has its origin in the Western Ghats and culminates in the Arabian Sea. Timber trade keeps this river vibrant and full of action. Stand on a bridge across the Kallai river and witness a number of timber logs tied together and floating like a raft. The sunset views from this bridge is specially mindblowing.
At a distance of 17 km from Kozhikode, is this pristine beach that revels in its historical importance. It was this place where Vasco da Gama, the famous Portuguese sailor set his feet first in the year 1498. A moss covered monument still stands today to narrate the story of the arrival. The beach is ideal for relaxing and playing around with sand.
Just north to the Kappad beach (and 20 km from Kozhikode) is Elathur, a place where the Korpuzzha river meets Arabian Sea. A boat ride at this place is extremely enjoyable experience. Moreover, there are plenty of shellfish and kallumakya seen here.
This is a temple located at a distance of 28 km from Kozhikode. The temples significance lies in the fact that the murals inside it are the oldest one in entire state of Kerala. An annual festival in the month of April - May, that is in the Malayalam month of Meda, brings alive the hidden spirit of the people around. It is a time for them to rejoice and feel proud of their culture.
This lighthouse, that has been guiding sailors for a long time now, can be seen right from Kappad itself. From atop, you can have a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea, however, prior permission is required for this. Also, climbing the winding stairs is an amazing experience itself. The name of Payyoli Beach instantly rings a bell. This is the same place that gave India a marvellous sportsperson in form of PT Usha. And this beach is the one from where she started her initial practice. The lighthouse and the beach is at a distance of 30 km from the Kozhikode town.
From Kozhikode, this house is at a distance of 45 km. A gruesome story associates itself with this house. Kunhali Marikar was a naval captain of Samuthiris and had led many forces that fought against the Portuguese. Frustrated by his constant win, the Portuguese resorted to treachery. He was beheaded in Goa and moreover his head was brought back and hung on a pole for the rest to see. The Residence still displays the sword and cannon ball that he used while fighting for his land.
This is a splendid fall that lies at a distance of 48 km from the town of Kozhikode. The falls are worth visiting for their scenic beauty and tranquility. Watching the waterfall from a great height is extremely soothing.
The Temple here finds a place in the Vadakkan Pattukal (Ballads of North). The temple, which is situated at a distance of 54 km from Kozhikode town, is dedicated to Goddess Durga. The highlights of the temple are magnificent murals and exquisite carvings on walls.
The Peruvannamuzh Dam is located at a distance of 50 km from Kozhikode and is a perfect place to relax and have fun. Opportunities for boat rides are available on the dam. There is a bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm nearby too. The Kakkayam Dam is an excellent destination for those who wish to have a glimpse of wildlife while trekking and rock climbing.
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