Kozhicode - (Calicut) - Kerala
Beach Road:
KozhikodeBeach, a favourite haunt of sunset viewers is also a good place for trying out seafood delicacies like kallumekaya (mussels) available at the numerous stalls lining the promenade. At dawn, a walk along Dolphin's Point will reward you with a sight of playful dolphins. Adding to its natural beauty is the old world charm retained by the old lighthouse and the two crumbling piers that run into the sea, each more than a hundred years old. Entertainment facilities such as the LionsPark for children and the marine water aquarium are added attractions. The aquarium is open on all days from 0800 to 2000 hrs.
KozhikodeBeach, a favourite haunt of sunset viewers is also a good place for trying out seafood delicacies like kallumekaya (mussels) available at the numerous stalls lining the promenade. At dawn, a walk along Dolphin's Point will reward you with a sight of playful dolphins. Adding to its natural beauty is the old world charm retained by the old lighthouse and the two crumbling piers that run into the sea, each more than a hundred years old. Entertainment facilities such as the LionsPark for children and the marine water aquarium are added attractions. The aquarium is open on all days from 0800 to 2000 hrs.
Mananchira Square:
(Open 1500 - 2000 hrs on all days) Located in the heart of the city, this square is wrapped around the Mananchira Tank which is fed by a natural spring. Built by Mana Vikrama, the last Zamorin King, it has been preserved almost in its original form and continues to supply water. The sprawling estate adjoining the tank is now partly converted into a park. The musical fountain inside the maidan and the meticulously landscaped lawns surrounded by traditional buildings in the Kerala style are fascinatmg. The Public Library is situated here.
Parsi Anju Amman Baug:
This FireTemple on SM Street dates back to the period when the Parsis,lured by trade opportunities, settled in Kozhikode about 200 years ago.
TaliTemple:
(1 km east of Manancbira. Open 0430 -1100 hrs, 1700 -2030 hrs) Built in the 14th century for the Zarnorin within his palace complex, this temple was the venue of Revat Pattatbanam, tl,e annual cultural and intellectual event. The TaliTemple is an example of the total integration that can exist between wood and laterite, which is a remarkable feature of the Kerala style of architecture. The intricate bass-relief on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum and elaborate bras.scarvings on the wooden roof are quite fascinating.
Comtrust:
(Off Ihe Town Hall Road) The Commonwealth Handloom Weaving Factory pioneered by German missionaries who came to Malabar from Switzerland in 1844, produces worldclass products. It supplies upholstery to leading airlines and exports fabrics to the international market. A retail outlet on the premises seUsquality linen and upholstery at very reasonable rates.
Valiya Angadi:
Meaning Big Bazaar,this place situated between the beach and the town gives you a taste of the age-old fish trade of Kozhikode. Wholesale trading of fresh, salted and preserved fish is conducted here as it has been for centuries.
Kalipoika:
(2 km from Kozhikode) One can leisurely cruise the dappled waters of Kalipoika in both pedal and row boats. Boating time: 0800 - 1900 hrs.
Kallai:
(6km from the city) The banks of River Kallai with its numerous saw mills was once the second largest timber trading centre in Asia. A well-preserved old iron bridge built by the British offers a panoramic view of the river meeting the Arabian Sea. Sunsets here are especially beautiful.
Planetarium:
(Jaffar Khan Colony, Museum Road. Open 1030 - 1830 hrs) The 250-- seater Kozhikode Planetarium offers extensive insight into the mysteries of the universe, the planets and the galaxies. Entertaining as well as informative, a sophiscated Zeiss projector simulates the night sky. Daily shows at 1200, 1400, 1600 & 1800 hrs, Entrance fee: • Adults. Rs 5 • Children: Rs 30
Regional Science Centre:
Situated on the same compound as the planetarium, I!!J the Regional Science Centre has indoor and outdoor science displays. The entymology section called Giants of Nature and the aquarium are the other popular attractions here.
Pazhassi Raja Museum and Art Gallery:
(5 km from Kazhikade. Open 0900-1630 hrs, Break 1300 -1400 hrs. Closed an Mondays and other public holidays) On display here are copies of ancient murals, antique bronzes, old coins, excavated earthenware, models of temples, megalithic monuments like dol monoid cysts, umbrella stones etc. Adjacent to the museum is the art gallery which exhibits an excellent collection of paintings by RajaRajaVarma.
Krishna Menon Museum:
(Open 1000 -1700 hrs. Closed an Monday and Wednesday mornings) This museum has an exclusive wing dedicated to the late V K Krishna Menon, renowned statesman. His personal belongings and souvenirs are displayed herd.
Valayanadu Devi Kshetram:
(6km from Kozhikode. Open 0500 -1200 hrs, 1730- 2000 hrs) Dating back to the 14th century, this temple wasbuilt by the ruling Zamonn, who unable to conquer the kingdom ofValiuvakkonathire started worshipping the Coddess Devi intensely and on subsequently attaining victory consecrated a temple for the Deui in Valluvanadu.The biggest festival of this temple is held in the Malayaam month of Makaram and lastsfor eight days.
Varakkal Devi Temple:
(6 km from Kozhicode. Open 0500 - 1200 hrs, 1730 - 2000 hrs ) This is considered to be the 108th and the last Devi Temple built by Sree Parasurarna, the legendary founder of Kerala. It is believed that Parasurama ploughed this area in order to make the goddess appear before him. The main festival here is the vavu bali when thousands congregate to perform the ancestral rites. On this day, the sea is found to be surprisingly calm as if facilitating the religious observances.
Kirtads:
(7 km from Kozhikode. Open 1000 - 1700 hrs) The Kerala Institute for Research, Training and Development Studies of scheduled castes and tribes was started in 1972. The ethnological museum here houses a large collection of artefacts, tools and devices used by the ancient tribal communities of Kerala. A good library with books on anthropology and sociology is an added attraction.
Mannur Temple:
(12 km from Kozhikode) Modelled like the Siva Temple at Tiruvannur, this exquisitely carved Gajaprathishta-styled laterite structure is more than two centuries old. It is believed that Sree Parashurarna starts his Siva Linga prathista at Tiruvannur and completes it here every noon. The afternoon pujas here are therefore considered very special. The annual Sivaratri festival is celebrated in a big way.
Beypore:
(10 km south of Kozhilcode. Closed an public holidays) Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar River, Beypore was one of the prominent ports and maritime trading centre of ancient Kerala. Old-time Beypore was much sought-after by merchants from Western Asia for its ship-building industry. The boat building yard here, famous for the construction of the Uru (Arabian trading vessel), boasts a tradition of almost 1500 years. You can pick up toy boats and exquisite models of boats inside bottles from the many shops on the approach road, as well as from the Kairali Emporium.
Tasara Creative Centre:
(Off the Kozoihode-Beypore Road. Open 0900 - 1800 hrs) This unique weaving centre produces works of art in handloom mostly based on paintings. People can stay here for extended periods to get trained in the intricacies of painting, designing and weaving.
Kappad:
(16 km from Kozhikode) This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498, with 170 men in three vessels.Locally known asKappakadavu, a monument on the beach commemorates this historic event. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rocky headland that protrudes into the seaon which rests an 500-year-old temple.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary:
(19 km from Kozbikode and 7 km from Beypore Port) The sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundi River nows into the Arabian Sea.
Elathur:
(20 km from Kozbikode) Located where the Korapuzha River meets the Arabian Sea, this place lies to the north of Kappad. You can hire a country boat for a ride on the river and check out the shellfish or kallumeeaya found abundantly on the rocks jutting out to the sea.
Pisharikavu:
(28 km from Kozhikode. Open 0500 -1100 hrs, 1600 - 2000 hrs )This temple on the edge of Koilandi Town is famed for its murals which are among the oldest temple frescoes in Kerala The annual festival in the month of Medam (April - May) is a grand affair that attracts hordes of visitors.
Velliyamkallu:
(36 km from Kozhikode, on Payyoli Beach). This massive rock, much dreaded by navigators, was once a vantage point Forthe Marakkars to attack the invading Portuguese. The entire crew of a Portuguese ship was killed here. When the Portuguese conquered the land, they resorted to throwing troublemakers off the rocks into the sea and hence it came to be known asSacrifice Rock. The beautiful natural engravings on the rock are worth exploring. A one-hour boat ride from the beach will take visitors to Velliyamkallu.
Thikkoti Lighthouse:
The lighthouse which overlooks Velliyamkallu off the L:IJ Moodadi Coast was built after a shipwreck, the remains of which can still be seen here. The region around the Velliyarnkallu Rock is the transit home of migratory birds.
Payyoli Beach:
(40 km north of Kozhikode) This is yet another beautiful stretch of golden sands with shallow waters that border Velliyamkallu. The sea here is ideal for swimming. During November-December, hordes of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles come in to lay eggs.There is a nature conservation centre, Theeram, started by fishermen to save these turtles.
Kunhali Marikar's Residence:
(45 km from Kozhikode. Open 1000 -1700 hrs) The fort of this heroic Zamorin who fought valiantly against the Portuguese stands on Erringal Rock at Kottakal en route to Vadakara.Unable to defeat him in battle, the Portuguese resorted to treachery and beheaded him in Goa. The sword and cannon ball used by the Zamorin is displayed in his house located 5 km off Payyoli.
Kakkayam:
(45 km from Kozbikocie) This picturesque dam site, teeming with exotic wildlife, offers excellent trekking and rock climbing opportunities. The best time to visit is between November and April.
Vadakara:
(48 km from Kozhikode) The birth place of Thacholi Othenan- the legendary hero of the Vadakkan Pauukal (ballads of North Malabar), Vadakara boasts a great martial tradition and was a flourishing trade and commerce centre in ancient times. Thacholi Manikoth, the kalari where Thacholi Othenan practised his martial feats and spent long days in deep meditation before everypoytbu (duel), is a place worth visiting.
CVN Kalari Sangam:
(Nadakkavu. Open 0600 - 0900 hrs, 1700 -1900 hrs) This centre in Nadakkavu having produced many remarkable Kalari fighters enjoys a legendary position in the field of Kerala's ancient martial art. CVN Kalari Sangam also arranges special demonstrations on
request.
Thusharagiri Waterfall:
(50 km from Kozhikode) Famous for its trekking tracks, Thusharagiri is located near Vythiri in Wayanad. Waterfalls and streams abound in this hilly region. Trekkers have to start early morning from the second waterfall and climb uphill through the pristine, dense evergreen forests populated with exotic birds and wildlife to reach Vythiri by evening. The place also abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spice plantations. Bird Sanctuary.
Peruvannamuzhi:
(60 km from Kozhikode) The Peruvannamuzhi dam site, set amid hills is a beautiful picnic spot, The reservoir here provides facilities for speed and row boat cruises during which one can see the Smaraeatbottam . a garden built in memory of the freedom fighters of the region. Uninhabited islands, the bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place.
Wayanad Ghats:
The route to Wayanad through the lush green ghats has nine ohairpin bends, each turn taking one to a higher altitude offering a better view of the picturesque plains below. This route discovered by a tribal was developed by the British.
Iringal:
This is the birthplace of Kunjali Marakkar, who commanded the Zamorin's fleet and held the Portuguese vesselsat bay for a long period. The birthplace of this valiant admiral of the Zamorin, on the southern banks of the Moorad River, is toclay preserved by the Department of Archaeology.
(Open 1500 - 2000 hrs on all days) Located in the heart of the city, this square is wrapped around the Mananchira Tank which is fed by a natural spring. Built by Mana Vikrama, the last Zamorin King, it has been preserved almost in its original form and continues to supply water. The sprawling estate adjoining the tank is now partly converted into a park. The musical fountain inside the maidan and the meticulously landscaped lawns surrounded by traditional buildings in the Kerala style are fascinatmg. The Public Library is situated here.
Parsi Anju Amman Baug:
This FireTemple on SM Street dates back to the period when the Parsis,lured by trade opportunities, settled in Kozhikode about 200 years ago.
TaliTemple:
(1 km east of Manancbira. Open 0430 -1100 hrs, 1700 -2030 hrs) Built in the 14th century for the Zarnorin within his palace complex, this temple was the venue of Revat Pattatbanam, tl,e annual cultural and intellectual event. The TaliTemple is an example of the total integration that can exist between wood and laterite, which is a remarkable feature of the Kerala style of architecture. The intricate bass-relief on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum and elaborate bras.scarvings on the wooden roof are quite fascinating.
Comtrust:
(Off Ihe Town Hall Road) The Commonwealth Handloom Weaving Factory pioneered by German missionaries who came to Malabar from Switzerland in 1844, produces worldclass products. It supplies upholstery to leading airlines and exports fabrics to the international market. A retail outlet on the premises seUsquality linen and upholstery at very reasonable rates.
Valiya Angadi:
Meaning Big Bazaar,this place situated between the beach and the town gives you a taste of the age-old fish trade of Kozhikode. Wholesale trading of fresh, salted and preserved fish is conducted here as it has been for centuries.
Kalipoika:
(2 km from Kozhikode) One can leisurely cruise the dappled waters of Kalipoika in both pedal and row boats. Boating time: 0800 - 1900 hrs.
Kallai:
(6km from the city) The banks of River Kallai with its numerous saw mills was once the second largest timber trading centre in Asia. A well-preserved old iron bridge built by the British offers a panoramic view of the river meeting the Arabian Sea. Sunsets here are especially beautiful.
Planetarium:
(Jaffar Khan Colony, Museum Road. Open 1030 - 1830 hrs) The 250-- seater Kozhikode Planetarium offers extensive insight into the mysteries of the universe, the planets and the galaxies. Entertaining as well as informative, a sophiscated Zeiss projector simulates the night sky. Daily shows at 1200, 1400, 1600 & 1800 hrs, Entrance fee: • Adults. Rs 5 • Children: Rs 30
Regional Science Centre:
Situated on the same compound as the planetarium, I!!J the Regional Science Centre has indoor and outdoor science displays. The entymology section called Giants of Nature and the aquarium are the other popular attractions here.
Pazhassi Raja Museum and Art Gallery:
(5 km from Kazhikade. Open 0900-1630 hrs, Break 1300 -1400 hrs. Closed an Mondays and other public holidays) On display here are copies of ancient murals, antique bronzes, old coins, excavated earthenware, models of temples, megalithic monuments like dol monoid cysts, umbrella stones etc. Adjacent to the museum is the art gallery which exhibits an excellent collection of paintings by RajaRajaVarma.
Krishna Menon Museum:
(Open 1000 -1700 hrs. Closed an Monday and Wednesday mornings) This museum has an exclusive wing dedicated to the late V K Krishna Menon, renowned statesman. His personal belongings and souvenirs are displayed herd.
Valayanadu Devi Kshetram:
(6km from Kozhikode. Open 0500 -1200 hrs, 1730- 2000 hrs) Dating back to the 14th century, this temple wasbuilt by the ruling Zamonn, who unable to conquer the kingdom ofValiuvakkonathire started worshipping the Coddess Devi intensely and on subsequently attaining victory consecrated a temple for the Deui in Valluvanadu.The biggest festival of this temple is held in the Malayaam month of Makaram and lastsfor eight days.
Varakkal Devi Temple:
(6 km from Kozhicode. Open 0500 - 1200 hrs, 1730 - 2000 hrs ) This is considered to be the 108th and the last Devi Temple built by Sree Parasurarna, the legendary founder of Kerala. It is believed that Parasurama ploughed this area in order to make the goddess appear before him. The main festival here is the vavu bali when thousands congregate to perform the ancestral rites. On this day, the sea is found to be surprisingly calm as if facilitating the religious observances.
Kirtads:
(7 km from Kozhikode. Open 1000 - 1700 hrs) The Kerala Institute for Research, Training and Development Studies of scheduled castes and tribes was started in 1972. The ethnological museum here houses a large collection of artefacts, tools and devices used by the ancient tribal communities of Kerala. A good library with books on anthropology and sociology is an added attraction.
Mannur Temple:
(12 km from Kozhikode) Modelled like the Siva Temple at Tiruvannur, this exquisitely carved Gajaprathishta-styled laterite structure is more than two centuries old. It is believed that Sree Parashurarna starts his Siva Linga prathista at Tiruvannur and completes it here every noon. The afternoon pujas here are therefore considered very special. The annual Sivaratri festival is celebrated in a big way.
Beypore:
(10 km south of Kozhilcode. Closed an public holidays) Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar River, Beypore was one of the prominent ports and maritime trading centre of ancient Kerala. Old-time Beypore was much sought-after by merchants from Western Asia for its ship-building industry. The boat building yard here, famous for the construction of the Uru (Arabian trading vessel), boasts a tradition of almost 1500 years. You can pick up toy boats and exquisite models of boats inside bottles from the many shops on the approach road, as well as from the Kairali Emporium.
Tasara Creative Centre:
(Off the Kozoihode-Beypore Road. Open 0900 - 1800 hrs) This unique weaving centre produces works of art in handloom mostly based on paintings. People can stay here for extended periods to get trained in the intricacies of painting, designing and weaving.
Kappad:
(16 km from Kozhikode) This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498, with 170 men in three vessels.Locally known asKappakadavu, a monument on the beach commemorates this historic event. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rocky headland that protrudes into the seaon which rests an 500-year-old temple.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary:
(19 km from Kozbikode and 7 km from Beypore Port) The sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundi River nows into the Arabian Sea.
Elathur:
(20 km from Kozbikode) Located where the Korapuzha River meets the Arabian Sea, this place lies to the north of Kappad. You can hire a country boat for a ride on the river and check out the shellfish or kallumeeaya found abundantly on the rocks jutting out to the sea.
Pisharikavu:
(28 km from Kozhikode. Open 0500 -1100 hrs, 1600 - 2000 hrs )This temple on the edge of Koilandi Town is famed for its murals which are among the oldest temple frescoes in Kerala The annual festival in the month of Medam (April - May) is a grand affair that attracts hordes of visitors.
Velliyamkallu:
(36 km from Kozhikode, on Payyoli Beach). This massive rock, much dreaded by navigators, was once a vantage point Forthe Marakkars to attack the invading Portuguese. The entire crew of a Portuguese ship was killed here. When the Portuguese conquered the land, they resorted to throwing troublemakers off the rocks into the sea and hence it came to be known asSacrifice Rock. The beautiful natural engravings on the rock are worth exploring. A one-hour boat ride from the beach will take visitors to Velliyamkallu.
Thikkoti Lighthouse:
The lighthouse which overlooks Velliyamkallu off the L:IJ Moodadi Coast was built after a shipwreck, the remains of which can still be seen here. The region around the Velliyarnkallu Rock is the transit home of migratory birds.
Payyoli Beach:
(40 km north of Kozhikode) This is yet another beautiful stretch of golden sands with shallow waters that border Velliyamkallu. The sea here is ideal for swimming. During November-December, hordes of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles come in to lay eggs.There is a nature conservation centre, Theeram, started by fishermen to save these turtles.
Kunhali Marikar's Residence:
(45 km from Kozhikode. Open 1000 -1700 hrs) The fort of this heroic Zamorin who fought valiantly against the Portuguese stands on Erringal Rock at Kottakal en route to Vadakara.Unable to defeat him in battle, the Portuguese resorted to treachery and beheaded him in Goa. The sword and cannon ball used by the Zamorin is displayed in his house located 5 km off Payyoli.
Kakkayam:
(45 km from Kozbikocie) This picturesque dam site, teeming with exotic wildlife, offers excellent trekking and rock climbing opportunities. The best time to visit is between November and April.
Vadakara:
(48 km from Kozhikode) The birth place of Thacholi Othenan- the legendary hero of the Vadakkan Pauukal (ballads of North Malabar), Vadakara boasts a great martial tradition and was a flourishing trade and commerce centre in ancient times. Thacholi Manikoth, the kalari where Thacholi Othenan practised his martial feats and spent long days in deep meditation before everypoytbu (duel), is a place worth visiting.
CVN Kalari Sangam:
(Nadakkavu. Open 0600 - 0900 hrs, 1700 -1900 hrs) This centre in Nadakkavu having produced many remarkable Kalari fighters enjoys a legendary position in the field of Kerala's ancient martial art. CVN Kalari Sangam also arranges special demonstrations on
request.
Thusharagiri Waterfall:
(50 km from Kozhikode) Famous for its trekking tracks, Thusharagiri is located near Vythiri in Wayanad. Waterfalls and streams abound in this hilly region. Trekkers have to start early morning from the second waterfall and climb uphill through the pristine, dense evergreen forests populated with exotic birds and wildlife to reach Vythiri by evening. The place also abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spice plantations. Bird Sanctuary.
Peruvannamuzhi:
(60 km from Kozhikode) The Peruvannamuzhi dam site, set amid hills is a beautiful picnic spot, The reservoir here provides facilities for speed and row boat cruises during which one can see the Smaraeatbottam . a garden built in memory of the freedom fighters of the region. Uninhabited islands, the bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place.
Wayanad Ghats:
The route to Wayanad through the lush green ghats has nine ohairpin bends, each turn taking one to a higher altitude offering a better view of the picturesque plains below. This route discovered by a tribal was developed by the British.
Iringal:
This is the birthplace of Kunjali Marakkar, who commanded the Zamorin's fleet and held the Portuguese vesselsat bay for a long period. The birthplace of this valiant admiral of the Zamorin, on the southern banks of the Moorad River, is toclay preserved by the Department of Archaeology.
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