K   O  Z  H  I  K  O  D   E  

INFORMATION ABOUT KOZHIKODE

Kozhikode (Calicut), the most important region of Malabar in yesteryears, was the capital of the powerful Zamorins and also a prominent trade and commerce center. Kozhikode District found a place in the World History with the discovery of Sea Route to India in 1498 by the Portuguese Navigator Vasco Da Gama. Vasco Da Gama landed at the Kappad sea shore with three vessels and 170 men. A monument is constucted here to commemorate the historical landing.

KOZHIKODE HISTORY

Kozhikode is a historical town with a hoary past. From time immemorial, the city attracted travellers, with its charming physical features and prosperity. Even today , the glory of Kozhikode(Calicut) has not faded. Kozhikode was the capital of Malabar during the time of Zamorins who where ruling before the British Rule in India. It was trading in spices like black pepper and cardamom with the Jews, Arabs, Phoenicians, Chinese , Dutch and Portuguese more than 500 years ago. The political history of Kozhikode is a story of treacherous and ill conceived conspiracies hatched by the Western powers. Vasco De Gama landed at Kappad in May 1498, as the leaders of a trade mission from Portugal and was received by the Zamorin himself. As Kozhikode offered full freedom & security, the Arab & the Chinese merchants preferred it to all other ports.

KOZHIKODE TOURISM

    The Places of Interest in and around Kozhikode

  • Kappad beach : Vasco-da-Gama set foot on the sands of Kappad beach, on 27 May 1498 A.D., This landing is commemorated by a small stone monument at the beach.


  • Dolphin's Point :In the early hours of the morning dolphins playing in the sea can been seen. The beach, 2 km from Calicut town centre is popular with the local people because of the Lions Club park, the Light House and the two piers - and, of course, the opportunity to enjoy in the evening breeze.


  • Pazhassirajah Museum :Located at East Hill, the Pazhassirajah Museum, run by the State Archaeological Department, displays ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes and old coins as well as models of temples, megalithic monuments like dolmonoid cysts and the umbrella stones.


  • Art Gallery :Situated next to the Pazhassirajah Museum, the Art Gallery contains paintings of Raja Ravi Varma.


  • Krishna Menon Museum :The Krishna Menon Museum has a section in honour of the great Indian leader V.K Krishna Menon, whose personal belongings and souvenirs gifted to this world leader are exhibited here.


  • Mananchira :Mananchira the heart of the city, is the site of important institutions like the Town Hall and the Public Library. One of Calicut's oldest buildings, the Commonwealth Trust Office is situated here. The large pond and the park are well known landmarks.


  • Kallai :Kallai , once the the largest trading centre in Asia was a bustling nerve point of Calicut's timber trade .Today, though some business does take place, hard times have fallen on the timber trade and Kallai is just a shadow of its past.


  • Beypore :11 kms from Kozhikode, is a small coastal town known for centuries as a ship building centre and still famous for its country crafts called "Uru" which are built by the traditional shipbuilders known as Khalasis. Beypore is still a favourite destination among the Arabs for buying of large boats.The Place was formerly known as Vaypura and Vadaparappanad. Tippu Sultan named the town "Sultan Pattanam" .It is one of the imporatant ports of Kerala and naturally an important trading centre.It is a major fishing harbour of kerala. There are two man made extensions to the sea to facilitate easy acces for fishing boats.


  • Badagara :A commercial centre of martial arts, Kalaripayattu, Badagara, 48 km from Calicut is also the birthplace of Thacholi Othenan, whose heroic deeds have been immortalised in the ballads of North Malabar.


  • Thacholi Manikkoth :A Kalari belonging to Thacholi Othenan, the legendary hero of the ballad of Malabar called "Vadakkan Pattu" can be seen at a short distance from Vadakara. A monument and Kalari still exists at this place which is 3 kms away from Vadakara. Every year martial arts festival is held in the month of March or April. There is a ruined fort in the town. Vadakara was the scene of many exploits of Thacholi Othenan, the hero of the ballads of north malabar. A cattle fair is also held during February at Vadakara.


  • Tellicherry and Sultan Bathery :98 km away, are important trading centres of Calicut. The road from Calicut to Sultan's Bathery, though full of steep climbs and hairpin curves, offers a breath taking scenic drive. From Sultan's Bathery it is only six hours to Bangalore.


  • Kozhicode Beach :Two crumbling piers, more than hundred years old stand out into sea at Kozhikode Beach pondering the glorious trade witnessed in yester years.The Beach is easily accessible from city and is ,best for enjoying sunset.


  • Thusharagiri :True to its very name , land and water have struck an extraordinary kinship at this destination. The three water falls in the backdrop of lush green forest is exhilarating and dumbfounding for every visitor. This natural beauty spot exists 11 kms from Kodenchery which is abound in plantations of rubber, aracanut, coconut, pepper, ginger, and spices of all sort. This destination provides ample opportunities for young and old alike and challenging time for adventurers. Best season to visit is from October to March. more


  • Kakkayam :A dam site of unique beauty and abundant wild life,Kakkayam is situated 45 kms. from Kozhikode. Kakkayam offers a Muscle flexing and challenging trekking and rock climbing through river path, enjoying numerous water falls. Best seasons for a trek is from November to April.


ACCOMODATION/STAY OPTIONS IN KOZHIKODE
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