Introduction
Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by. There are all the elements, that fascinate a visitor. There is an abundance of wild and marine life here. Though wild elephants and bisons, are occasionally seen in the forests, tigers and leopards are very few and rare. Barking deer, Mouse deer, Monta lizards, Malabar squirrels, black and grey monkeys, hares and porcupines, as well as, a large variety of avions are found in abundance. The British and Portuguese - along with other Europeans, Americans and Japanese - can still be seen in plenty, tanning themselves on the beaches, strollingthrough the markets, or getting a nice hot oil massage, in one of the many health resorts that have mushroomed in the tiny beach resort.
History
It is historically famous, as the Portuguese, led by Vasco da Gama, first landed in India, at Kappad in 1498 AD. He was the first European, to reach India via the sea route, around the southern cape of Africa. Later the Dutch, French and British came to its shores. The city of Calicut, came into existence, sometime in the 13th Century AD. The place surrounded by the fort, was known as Koyil (palace) Kotta (fort) and hence, the name of the place became Kozhikode. The Portuguese came with the aim of attaining sovereignty and the hostilities continued ,till 1588, when the Portuguese were allowed to settle down. In the meanwhile, the Dutch, English and the French, arrived in Kerala. The Dutch were allowed to trade in Calicut and with their help, the king drove out the Portuguese. In 1664, the English Company opened a factory in Calicut. The region, came to be ruled by the dashing Tipu Sultan, in 1789, but was annexed by the British in 1792. After Independence, Kerala was formed in 1956, andCalicut became an important city in the northern region. The name of the city has been restored to its original name - Kozhikode recently.
Culture
The temples and mosques of this district, contain sculptures, inscriptions,paintings of very high artistic order and of considerable interest to the students of art. There is an art gallery and Krishna Menon Museum at East hill in Kozhikode city. Lalithakala Acadamy, also has an art gallery, adjacent to the town hall. In the field of the Malayalam Language and Literature, Kozhikode has made the most significant contributions. The district is famous for folk songs or ballads, known as Vadakkan Pattukal. The most popular folk songs among them, are those which celebrate the exploits of Tacholi Meppayil Kunju Othenan, the Robinhood of North Malabar. During social functions, entertainments like Koothu, Kathakali, Ottanthullal and Kaikottikali are performed. There are also ritual dances such as Thira and Theyyam. The Muslims of this district, indulge in singing of the Mappilapattu and Oppana. These songs aresung ina distinctive tune, covering a wide rangeof themes and composed in a composite language of Arabic and Malayalam.
Climate & Geogaphical Location
Kozhikode has tropical humid climate throughout the year. Kozhikode district, is situated on the south west coast of India. The district is bounded on the north by the Kannur district, on the east by Wayanad district, on the south by Malapuram district and on the west by the Arabian Sea.
Places of Tourist Interest
Pazhassi Raja Museum
Located at East Hill, the Pazhassiraja Museum, run by the State Archaeological Department, displays ancient murals, antique bronzes and old coins, as well as models of temples, megalithic monuments like dolminoid cysts and umbrella stones. Situated next to the Pazhassiraja Museum, the Art Gallery, contains paintings, of Raja Ravi Varma and Raja Raja Varma.
Thusharagiri Waterfalls
Snuggled cozily in the Western Ghats, are the gurgling waterfalls of Thusharagiri. Meaning, the snow capped mountains; Thushargiri exhibits a unique kinship between the land and water. The three waterfalls, in the backdrop of lush green forest, is exhilarating and dumbfounding for every visitor. This natural beauty spot exists 11 Km from Kodenchery, and abounds in plantations of rubber, areca nut, coconut, pepper, ginger, and spices of all sort. This destination, provides ample opportunities for young and old alike, and a challenging time for adventurers. The best season to visit is from October to March.
Kappad Beach
Kappad, the historic beach, is where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May, 1498, with 170 men, in three vessels, thus discovering a new sea route to India. This landing, is commemorated by a small stone monument, at the beach.
Thali Temple
Thali temple, located downtown, is an important temple, of the erstwhile Zamorin Kingdom, of Kozhikode. Situated within the city, this temple is believed to have been built, in the 14th Century and is a fine example of Kerala architecture. The temple is famous for the Revathi Pattathanam, an annual competition of pedagogic skills.
VADAKARA
A commercial Centre of martial arts, Kalaripayattu, Vadakara, 48 km from Calicut, is also the birthplace of Tacholi Othenan, whose heroic deeds have been immortalized in the ballads of North Malabar.
DOLPHINS POINT
Just 15 minutes from the city Centre, is a place called Dolphins Point, where one can see dolphins, in the early hours of the morning, playing in the sea. The long tree-lined beach, about 2 km away, is popular with the local people, because of the Lions Club.
JAIN TEMPLE
An old Jain Temple in Trikkovil lane, close to Valiyangadi, speaks of the early presence of Jains in this trading city. There are two temples in this compound and the northern one, is considered to be older.
KADALUNDI BIRD SANCTUARY
Kalalundi bird sanctuary, 19 Km from Kozhikode, is home to more than a hundred varieties of native birds and over 60 species of migratory birds, flock here in large numbers. The sanctuary at Kadalundi, is a Haven for migratory birds.
KAKKAYAM
A dam site of unique beauty and abundant wild life, situated 45 Km. from Kozhikode. Kakkayam offers a muscle flexing and challenging trekking and rock climbing, through a river path, enjoying numerous waterfalls. Best season for trekking, are from November to April.
KALLAI
6 Km away is Kallai, once the bustling nerve point of Calicut timber trade, said to have been the largest such trading Centre in Asia. KOTTAKKAL - The Marakars were admirals of the Zamorins, who valiantly resisted the Portuguese on high seas. The Birth Place of Kunhali Marakar, he built a fort on the southern bank of the Mooriad River, which was completely destroyed by the Portuguese, with the help of the Zamorins.
KOZHICODE BEACH
Two crumbling piers, more than hundred years old, stand out into the sea, at Kozhikode Beach, pondering the glorious trade this beach witnessed in yester years. The beach is easily accessible from the city and best for enjoying the sunset.
LOKANARKAVU TEMPLE
The Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi Temple, is a temple frequently alluded to, in the Northern Ballads or the Vadakkanpattu of Kerala. The main deity is Goddess Durga, with two adjacent shrines dedicated to Vishnu and Siva.
MANANCHIRA
Mananchira in the heart of the city, is the site of important institutions, like the Town Hall and the Public Library. One of Calicuts oldest buildings, the Commonwealth Trust Office is situated here. The large pond and the park are well known landmarks.
MISHKAL MASJID (KUTTICHIRA)
Mishkal Masjid at Kuttichira in Kozhikode town, is one of the oldest mosques, which is architecturally beautiful. This four-storey structure, built on wooden pillars, proudly proclaims the architectural excellence of yester years.
MOTHER OF GOD CHURCH
In 1725 the Portuguese built a church and dedicated it, to Mater De Deos, and the Zamorin granted a garden, in perpetuity, for the support of the Church. The present church built in Roman architectural style was completed in 1942.
MUMCHUNTHI PALLI
A 13th century Vattezhuthu, inscribed on a stone slab, can be seen in this mosque, which is the oldest of the three mosques, existing at Kuttichira, in Kozhikode town. The inscription narrates the donation of the property to the mosque by a Zamorin.
REGIONAL SCIENCE CENTRE & PLANITARIUM
The science Centre, abounds with puzzles like the Floating Ball, and wonders, like whispers being carried from one end to another, that can keep you busy for atleast half a day.
How to Reach
Kozhikode is well connected by rail, road and air. By air, Kozhikode has an airport at Karipur at 23 Km from town and there are regular flights to Mumbai, Coimbatore, Chennai and the Gulf countries. By rail, Kozhikode is served by a good network of railways connects Kozhikode to important cities in the region like Mangalore, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi. A well-built network of roads connects Kozhikode to the other parts of the state. Buses ply regularly from Bangalore, Mangalore,Mysore, Ooty, Madurai, Coimbatore, Pondicherry, Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Kochi and Kottayam
Hotels
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