Kozhikode, Historical Town of Prominence
General Information
Common Name:CalicutOther Name:CalicutDistrict:KozhikodeState:KeralaCountry:IndiaArea:2345 Sq. Km.Language Spoken:Malayalam, English, and HindiLong Distance Code:+91-495Importance:Best Time To Visit:September to MayInternational Access:Calicut International AirportDescription:
Calicut, the most important city of Malabar region of Kerala, was a leading trading centre for spices on the West Coast of India during the medieval period. Ruled by the Zamorin dynasty, Calicut found a place in World History with the discovery of sea route to India in 1498 by the Portuguese navigator Vasco Da Gama. The landing of Gama at Kapat near Calicut changed the political scenarios of India, which ultimately ended with its colonization by the British. It remained under the Madras Presidency till the formation of Kerala in 1956 after independence.Location:
Calicut or Kozhikode is situated in the south Indian state of Kerala on the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea. The district extends from latitude 11°15' N to 75°49' E. Basking in the idyllic setting of the serene Arabian Sea on the west and mesmeric peaks of the Wayanad hills on the east, this district has all the required ingredients to fascinate a tourist.
Kappad in Calicut is the place where Vasco de Gama set foot for the first time when he came to India on May 27, 1498. There is a small stone monument at the beach to commemorate that event. Pazhassirajah Museum is located on the East Hill. It is run by the State Archeological Department. Ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes, old coins, models of temples, and megalithic structures are on display here. Situated next to Pazhassirajah Museum is an art gallery displaying paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. Dolphin's Point is a good place to watch dolphins playing in the sea early in the morning. On this beach are also situated Calicut Town Center, Lions Club, and a lighthouse. Two crumbling piers, more than hundred years old, stand out into sea at Kozhikode beach. The beach is easily accessible from the city and provides a good view of the setting sun. The place also has a Marine Life Aquarium open whole day.The Science Planetarium at Jaffarkhan Colony is the best place to unravel the mysteries of universe and enlightens about the planets and stars. The Science Center has an interesting array of games, puzzles, and scientific gadgetry, which can keep a person busy for the whole day. The planetarium and Science Center are in the same complex. Mananchira, which was the palace tank of King Mana Vikrama, has been now turned into a traditional architectural splendor with carpeted green grass and surrounded by ethnic buildings. The place also has a musical fountain.
You can have a glimpse of the rich historic past of Kozhikode in the Pazhassiraja Museum, which is located at East Hill, 5 km from the city. The state archaeological department runs this museum. The various galleries within this museum have an extensive collection of artifacts that range from ancient coins, bronze objects, copies of ancient murals, etc., depicting the rich cultural heritage of this region. The exhibits of the megaliths (huge prehistoric monuments) are quite interesting. This museum is open for public viewing from 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.30 pm to 5 pm everyday except on Mondays and public holidays.The Art Gallery is adjacent to the Pazhassiraja Museum and is famous for its collection of paintings made by Raja Ravi Varma and Raja Varma. Both these artists belonged to the royal family of the erstwhile Travancore state. If you are an art connoisseur, then the Art Gallery is a must-visit place for you. This gallery holds an important position in the Indian art circle because of its association with Raja Ravi Varma. It is said that he was the first Indian painter to make use of oil colours. The paintings of this great artist generally revolve around the depiction of mythological events, royal portraits and day-to-day life. The art gallery is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except Monday and public holidays.
The Krishna Menon Museum is also located near the Pazhassiraja Museum. This museum is dedicated to the memory of V. K. Krishna Menon, who was a great Indian statesman. The personal belongings of this legendary political figure have been displayed in this museum. The museum is open only on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.30 pm to 5 pm.
The Manachira Square is located in the heart of the city, a place where the main courtyard of palace of the erstwhile Zamorin rulers once existed. Presently, the square has a well laid out park, which has a number of traditional Keralite houses and a large water tank nearby.
The coastline along Kozhikode, located on the eastern part of the city, offers you a long stretch of uninterrupted sandy beach. You can see and enjoy the glorious spectacle of the setting sun from this beach. The Lighthouse, the Lions Park (children's park) and the Aquarium (which has a good collection of marine life and freshwater fish) are interesting places to visit on this beach.
The city of Kozhikode has a number of important religious places belonging to different faiths. The tolerant nature of the erstwhile rulers of this city allowed the peaceful coexistence of people belonging to different religions, which resulted in the building of a number of religious monuments throughout the city. The Tali Temple was built by the Zamorin dynasty in the 14th century. It is an excellent example of the traditional Keralite School of temple architecture. During the reign of the Zamorins, this temple hosted a weeklong gathering of literary-minded people who congregated here from different parts of the kingdom. The Mother of God Church is another important place of religious interest in Kozhikode. The church is built in accordance with the principles of the Roman architectural style. This church houses a 200-year-old portrait of St Mary. The St Mary's Church is a place worth visiting in Kozhikode. It was built by the British to cater to the spiritual needs of their Christian subjects. Other religious places worth visiting are the Fire Temple (built by the Paris community of Kozhikode) located on SM Street, the Buddhist Vihar located on Customs Road, and the Mishkal Masjid located at Kuttichira.
(25 km)Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is a heaven for migratory birds. Terns, gulls, herons, sandpipers, whimbrels, and other migratory birds flock the place from the month of November and returns only by the end of April. The ideal season to visit is from December to April in the early hours of the day.
Other places worth visiting are Velleri Mala, a beautiful location for trekking and Velliyamkallu.
(11 km)Beypore is a small coastal town known for its shipbuilding industry for centuries. It is still a favorite destination to buy large boats.
(48 km) Vadakara is a commercial center of martial arts and the birthplace of Tacholi Othenan, a legendry hero of North Malabar.
Thusharagiri is famous for its waterfalls and lush green forests. It is at a distance of 11 km from Kodenchery, a place abounding in rubber plantations, coconut, pepper, ginger, and spices of all sorts.
There is a dam at Kakkayam, located around 45 km from Calicut. The place offers challenging trekking and rock-climbing through river path and numerous waterfalls.There is another dam at Peruvannamoozhy, 60 km from Calicut. It is a place of beauty, calm, and serenity. The place has a crocodile farm run by the state forest department.