Kozhikode
A mighty seaport where Arab, Chinese and East African traders once converged Kozhikode was previously the most important region of the Malabar Coast. Vasco da Gama landed on its shores in 1498, catapulting the region to global fame. Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins and a prominent trade and commerce centre, the winds of change have swept over this charming costal land from time to time. The whiff of history continues to permeate the lanes, bazaars and business hubs of this great port of yesteryears. Lush green countryside, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers and hills make Kozhikode a popular destination. Also adding to the legacy of this region is a unique culture and warm friendly people.
Place to Visit
Kappad Beach: (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 as Kappakadavu, a monument on the beach commemorates this historic event. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rocky headland that protrudes into the sea, on which rests an 800-year -old temple.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: (19 km from Kozhikode and 7 km from Beypore Port) The sanctuary is spread across a cluster of islands in a scenic setting surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. Over 100 species of native birds and more than 60 species of migratory birds flock here from November to April. A hillock, which stands 200 m above sea level, provides a splendid view of the river mouth and the sea. The place is also known for a wide variety of fish, mussels and crabs. The mangrove vegetation shelters otters and jackals too.
SM Street: Sweet Meat Street or Mithai Theruvu is the busiest street in Kozhikode and derives its name from the times when the street was lined with sweet meat (halwa) stalls. Today the street bustles with shops that sell anything and everything including the famed sweets and banana chips.
Kozhikode Beach: A favourite haunt of sunset of sunset viewers, it 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 Lions Park for children and the marine water aquarium are added attractions. The aquarium is open on all days from 08.00 to 2.00 hrs.
Beypore Port: (10 km south of Kozhikode. Closed on public holidays) Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar River, Beypore was one of the prominent ports and maritime trading centres 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 1,500 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.
Thamarassery Ghat: (50 km from Kozhikode) Considered the gateway to Wayanad, Thamarassery Ghat is situated 700 m above sea level. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and dense forests add magic to the journey. Nine hairpin bends along winding roads offer breathtaking view of the valley below. The entire stretch is ideal to capture the charm of Kerala on camera.
Special Attractions
Arippara Waterfalls: (45 km from Kozhikode) A beautiful picnic spot by the Iruvanji River near Thiruvambady, these falls attract many visitors. The terrain being rocky and steep, many cascades are formed along the course of the river.
Comtrust: (Off the Town Hall Road) The Commonwealth Handloom Weaving Factory, pioneered by German missionaries who came to Malabar from Switzerland in 1844, produces world class products. It supplies upholstery to leading airlines and exports fabrics to the international market. A retail outlet on the premises sells quality linen and upholstery at very reasonable rates.
CVN Kalari Sangam: (Nadakkavu. Open 06.00-09.00 hrs, 05.00-7.00hrs) This centre, which has produced many remarkable Kalari fighters, enjoys a legendary position in the history of this ancient martial art of Kerala. The Sangam also arranges special demonstrations on request.
Elathur: (20 km from Kozhikode) Located where the Korapuzha River meets the Arabian Sea, Elathur lies to the north of Kappad. You can hire a country boat for a ride on the river and check out the shellfish or kallumekaya found abundantly on the rocks jutting out to the sea.
Iringal: This is birthplace of Kunhali Marakkar, who commanded the Zamorin’s fleet and held the Portuguese vessels at bay for a long period. The birthplace of this valiant admiral, on the southern banks of the Moorad River, is today preserved by the Department of Archaeology. The Iringal Craft Village, a new venture set up in 20 acres of land at Iringal is a production cum training cum marketing centre of the ethnic handicraft products of Kerala.
Kakkayam: (45km from Kozhikode) 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.
Kallai: (6 km 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.
Kirthads: (7 km from Kozhikode. Open 10.00-05.00 hrs) The Kerala institute for Research, Training and Development Studies of scheduled castes and tribes was established 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.
Krishna Menon Museum: (Open 10.00-05.00 hrs. Closed on Monday & Wednesday mornings) This museum has an exclusive wing dedicated to the renowned statesman late V.K. Krishna Menon, that displays his personal belongings and souvenirs. Adjacent to the museum is an art gallery with an excellent collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and Raja Raja Varma.
Kunhali Marikar’s Residence: (45 km from Kozhikode. Open 10.00-05.00 hrs) The fort of Kunhali Marikar, the heroic Zamorin who fought valiantly against the Portuguese, stands on Iringal 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 Zamorins is displayed in his house located 5 km off Payyoli.
Kuttiyadi: (78 km from Kozhikode) This picturesque village is the site of a major power project-the Kuttiyadi Hydro Electric Power Project.
Planetarium: (Jaffar Khan Colony, Museum Road, Open 10.30-06.30 hrs) The 250-seater Kozhikode Planetarium offers an extensive insight into the mysteries of space, the planets and the galaxies. Entertaining as well as informative, a sophisticated Zeiss projector simulates the night sky. Daily shows at 12.00, 02.00, 04.00 & 06.00 hrs.
Pazhassi Raja Museum and Art Gallery: (5km from Kozhikode. Open 09.00-06.30 hrs; Break 01.00-02.00 hrs. Closed on Mondays and public holidays) On display here are copies of ancient murals, antique bronzes, old coins, excavated earthenware, models of temples, megalithic monuments like dolmenoid cists, umbrella stones etc.
Kolavi Beach, Payyoli: (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 Nov.-Dec., hordes of the endangered Olive Ridley turtles come in to lay eggs. There is a nature conservation centre, ‘Theeram’, started by the fishermen to save these turtles.
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 Smarakathottam- a garden built in memory of the freedom fighters of the region. Uninhabited islands, a bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place.
Regional Science Centre: Situated on the same compound as the planetarium, 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.
Sarovaram Biopark: The only biopark in Kerala promoting the conservation of mangrove forests and wetlands, Sarovaram Biopark is located right at the heart of the city. The canal walkway, boating facilities, otter park, butterfly park, bird sanctuary, aquarium and board-walk, are popular attractions here.
Tasara Creative Centre: (Off the Kozhikode-Beypore Road. Open 09.00-06.00 hrs) This unique weaving centre produces works of art in handloom. One can stay here for extended periods to get trained in the intricacies of painting, designing and weaving.
Thikkoti Lighthouse: The lighthouse, which overlooks Velliyamkallu off the Moodadi Coast, was built after a shipwreck incident, the remains of which can still be seen here today. The region around the Velliyamkallu Rock is the transit home of migratory birds.
Thusharagiri Waterfalls: (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 and evergreen forest populated with exotic birds and wildlife to reach Vythiri by evening. The place also abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spice plantations.
Mananchira Square: (Open 03.00-08.00 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 fascinating. The Public library is situated here.
Vadakara: (48 km from Kozhikode) The birth place of Thacholi Othenan - the legendary hero of the Vadakkan Pattukal (the ballads of North Malabar), Vadakara boasts of a great martial tradition and was also a flourishing trade and commerce centre in ancient times. Thacholi Manikkoth, the Kalari where Thacholi Othenan practiced his martial feats and spent long days in deep meditation before every poythu (duel), is a place worth visiting.
Valiyangadi: Meaning big bazaar, Valiyangadi is situated between the beach and the town, giving you a taste of the age-old fish trade of Kozhikode. Wholesale trading of fresh, salted and preserved fish is done here, as it has been for centuries.
Vellari Mala: Scintillating waterfalls and velvet green landscapes make this an ideal spot for trekking. For trekking contact: The Destination Manager, DTPC Tourist Facilitation Centre, Thusharagiri Ph: 2236600
Velliyamkallu: (36 km from Kozhikode, on Kolavi Beach): This massive rock, much dreaded by navigators, was once a vantage point for the 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 as Sacrifice Rock. The beautiful natural engravings on the rock are worth exploring. A one-hour boat ride from the beach will take visitors to Velliyamkallu.
Water Museum and Biopark: (13 km from Kozhikode City) Located near Kunnamangalam, the park is part of the centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), a research institute under the Govt. of Kerala. Admission is free. Timing 10.30 to 04.00 hrs (closed on Sundays, second Saturday and public holidays)
Zoological Museum: (Jaffarkhan Colony, Kozhikode Town) The museum functions in the building of the Western Ghats Field Research Station of the Zoological Survey of India. One portion of the museum is dedicated to the rich biological wealth of the Western Ghats and another to a picture gallery of the shore birds of Kerala, invasive species, habitats, curious animals, sea shell of the Kerala coast, living fossils and a contemporary section on climate change.
Places of Worship
Buddha Vihar: This temple houses a good collection of writings on the Buddha.
CSI Church: (East of Mananchira Maidan. Open 10.00 - 01.00 hrs) This cathedral, with a mix of European and Kerala style architecture, was built in 1815 by Basel missionaries. It has the distinction of being adorned with the only pipe organ among all dioceses in Kerala- a gift from St. Ayden’s Church in Cheltenham, England.
Jain Temple: (Near Big Bazar) The two temples in this compound at Trikkovil Lane, have exquisitely painted interiors and elaborately carved porticos.
Jam Palli: (Kuttichira) Built in the 14th century, it has the largest floor area amongst mosques in Kerala and can accommodate about 1,000 worshippers at a time. It is located mid-way between Mishkal Mosque and Muchunthi Palli.
Lokanarkavu Temple: (54 km from Kozhikode and 2 km from Vadakara. Open 04.00-09.00 hrs, 05.00-07.00 hrs) This temple, associated with the heroes and heroines of the Vadakkan Pattukal combines an arresting simplicity and a legendary aura. The magnificent murals and intricate carvings here are a delight to art lovers.
Mannur Temple: (12 km from Kozhikode) Modelled like the Siva Temple at Tiruvannur, this exquisitely carved Gajaprathishta- a styled laterite structure is more than two centuries old. It is believed that Sree Parasurama starts his Siva Linga Prathishta 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.
Mishkal Masjid, Kuttichira: One of the oldest mosques in the city, this four-storeyed structure, supported by wooden pillars, proudly proclaims the architectural splendour of the yesteryears. Dating back 700 years, it has 47 doors that are opened to receive visitors. In 1510, the Portuguese burnt down some parts of it, but the charred portions still remain. The mosque is named after the rich trader who built it.
Mother of God Church: (Close to Beach Road) This church, built in the Roman architectural style, dates back to 1513 AD and is the only one of its kind in Kerala. A 200 year old portrait of St. Mary adorns the wall of the 18th century Gothic cathedral built by Christian missionaries. Locally known as Valiyapalli, it is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic congregation in Malabar. Designed by Italian architects, this ancient shrine is a tribute to Italian know-how and the skill of Indian craftsmen.
Muchunthi Palli: (Kuttichira) Built in the traditional Kerala architectural style, this mosque enshrines a 13th century Vattezhuthu (inscription on stone slab). The inscription proclaims the donation of this property to the mosque by a Zamorin.
Pattalapalli: It is located close to Palayam Bazaar and hence the name which means soldier’s mosque. The nearby Mohiudeen Palli is perhaps the only mosque in the country with a closed circuit TV on each floor, enabling the Imam on the ground floor to address the entire congregation.
Pisharikavu: This temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagavathy. Elephant pageants during the festival season (March/April) are a special attraction.
Ponmeri: The Sree Krishna Temple at Karatt and the Siva Temple at Ponmeri have flamboyant paintings depicting Palazhimathanam (the story of the churning of the ocean of milk) from the Puranas.
St. Mary’s Church: This Church was built in 1860 for the civil members of the collectorate and the English military. In the cemetery adjacent to the church, there is a tomb dated 1717.
Tali Temple: (1 km east of Mananchira. Open 04.30-11.00 hrs, 05.00-08.30 hrs) Built in the 14th century for the Zamorin within his palace complex, this temple is the venue of Revathy Pattathanam, the annual cultural and intellectual event. The Tali Temple is a fine 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 brass-relief on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum and elaborate brass carvings on the wooden roof are quite fascinating.
Varakkal Devi Temple: (6 km from Kozhikode. Open 05.00-12.00hrs, 05.30-08.00 hrs) This is considered to be the 108th and the last Devi Temple built by Sree Parasurama, 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.
Valayanadu Devi Kshetram: (6 km from Kozhikode. Open 05.00-12.00 hrs, 05.30-08.00 hrs) Dating back to the 114th century, this temple was built by the ruling Zamorin who, unable to conquer the kingdom of Valluva Konathiri, started worshipping the goddess Devi and on subsequently attaining victory, consecrated a temple in Valluvanadu for the Devi. The biggest festival of this temple is held in the Malayalam month of Makaram and lasts for eight days.
