Kozhikode (Calicut)

Kozhikode (also known as Calicut) is a busy coastal city. Located to the north of Kerala and 225 km from Kochi holds an important position in the legend and history of Kerala. Vasco Da Gama landed at Kappad, 16km north of Kozhikode as the leader of a trade mission from Portugal & was received by the Zamorin himself. Calicut attained a position of pre-eminence in the trade of pepper & other spices which made it India's emporium of international trade. As Calicut offered full freedom & security, the Arab & the Chinese merchants preferred it to all other ports.

Today Calicut has lush green forests, rivers, wildlife, hills, a unique culture and a warm friendly ambience make Kozhikode a much sought after destination.

Access
Air : Kozhikode has an airport at Karipur.
Rail : Kozhikode is served by a handful of costal expresses and several passenger trains.
Road :A well-built network of roads connects Kozhikode to the other parts of the state.

Places of interest - Calicut
Pazhassi Raja Museum : The Pazhassi Raja Museum, houses a veritable treasure trove for historians and connoisseurs of art, located at a distance of 5 km from Kozhikode at East Hill. The museum is under the surveillance of the Archaeological Deparment of the State. The museum and the art gallery are named after the great Pazhassiraja Kerala Varma of the Padinjare Kovilakom of the Kottayam Royal Family.

The famous 'Pazhassi Revolt' (against the British East India Company during the second half of the 1700s) was led by Pazhassiraja. On display in the museum are ancient murals, antique bronzes and coins, megalithic relics such as diamond cysts, temple miniatures and umbrella stones.

Dolphin's Point : Dolphin's Point 15 minutes from the city centre is an ideal place to see dolphins playing in the sea early in the morning. The long tree-lined beach, about 2 km away, is popular with the local people because of the Lions Club Park, the lighthouse, and two piers - and of course, the opportunity to soak in the evening breeze.

Beypore Beach : Situated at the mouth of the Chaliyar River in Kozhikode district, Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala was an important trade and maritime centre. Ancient Beypore was famous among the merchants from Western Asia, for its ship building industry. The boat building yard here is famous for the construction of the Uru, the traditional Arabian trading vessel. The Beypore Beach has a bridge built nearly 2 km into the sea. It is actually made up of huge stones piled together for nearly 2 km making a pathway into the sea.

Kallai : Six km away is Kallai, once the bustling nerve-centre of Kozhikode's timber trade, said to have been the largest such trading centre in Asia.

Mananchira : Mananchira is the heart of the city and sites important institutions like the Town Hall and the Public Library. One of Kozhikode's oldest institutions, the Commonwealth Trust's office is located here. The large pond and park are well-known landmarks.

Peruvannamuzhi Dam : Located at a distance of 60 km from Kozhikode, the Peruvannamuzhi Dam site set amid hills is a beautiful picnic spot. The reservoir here provides facilities for speedboat and rowboat cruises during which one see the 'Smaraka Thottam', a garden built in the memory of the freedom fighters of the region. Uninhabited islands, a bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary : Kadalundi 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 is also known for a wide variety of Fish, Mussels and Crabs. Birds like Terns, Gulls, Herons, Sandpipers, Whimbrels, and other migratory birds flock the place from the month of November and return only by the end of April.

The sanctuary, which is spread over a cluster of islands, covers an area of 3 kms in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks. A hillock, which is 200 m above sea level, provides a splendid view of the river mouth and the sea. The ideal season to visit is from December to April in the early hours of the day.

The Backwaters of Kozhikode : Up north in Kerala, the cool backwaters of Calicut (Kozhikode) is an enchanting experience. North east of the city, Elathur offers an ideal jump-off base into the Canoly Canal. The canal links itself to the Kallai River which unhurriedly threads through the city and offers its shores to Calicut’s historic timber trade. The produce of which is believed to have even adorned the courts of King Solomon and Queen Sheba a few millennia ago. Further south lies Kadalundi with its charming bird sanctuary - haven to delightful water birds. Another river of the region is Korapuzha - is fast gaining popularity as the venue of the water sports festival - the Korapuzha Jalotsavam - staged every August.

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