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Kozhikkode - The cultural capital of Kerala!
PLACES TO VISIT
Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery (5km from Kozhikode):
On display here are copies of ancient murals, antique bronzes, old coins,
excavated earthenware, models of temples, megalithic monuments like dolmonoid
cysts, umbrella stones etc. Adjacent to the museum is the Art Gallery, which
exhibits an excellent collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and Raja Raja
Varma.
Krishna Menon Museum:
This museum has an exclusive wing dedicated to the late V K Krishna Menon,
renowned statesman. His personal belongings and souvenirs are displayed here.
Kalipoika: ( 2 km from Kozhikode)
One can leisurely cruise on the dappled waters at Kalipoika in both pedal and
row boats.
Boating time: 08.00-19.00 hrs. Kallai.,
This was once the second largest timber-trading centre in Asia. A steel bridge
built by the British is still intact here.
S M Street:
Sweet Meat Street is busiest street in Kozhikode and derives its name from the
times when the street was lined with sweetmeat stalls.
Kirtads: ( 7 km from Kohekohe):
This unique museum houses the tools and devices used by the ancient tribal
communities of Kerala. A good library with books on Anthropology and Sociology
is an added attraction.
Beypore ( 10 km from Kozhikode)
Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar River, Beypore, one of the prominent
points and fishing harbors of ancient Kerala was an important trade and
maritime center. Ancient Beypore was much sought after by merchants from
Western Asia, for its shipbuilding industry. The boat-building yard here,
famous for the construction of the Uru (the Arabian trading vessel), boasts a
tradition of almost 1500 years.
Kappad (16 km from Kozhikode):
This is the historic beach where Vasco-daGama landed on the 27th of May 1498,
with 170 men in three vessels. A monument on the beach commemorates this
historic event. The rock-studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An
interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rock that protrudes into
the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old.
Kozhikode Beach:
This beach is a favourite haunt of sunset viewers. Add6its natural beauty is
the old world charm retained in the old lighthouse and the two crumbling piers,
each more than a hundred years old, that run into the sea. Entertainment
facilities such as the Lions Park for children and the marine water aquarium
are added attractions.
Velliyamkallu:
This massive rock, much dreaded by navigators, was once a vantage point for the
Marakkars to attack the invading Portuguese. An entire crew of a Portuguese
ship was killed here. The beautiful natural engravings on the rock are worth
exploring
Thikkoti Lighthouse:
The lighthouse, which overlooks Velliyamkallu Off Moodadi coast was. built
after a shipwreck, the remains of which can still be seen here. The region
around the Velliyamkallu rock is the transit home of migratory birds.
Payyoli:
This is yet another beautiful stretch of golden sands with shallow waters that
border Velliyamkallu.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary (25 km from Kozhikode):
The estuary at Kadalundi is a haven for migratory birds. Terns, gulls, herons,
sandpipers, whimbrels and other exotic birds flick into this place in November
and return home in April.
Planetarium:
The Kozhikode Planetarium at the city's Jaffarkhan colony offers extensive
insight into the mysteries of the universe, the planets and the galaxies. There
are daily shows at 1200,1400 1600 & 1800 hrs.
Regional Science Center:
Situated on the same compound as the planetarium, the Regional Science Center
is an eye opener into the amazing and exciting dimensions of Science.
Kakkayam (45 km 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.
Vadakara (48 km from Kozhikode):
The birth place of Thacholi Othenan the legendary hero of the Vadakkanpattu
(ballads of North Malabar), Vadakara boasts a great martial tradition and was a
flourishing trade and commerce center in ancient times. Thacholi Manikkoth, the
Kalari where Tacholi Othenan practiced his martial feats and spent long days in
deep meditation before every poythu (duel), is a place worth visiting.
Thusharagiri (50 km from Kozhikode):
As the name suggests, land and water have struck an extraordinary kinship here.
Famous for its trekking tracks, Tusharagiri is located near Vythiri in Wayanad.
Trekkers start early morning from the second waterfalls and climb uphill
through the pristine, dense evergreen forests populated with exotic birds and
wildlife to reach Vythiri by evening. Tusharagiri also abounds in rubber,
arecanut, pepper, ginger and spice plantations.
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, them bird sanctuary and a
crocodile farm add to the charm of the place.
Vellari Mala:
Scintillating waterfalls and velvet green landscapes make this an ideal spot
for trekking.
Wayanad Ghats:
The green ghats enroute to Wayanad has nine hairpin bends, each turn taking one
to a higher altitude offering a better view of the picturesque plains below.
This route explored by a tribal was developed by the British.
Kuttiyadi ( 78 km from Kozhikode):
This picturesque village is the site of a major power project - The Kuttiyadi
Hydro Electric Power Project.
Iringal:
This is the birthplace of Kunjali Marakkar, who commanded the Zamorin's fleet
and held the Portuguese vessels-at bay for a long period. The birthplace of
this valiant admiral of the Zamorin, on the southern bank of Moorad river, is
today preserved by the Department of Archaeology.
Mananchira Maidan:
The Palace tank of king Mana-Vikrama is an architectural wonder. The musical
fountain inside the maidan and the meticulously landscaped lawns surrounded by
traditional buildings in the Kerala style, fascinate visitors.
Kuttichira:
The stone inscriptions found in the Muccunti Mosque at Kuttichira reveal an
interesting aspect in the history of the Zamorins of Kozhikode and their
patronage of Islam in Kerala. The architecture of this and other old mosque in
Kozhikode bear great resemblance to the typical Hindu temple complex with
pillars, ventilators and huge tanks, as well as decorative features such as
stylized floral carvings and geometric designs.
Mishkal Masjid, Kuttichira:
One of the oldest mosques in the city, this four-storied structure supported by
wooden pillars proudly proclaims the architectural splendor of yester years. In
1510 the Portuguese burnt some parts of it, but the charred portions still
remain. The mosque is named after the rich trader who built it.
Pishakarikavu:
This temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagavathy. Elephant pageants during the
festival season here (March/April) are a special attraction.
Lokanarkavu Temple:
This temple, associated with the heroes and heroines of the Vadakkanpattu
combines an arresting simplicity and a legendary aura. The candid murals and
carvings here are a delight to art lovers.
Tali temple:
Built in the 14th century by Swamy Thirumulpad, the Zamorin, within his palace
complex, this temple was the venue of Revathy Pattatlianam 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.
Mannur Temple (12 km from Kozhikode):
Modeled like the Siva Temple at Tiruvannur, this exquisitely carved
Gajaprathista styled laterite structure is more than two centuries old. It is
believed that Sree Parashuraman stars his Siva Linka Prathista at Tiruvannur
and completes it here every noon. The noon Pujas here are therefore considered
very special. The annual Sivaratri festival is celebrated in a big way.
Ponmeri:
The Sree Krishna Temple at Karatt and Shiva Temple at Ponmeri have flamboyant
paintings depicting Palazhimathanam (the story of the churning of the ocean of
milk) from the Puranas.
Varakkal Devi Temple:
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 Devi (the goddess) appear. The main
festival here is the Vavu Bali when thousands congregate to perform the
ancestral obsequies. On this day the sea is found to be surprisingly calm as if
facilitating the religious observances.
Jain Temple:
The two temples in this compound at Trikkovil lane have exquisitely painted
interiors and elaborately carved porticoes.
Parsi Anju Amman Baug:
This Fire Temple on S M Street dates back to the period when the Parsis, Lured
by the trade opportunities, settled in Kozhikode about 200 years ago.
BuddhaVihar:
This temple houses a good collection of writings on the Buddha.
Muchunthi Palli:
Built in the traditional Kerala architectural style, this mosque enshrines a
13th century Vattezhuthu (inscription on stone slab). The inscription proclaims
the donations of the property to the mosque by a Zamorin.
Mother of God Church:
This church built in Roman architectural style dates back to 1513 AD and is the
only one of its kind in Kerala. A portrait of St.Mary, more than 200 years old,
makes it a famous pilgrim center.
St. Mary's Church:
The Church was founded 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.
CONDUCTEDTOURS
The District Tourism Promotion Council organizes conducted tours like the
Calicut City Tours, Calicut District Tours, trips to Wayanad, Palakkad
Malampuzha,Ootty, Mysore etc. For booking and information contact DTPC,
District Collectorate, Kozhikode Ph: 371062.
THE BACK WATERS OF KOZHIKODE
Unexplored, unspoiled, the backwaters of Kozhikode hold great promises of
enchanting holiday options. Elathur, the canoli Canal and the Kallai River are
favourite destinations for boating. Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird
sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam
is fast becoming a popular water sport destination. Malabar Houseboat cruises
Full day cruise: 24 hrs/ 4pax Rs. 8,000 24 hrs/ 2pax Rs. 6,250 (including food)
Honeymoon cruises: 24 hrs/ 2pax Rs. 6,250 (Including food)
Day cruises : 1000-1500 hrs/ 6pax Rs. 3,000( including tea & lunch)
Evening cruises: 1600-2130 hrs/ 6pax Rs. 4,000 (including tea & dinner)
Ph: 452045, 452046 Fax: 765066
Email:malabarhouseboat@hotmail.com
Ayurvedic Massage centres.
CVN Kalari, Nadakkavu Ph: 768214 .
Kappad Ayurvedic Beach Resort Ph: 683760 .
Primebody Health Club, Nadakkavu Ph: 767454
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