Kozhikode
Fast Facts
District : Kozhikode
Old Name : Calicut
Distance : 440 kms, north of Trivandrum
Attractions : Kappad, Kozhikode Beach, Beypore, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Best Time to Visit : September to February
Location
Kozhikode, formerly known as Calicut, lies sandwiched between the districts of Kannur and Malappuram, in the state of Kerala. The town is located towards the north of the state and is typically a coastal region with the Arabian Sea stretching out in the east. Kozhikode is hooked with all major means of transportation, roads, railways and airways.
Introducing Kozhikode
Kozhikode is known for its historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers and as a commercial hub in the state of Kerala. The city used to be the commanding centre of mighty Zamorins in the medieval times. The city had well established trade links with Chinese, Arabs and the Europeans and dating backing to good olden times, 8th century. It was here that Vasco De Gama landed in the year 1498, leading to the discovery of trade route to India. The district was however, established in the year 1957 and the period in between witnesses many great events, the impressions of which are still found at some popular sites. The place at present is a popular tourist destination with a number of attractions including tranquil beaches, beautiful hills, backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries and popular worshipping places.
Tourist Attractions in Kozhikode
Kappad : This historic beach lies 16 km from Kozhikode and constitutes the place where Vasco De Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498. There is a monument established on the beach that commemorates the event. The beach promontory is a very beautiful place providing great view of the stretched out sea. There is a temple built on the rocks that reach out for the sea. This temple is believed as having been built somewhere in 13th century.
Kozhikode Beach : Kozhikode beach is a fun beach with quite a number of attractions. The sunset, as viewed from this The beach provides the site to view some astonishing sunsets. Present at the beach are two very old piers and a lighthouse that constitute the local attractions. The nearby amusement parks, Lions Park and aquarium, are additional features.
Beypore : Situated on Chaliyar river, some 10 kms south of Kozhikode is Beypore harbour. The old port is a popular attraction and features a community that has been building vessels for more than one and a half millennia. The region used to be a favorite trade center for several Arab countries in the past. The tradition of building vessels, Arab trading vessels, still thrives in the region.
Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery : The museum, located some 5 kms from Kozhikode, houses great collection of arts and antiquities. The exhibitions include ancient murals, ancient bronze articles, coins, models of temples and some megalithic monuments.
Velliyamkallu : The massive rock on the shores is one place that navigators were often afraid of. The rock used to be employed by the Marakkars as a vantage point against the invading Portuguese. On one occasion an entire crew of a Portuguese vessel was killed here.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary : The bird sanctuary is located at a distance of about 25 kms from the city. The sanctuary homes hundreds of bird species including terns, sea gulls, herons, sandpipers, etc.
Planetarium : The Kozhikode Planetarium is located at Jaffarkhan colony. The planetarium reveals the mysteries of the universe, the planets and the galaxies. Daily shows are hosted at the place, at 12 o'clock, 02 p.m., 04 p.m. and 06 p.m.
Kalipoika : About two kilometres from Kozhikode is located Kalipoika with its unique boating experience. Some other attractions located nearby include Thikkoti Lighthouse, Kirtads, , Payyoli, Kakkayam, Varakkal Devi Temple, Tusharagiri, St. Mary's Church, Buddha Vihar, Peruvannamuzhi, Vellari Mala, Wayanad Ghats, Kuttiyadi, Iringal, Mananchira Maidan, Kuttichira, Mishkal Masjid, Pishakarikavu, Lokanarkavu Temple, Mannur Temple, Ponmeri, etc.
Places Where You Can Stay
Operating in the city are some established star and budget hotels. Some card carrying ones include:
Taj Residency (5 star), Fortune Hotel Welcome Group (4 star), Hotel Malabar Palace (4 star), Hotel Heritage (3 star), Hotel Regency (budget), Calicut Tower (budget), etc.
How to Reach
Accessibility to Kozhikode is provided by the popular means of transportation that is air, rails and roads. The nearest airport to Kozhikode is located some 23 kms from the town. Flights are available from Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore and various Middle East countries. Kozhikode also has rail links with some major cities of India. Besides that there are regular bus services available from the neighboring districts and cities.
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