Kozhikode

Kozhikode, earlier known as Calicut, is a charming town that is closely associated with the rich history of India, as this was the place where Vasco Da Gama first set foot . The city, which was once the capital of Zamorin dynasty, still remains a prospective trading center in India. Besides serving as the jumping-off point for Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kozhikode is famous for its palm fringed beach side and historical edifices. Sprawling on the idyllic setting of the glistening Arabian Sea on the west and the magnanimous peaks of the Wayanad hills on the east, Kozhikode is blessed with some of the most exotic natural attractions. Various high-end restaurants and shopping complexes have also sprouted in the area, making it an obvious choice for a holiday.

Getting There
Air: Kozhikode has its own airport, around 25 km from the main city. Daily Jet and Indigo flights are available from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai and Hyderabad. Tickets are very economical (Rs 2,000-4,000). Train: Kozhikode has its own railway stations that is very well connected by daily trains from Delhi (Mngla Lksdp Exp), Mumbai (Kerala S Kranti), Hyderabad (Ypr Cannanore Exp), Chennai (Mangalore Exp) and Bangalore (Ypr Cannanore Exp). Bus: Overnight buses are available from Bangalore (350 km, 10 hours, Rs 600 for AC Volvo), Chennai (670 km, 12 hours, Rs 800 for semi-deluxe), Mangalore (250 km, 7 hours, Rs 200 for semi-deluxe) and Trivandrum (400 km, 10 hours, Rs 400 for semi-deluxe). For tourists travelling from North India (Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai), the best option is to either take a direct flight as they are very economical. Alternatively, direct trains can also be taken.

When To Go
The climate of Kozhikode remains pleasant most part of the year. Summers (March to May) are not the best time as the temperatures rise up to 37C, making it hot and humid. Winters (October to February) are the best time for visiting Kozhikode as the climate is cool and comfortable. This is also the best time to enjoy sight seeing as the temperature ranges between 15C to 33C, ideal for enjoying beach activities as well. Monsoons (June to September) experiences very heavy rainfall in Kozhikode but tourists can visit during the months of August to September to enjoy the festivals and fairs that are held here with great pomp and show.

Eat & Drink

There are many restaurants and food joints in Kozhikode, suiting people of all tastes and budget. Restaurants are open from 9 in the morning till 10 in the night. For the best vegetarian food in Kozhikode, tourists can go to Dakhshin The Veg (09847323647) on NH 17 serving mouth watering menu. For specialty sea food and Kerala cuisine, tourists can head to Dawn restaurant on GH Road. Multi-cuisine delights can be enjoyed at Paragon Restaurant (0495 2767020) in Kannur Road and Hotel Sagar (0495-720152) on Mavoor Road. These restaurants offer various Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisine; specially popular for their sea food. For tasty, quick and cheap meals, tourists can go to Indian Coffee House (0495 2302819) on Mavoor Road and Hotel New Kerala on SM Road.

Shopping
Kozhikode is a beautiful coastal town that offers various things that tourists can take back with them. Most of the shops are located on SM Road and BB road and remain open from 10 in the morning till 9 in the night. Tourists should go to SM Road to take back some tasty banana chips. This is also the apt market place to look out for buffalo horn carvings, coir products and miniature snake boats for souvenirs. Kozhikode is famous for its Calico - a soft printed cotton variety, that is available only on SM road. For fashionable clothes and local rosewood handicrafts, tourists can go to BB Road. Malabar Palace Hotel on SM Street.

History
Kozhikode, earlier known as Calicut, is known to have been discovered on the Arabian Coast in the year 1034 A.D. The city was first established by the Eradis of Nediyirippu after a long battle with the Porlathiris of Polanad. During the kingship

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city was first established by the Eradis of Nediyirippu after a long battle with the Porlathiris of Polanad. During the kingship of Saamoothiri, aka Zamorin, the city was developed as a major center of trade. Kozhikode find its mention in the books of various travelers who visited the southern part of the country. Ibn Batuta, a great scholar and writer from Morocco called this city as one of the great ports of the district of Malabar. Ma Hung, the Chinese Muslim Sailor also notes Kozhikode to be a great emporium of trade and knowledge. Italian traveller, Niccolo De Conti and Russian Traveller, Afanasy Nikitin also have described the city to be of huge importance in the trading world. The Dutch conquered the city in November 1604, under the leadership of Steven Van Den Hager. The Dutch are known to have ruled the city till 1795. They lost hold of the city after a ferocious attack by the British. After Independence, in the year 1956, Kozhikode was declared to be a part of Malabar District.

Travel within city

Kozhikode is a city in the State of Kerala and has a well developed inter- city transport system. The city is also well connected with the rest of the state through its rail and road systems. The main bus operators in the city are private operators. Some of the Kerala State buses also pass through the city and can be used to travel around the city. The city buses are painted green and they operate along the main municipal corporation lines. The major routes in the city are Kakkodi, Feroke, Elathur, Medical College and Beypore. There are three bus stands in the city and the local buses start from the Palayam Bus Stand.

Taxi
Kozhikode has an international airport which is situated around 22 km from the city. There are taxi services that are available from the airport to the city and they charge around Rs 400 for the trip. Some taxis may run on meter; however most of them have fixed rates to different parts of the city. Some of the taxi operators are, Kannaki Travels, Phone No-9746200858 Ajay Kumar, Phone No-91 495 3200422

Auto Rickshaw
For those arriving by train, there are auto rickshaws and taxis available from the railway station. They ply to most parts of the city and are comfortable.
Attractions

Beypore

mustsee

An important tourist attraction, Beypore is a small village located on the coastal area of Kozhikode. Beypore enjoys immense historical significance for serving as the base for trading between Middle East and Asia. The region is also popular for building wooden ships.

Kappad Beach

mustsee

One of the prime attractions in Kozhikode, the Kappad beach is historically famous for being the place where Vasco Da Gama first set foot. It also has a stone monument errected in his memory.The beach is famous for its pristine beauty and peaceful ambiance.

Thikkoti Light House

mustsee

One of the most popular monuments in Kozhikode, the Thikkoti Light House is built on the remains of a shipwreck. The light house is located on the rocky shores and the view from here is ethereal.

Art Gallery

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A haven for art and literature buffs, the Art Gallery is famous for its various paintings belonging to Raja Ravi Varma, claimed to be the first Indian painter to use oil paints in art. Timings: Weekdays only, till 5 PM.

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Backwaters

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Backwaters are one of the most enchanting attractions in Kozhikode. Long stretches of these water lagoons are not only apt for enjoying a luxurious stay on a houseboat but also allow the tourists to enjoy a peak in the vast aquatic life in these backwaters. Contact: Bekal Boat Stay - 00-91-467-22822633 Charges: Short Cruise - Rs 1,750 onward for six people/one hour, Sun Set Cruise - 4.30 pm to 6.00 pm, Rs 3000 onward for six people, longer packages are also available

Elathur

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A small and quaint village, Elathur is famous for its ethereal beauty and countryside scenery. The village is bordered by a lake on one side and a river on the other, making it an ideal destination for enjoying the most charming natural attractions.

Kadalundi

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A famous bird sanctuary, Kadalundi is home to more than 100 species of fauna. An important attraction for wildlife enthusiasts, the sanctuary also famous for a variety of fishes that can be sighted in the river.

Kozhikode Beach

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The Kozhikode beach is a beautiful strip of golden sand famous for its sunsets. The beach retains its old world charms and has a lighthouse and two dilapidated piers running into the sea, which are more than 100 years old.

Krishna Menon Museum

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Dedicated to the famous leader V.K.Krishna Menon, the museum houses various exhibits pertaining to the freedom movement in India. This is a unique museum where tourists can take a glimpse into the glorious history of India.

Mananchira Square

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A park located in the heart of Kozhikode, the Mananchira Square is famous for its musical fountain and an open air theater. The ground is named after the ruler of Kozhikode and has an artificial hill with well manicured gardens.

Pazhassiraja Museum

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Located on East Hill, the Pazhassiraja Museum named after the great Pazhassiraja Kerala Varma of the Padinjare Kovilakom of the Kottayam Royal Family, is popular for showcasing various archaeological remains like antique bronzes, ancient paintings and the historical umbrella stones.

Sweet Street (Mithai Theravu)

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Sweet Street is a must visit for all those with a sweet tooth. It is a popular shopping hub and most of the shops remain open till 9 in the night.

Tali Temple

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Tali Temple is one of the oldest temples in the region popular for its five different religious ceremonies that are performed every day. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the best time to visit the temple is during the Malayalam New Year.

Beypore Beach
One of the most prominent fishing harbors during the days of the Arabs, Chinese & later the Europeans, Beypore beach is located at the mouth of the Chaliyar River, 10 km from Kozhikode. Popular for its Ship building yard which is more than 1,500 years old, is an example of magnificent craftsmanship in the region. A 2 km bridge made of huge stones, leading in to the sea makes for scenic views.

Canolly / Canoli Canal

Also known as Elathur Kallai canal, the Canolly canal in Kozhikode is was named after the former collector of Malabar R. Canolly, who commissioned its construction. The Canal was completed in 1848 & remained a busy trading port till the 1950's. Taking a boat ride down this serene canal is the best way to explore the area.

Juma Masjid
Situated at Kuttichira in Kozhikode, this mosque is locally referred to as Jama Palli. This famous mosque can be traced back to 14th century, and is huge which can accommodate around 1000 worshipers at a time. Built in Kerala style of architecture, the beautiful wooden carved ceilings are worth mentioning. Among the mosques in Kerala, this mosque has the largest floor area and is open to Muslims only.

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Kakkayam
Kakkayam is a picturesque trekking site, it also has a dam in the area. Conserved by the Forest Police, it offers good rock climbing sites as well. It is best to travel in the months of April & November.

Kallai River
Once the second largest timber trading centre in Asia after Japan, the Kallai river is situated along the timber hub. This region is reminiscent of the bygone era.

KIRTADS
Located 7 km from Kozhikode, the KIRTADS - The Kerala Institute for Research, Training and Development of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, is a museum established with the purpose of giving a glimpse into the lives of the tribal communities of Kerala. Its exhibits include tools and devices used by ancient tribal communities here. A good library with books on Anthropology and Sociology is an added attraction.

Kozhippara Falls
Kozhippara falls is an ideal location for trekking and swimming. The river below is lined with dense forests on either side & is situated in Kakkadampoyil on the Malappuram -Calicut District border. This spot can be reached by road.

Lion's Park
A theme and amusement park for children, Lion's Park is next to the light house on Kozhikode beach. The main attractions here are the thrilling rides for the children and beautiful views of the sunset. Timings: Opens at 3 PM.

Matri Dei Cathedral

Placed around a half km from the town of Kozhikode near the beach road, this church is also referred to as Mother of God Cathedral. It is one among the oldest churches in the entire Malabar region, which traced back to 1513 AD. The church is built in Roman style of architecture and houses a 200-year old Portrait of St. Mary which is a major attraction of the church. Contact: Ph - 00-91-495-2366301

Mishkal Palli
Located at Kuttichira in Kozhikode town, this is one of the oldest mosques in Kerala. Believed to be constructed around 700 years ago, the mosque is also known as Mithqal Palli. It was named after Nakhooda Mishkal, an Arab merchant who built this mosque. Unlike other mosques, Mishkal Palli doesnt have minarets which make it unique from other mosques.

Muchundi Palli
This 13th century mosque is the oldest in the state of Kerala. Built in unique temple style architecture, the mosque is well known as Sheikh Zainuddin Makhdoom II, the author of the famous book Tuhafat Ul Mujahideen. The mosque holds a stone slab inscribed in Arabic and an earlier form of Malayalam which depicts the story of the Zamorin King of the area. With beautiful wooden carved ceilings and double tiled roofs, the architecture of the mosque is worth admiring.

Payyoli
While visiting to Calicut, there are various places that you can go to. One of these places is Payyoli, which is a small village that is near Calicut. Payyoli is one of the most outstanding tourism spot which has a good crowd of visitors. Payyoli is wellrenowned for its famous Payyoli Beach, which is merely 45 kilometers away from Kadavu and 14 kilometer all the way through the Sea. People visiting Payyoli will never fail to visit the Trikkottur Perumalpuram Temple, which is located close to the Payyoli Government High School, Perumalpuram in Kozhikode District. Ardent followers of lord Shiva will never fail to visit the temple during their visit.

Peruvannamuzhi Dam
Located 60 km north of Kozhikode, the Peruvannamuzhi Dam can be reached by buses which regularly ply from Kozhikode. An ideal spot for picnicking, the dam site is located amid scenic hills. The reservoir here offers speed boat & row boat ride, which offers views of the 'Smaraka Thottam' - which is a garden built in the memory of freedom fighters in the region. A crocodile farm & bird sanctuary are the other attractions which tourists can enjoy.

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Thusharagiri Waterfall
Lying in the Western Ghats of Kozhikode district in Kerala, Thusharagiri falls is located in a small tribal village; literally meaning snow covered mountains. The gurgling river diverges into three waterfalls which comes gushing down in a snowy spray, giving it its name. Thusharagiri is an ideal spot for trekking & rock climbing towards the Lakkidi ghat passing through thick foliage & lush greenery. September to November is the best time to visit.

Vellari Mala
Verdant landscapes, dotted with brooks, gurgling cascades & the smell of fresh air; sounds picture perfect(?), well this is what Vellari Mala has to offer! Meandering along the rocky terrain is the River Kanjirapuzha, a tributary of River Chaliyar which creates many a beautiful waterfalls at many points in the mountain. An ideal spot for trekkers, t& a perfect spot to enjoy a picnic for the relaxed traveler, Vellari Mala has something to offer for everyone visiting.
Itineraries

Distances from Kozhikode

Wayanad Coimbatore Kochi Mangalore Alleppey Bangalore Trivandrum Chennai

90 km 179 km 190 km 220 km 249 km 359 km 398 km 677 km

4h 4h, 30m 5h, 30m 5h, 30m 7h 50m 15h

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