|
A great seaport in Olden days. Kozhikode district is well placed on the south west coast of India. Bounded on the north by Kannur district, on the east by Wayanad district, on the south by Malappuram district and on the west by the Arabian sea, it is situated between North latitudes 11* 08'.
The place boasts of extreme beauty mixed with chips of natural and lush greenery that tend to soothe your nerves. The district covers a coastal length of 80kms.
Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins and a prominent trade and commerce centre, Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by.
Today, lush green country sides, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm friendly ambience made Kozhikode a popular destination.
The place won hands down as a successful trading centre for the spices in the medieval period. The land was earlier in the clutches of the Zamorin dynasty, efficiently managed.
Vasco Da Gama, who set his foot on the soil of Kappad, has marked the place in the world history with the discovery of the sea route to India.
In the prehistoric times, the rock cut caves existed almost everywhere in the district of Calicut. The Sangam age saw the merger of the district with the Chera Empire. Tondi, was then, one of the most flourishing sea ports of Kerala.
The post-Sangam age is believed to be an unraveled mystery called the Dark Age. The 19th century witnessed Calicut forming a part of the second Chera Empire.
The latter, also known as the Perumals saw their fall soon, resulting in the division of the Empire into several small districts, called Nadus (Ernad and Polanad). Calicut was dominated by the Polatthiris (rulers of Poland). The King of Ernad then lay his hands on Polanad making Calicut an important town.
The Udaiyavar of Ernad, Nediyiruppu being the headquarters then, indulged into a massive battle with the Polatthiri Kings and after 48 long years merciless killings, the area around Ponniankara was conquered. The patience of the king paid and he built a fort at
Velapuram.
This was the base to the formation of the city of Calicut, read 13th century AD. The significance of Nediyiruppu got a sudden boost and the Udaiyavar was then named, Swami Nambiyathiri Thirumulpad. Over the years, he came to be known as Samuri or Samuthiri yet the Europeans called him Zamorin.
The Kovil (palace) Kotta (fort) bracketed the fort, which was hence called Kozhikode. It then possessed probably more names than the God, called Kalikat, Kalifo, Calicut.....
It stressed it stronghold to become a mighty seaport, with excellent administration, powerful security management and the most-needed co-operation of the subjects. Calicut thus formed the core trade centre in the Malabar region.
Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery
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 and 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 L Krishna Menon, renowned statesman. His personal belongings and souvenirs are displayed here.
Kirtads
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.
Back
Regional Science Centre
Situated on the same compound as the planetarium, the Regional Science Centre is an eye opener into the amazing and exciting dimensions of Science.
Planetarium
The Kozhikode Planetarium at the city's Jaffarkhan colony offers extensive insight into the mysteries of the universe, the planets and the galaxies.
CNV Kalari Centre
Kalaripayattu, Kerala's maritial art, is performed at this center. Special demonstrations can be arranged on request.
Cheliya
The Kathakali Vidyalayam, a Kathakali training center is situated here, on the way to Quilandi. Kathakali classes are held here on weekends and special performances are arranged on request.
Back
Kakkayam
This picturesque damsite, teeming with exotic wildlife, offers excellent trekking and rock climbing opportunities. The best time to visit is between November and April.
Kalipoika
One can leisurely cruise on the dappled waters at Kalipoika in both pedal and row boats.
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.
Thikkoti Lighthouse
The lighthouse, which overlooks Velliyamkallu- the rock much dreaded by navigators - off Moodadi coast, was built after a shipwreck, the remains of which can still be seen here. The Velliyamkallu rock is the transit home of migratory birds.
Back
Kappad Beach
This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama 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 Kappakdavu. 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. Adding to its 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.
Back
Beypore
Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar river, Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala was an important trade and maritime centre.
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.
Kallai River
Originating from the Cherukulathur village, the river links with the Chaliyar on the south by a man-made canal. The river lazily wriggles through Cherukulathur, Kovur, Olavanna, Manava and Kallai to sink deep into the Arabian sea at Kozhikode.
Measuring 22 kms in length and covering an area of 96 sq kms, it forms an important river taking into consideration the commercialization part. Kallai, situated on the banks of the river, is the core centre of timber trade. Back
Murad River
Also called the Kuttiady river, the Narikota ranges are believed to give birth to this fascinating river. The ranges lie on the western slopes of the Wayanad Hills, an integral part of the Western Ghats. The river gladly snakes its way into the Arabian Sea, through the Vadakara, Koyilandy and Kozhikode taluks. The historical fort of Kottakkal, at a distance of 7 kms south of Vadakara, forms the dead end for the river, which is 74 kms long. The river and the tributaries comprise a total area of 583 sq kms. Onipuzha, Thottilpalam puzha, Vamathil puzha and the Mandapalli puzha are the tributaries of the river, that smoothly flows gracing the soil of Oorakuchi, Kuttiady, Tiruvallur, Muyipoth, Maniyur and Karuvancheri. Back
Mahe River
Termed as the Mayyazhipuzha, the river has its origin from the forests situated on the western slopes of the Wayanad Hills. The hills are a part of the Western Ghats. The beautiful river waters cascade most effortlessly through the Naripetta, Vanimel, Iyyancode, Bhekiyad, Iringanoor, Tripangathur, Peringalam, Edachery, Kacheri, Eramala, Kariyad, Olavilam, Kunnumakkara, Azhiyoor and Mahe villages and finally forms an eternal part of the Arabian Sea. Mahe is located at a distance of 6 kilometers to the south of Thalassery. The river is 54 kms long and covers a general area of 394 sq kms. Back
Chaliyar River
Also popular as the Beypore river, can conveniently form a major river of the state. It boasts of its origination from the Ilambalari hills in Gudalur Taluk of the Nilagiri district in Tamil Nadu. Its important tributaries comprise of Chalipuzha, Punnapuzha, Pandiyar, Karimpuzha, Vadapurampuzha, Iringipuzha and Iruthilpuzha. It is an inter-state river covering an area of 2923 sq. kms, of which 2535 sq kms lie in Kerala. The length of this river is 169 kms. The river cascades merrily through Nilambur, Mambad, Edavanna, Areacode, Vazhakkad in Malappuram district and Feroke in Kozhikode district to join the Arabian Sea near Beypore. Back
Korapuzha River
The two streams Punnurpuzha and Agalapuzha, join to form the Korapuzha river, which, along with its main tributaries, is tidal in their lower reaches. The latter of the two can well spin off as a backwater, while the former claims its existence from Arikkankunnu. The river forms the connecting point of all the important industrial towns like the Vadakara, Kozhikode, Kallai, Beypore. The river measures 40 kms in length and covers an area of 624 sq. kms.
S.M. Street
Sweet Meat Street is busiest street in Kozhokode and derives its name form the times when the street was lined with sweetmeat stalls. Back
Tusharagiri
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 waterfall 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, areca nut, pepper, ginger and spice plantations.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
The sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundipuzha river flows into the Arabian sea. Over a hundred varieties of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory birds flock here in large numbers. A hillock, which is 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. Back
Birth Place of Kunjali Marikkar (22Km from Kozhikode)
The Portuguese explorers to Malabar had to reckon with the Marikkars, the valiant admirals of the Zamorins. Kunjali Marikkar was an efficient official of the Zamorian who earned much fame by his patriotism and valour. His house on the southern bank of the Moorad river, is today preserved by the Department of Archaeology.
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.
Payyoli
Payyoli is a place of historical importance due to the old fprt and mosque of the Kunjali Marikkans. This place is also kanown for its sacrifice rock which can be found at about 13 Km away in the sea. Back
Peruvanamuzhi
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, the bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place.
Iringal
This is the birth place of Kunjali Marikkar, who commanded the Zamorin's fleet and held the Portuguese vessels at bay for a long period. The birth place of this valiant admiral of the Zamorin, on the southern bank of the Murad river, is today preserved by the Department of Archaeology. Back
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 mosques 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.
Badakara
The birth place of Thacholi Othenan - the legendary hero of the Vadakkanpattu (bands of North Malabar), Vadakara boasts a great martial tradition and was a flourishing trade and commerce centre in ancient
times. Thacholi Manikkoth, the kalari where Thacholi Othenan practised his martial feats and spend long days in deep meditation before every poythu (duel), is a place worth visiting.
Kuttiyadi
This picturesque village is the dite of a major hydroelectric project- The Kuttiyadi Hydro Electric Power Project. Back
Vellari Mala
Scintillating waterfalls and velvet green 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.
Mishkal Masjid, Kuttichira
One of the oldest mosques in the city, this four storied structure supported by wooden pillars proudly proclaims the architectural splendour of yester years. 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.
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 art lovers. Back
Tali Temple
Built in the 14th century by Swamy Thirumulpad, the Zamorin, within his palace complex, this temple was 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.
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.
Mother of God Church
This church built in the 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
centre.
|
