Kozhikode










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KOZHIKODE

INTRODUCTION

Calicut is the anglicized form of Kalikut, the Arabic for the Malayalam, Kozhikode.From time immemorial the city attracted travellers with its charming physical features and prosperity. Even today the glory that was Calicut has not faded. The political history of Kozhikode is a story of treacherous and ill conceived conspiracies hatched by the Western powers.Vasco Da Gama landed at Kappad in May 1498, as the leader of a trade mission from Portugal and was recieved by the Zamorian himself.Kozhikode enthrals the visitors with lush green countrysides, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make Kozhikode a popular destination.

HISTORY

Till 1122 AD Kozhikode was under the administration of the Chera Kings, the Sangam age.It was during this period Kerala became a centre of trade and slowly there were networks getting formed with the outside world. Only around the 13th century the city of Calicut was formed with Udaiyavar, the king of Ernad, conquered the area around Ponniankar and built a fort at a place called Velapuram, now known as Calicut.The history of Kozhikode district as an administrative unit begins from January 1957.When the states of the Indian Union were reorganized on linguistic basis on 1st November 1956,the erstwhile Malabar district was separated from Madras state and added to the new anilingual state of Kerala.Once the capital of powerful zamorins and a prominent trade and commerce centre,Kozhikode was the most important town of Malabar in the days gone by.

LOCATION

Kozhikode or Calicut is situated in the south Indian state of Kerala on the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea. The district extends from latitude 11�15' N to 75�49' E.

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

Pooram

It falls in the month of March/April in the Arakkal Temple.

Lokanarkavu Temple

There is a fair and a festival held in this temple twice a year in the of March/April and November/December.

Utsavam

It is held at Pishrikavu temple during the month of March.

Malabar Mahotsavam

This Mahotsavam is a major festival of the Malabar region celebrated in the months of January/February.

Jalotsavam

This is a festival of water fiestas and it is celebrated simultaneously as a part of Onam festival.

PLACES OF INTEREST

Kappakkadavu Beach

Kappakkadavu Beach is located at a distance of about 16 km from the railway station and it takes a name in the history for it was here the Portuguese Navigator Vasco Da Gama landed on his discovery of the sea route from Europe to India.

The beach is also otherwise referred by the name Kappad Beach. The Kappad beach resort is one of the leading centers for Ayurvedic Health Holiday in Kerala.

Pazhassirajah Museum and Art Gallery

This museum is run by the state archaeological department and is situated at a distance of about 5 kms from Kozhikode.The museum features antique bronzes and old coins as well as models of temples, megalithic monuments like dolmonoid cysts and umbrella stones.

Apart from this there is also a small art gallery attached to the museum which has more of Raja Ravi Varmas paint.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is a beautiful site for bird watchers and ornithologists. Situated at a distance of about 25 km from Kozhikode it has both native and migratory birds like Terns, gulls, herons, sandpipers, whimbrels etc.

The ideal time to visit this sanctuary is between the months of November to April.

The Thali Temple

This temple was built during the Zamorin rule and was destroyed by Tipu Sultan and Hyder Ali, only to be renovated in the 18th Century.

The Thali Temple houses the shrines of Lord Shiva, Ganapati, Narasimha and Saasta.

Krishna Menon Museum

This museum is dedicated to the former President of India late V K Krishna Menon, famous in the world for the collection of his personal belongings and souvenirs.

Dolphin's Point

A drive to Dolphin point takes just a few minutes drive from the city where one can see dolphin's playing in the sea in the early morning. It is an ideal place for walk both in the morning and in the evening.

Badagara

This is a commercial centre located at a distance of about 48 kms from Kozhikode.

It is very much connected to martial arts.

The other highlight of this place is that it is the birthplace of Thacholi Othanan, the hero of the ballads of North Malabar.

Beypore

Beypore is located at a distance of about 10 kms South of Kozhikode. During the ancient period of Kerala this was a famous port and a fishing harbour.Apart from this small coastal town is noted all over the country for its boat building industry for most of the Arabs come here for boat shopping.

The boat-building yard here is also very famous today for its country crafts called 'Uru' built by traditional boat builders, known as Khalasis.

Thikkoti Lighthouse

22kms from Kozhikode is the lighthouse, which overlooks Velliyamkallu, the rock much dreaded by navigators, off Moodadi coast, which was built after a ship, wreck and the remains of which can still be seen here. The Velliyamkallu rock is the transit home of migratory birds.

Tellicherry and Sultan Bathery (Trading Centre)

This is another important trading centre of Kozhikode and is situated at a distance of about 98kms.The drive to this place is full steep climbs and hairpin curves.

Tusharagiri

Tusharagiri at a distance of 50kms from Kozhikode is very close to Vythiri in Wayanad. It has thick dense forest with different varieties of bird and wild animals. Trekking to this place is quite interesting. It also has a small tribal settlement here. There is an eye catching waterfall here which sprays out a snowy water and that's why the name 'Thusharagiri' which means 'snowy peak'.

River Kallai

River Kallai located at a distance of about 6kms from Kozhikode is known worldwide for it is the second largest timber-trading center in Asia. There is a very old iron bridge here which captures the tourist attention.

Peruvannamuzhi Dam

This is an ideal picnic spot at a distance of 60kms from Kozhikode.Apart from the natural scenery of the dam set amide hills there are other attractions like speedboat cruises, bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm.

Manachira Maidan (Palace)

The Manachira Maidan is a very good example of the Kerala style architecture which is featured by musical fountain, beautifully landscaped lawns and traditional buildings.

SHOPPING

Sweet Meat Street is one of the most famous streets in Kozhikode where you can buy textiles especially the fancy ones. There is a wholesale spice market at the Big Bazaar Road. For handloom products the right place is the Comtrust Store off Town Hall Road.Calicut is also famous for local handicrafts such as rosewood and buffalo horn carvings, coir products and miniature snake boats. Such items are available at Manvoor Road and CSI at Mananchira and Big Bazaar at SM Street.SM road also have shops which sells plain and printed cottons or calicos.

EAT OUTS 

Fusion - On a breezy terrace on Lighthouse beach, offers a good choice of Keralan and European dishes.
Coconut Grove - Lighthouse beach
Rock Cafe - Lighthouse beach.
The Lobster Pot - North from the Leela.
Lonely Planet
The Taj Green Cove Resort
Jasmine Bay
Apart from this there are some traditional Kerala breakfast like puttu, Kerala appam and egg masala at the local teashops.

ACCOMMODATION

1.FOCUS KERALA
Light House Road
Kovalam,Vizhinjam.P.O
Trivandrum-695 521
+91 471 3224860
2.Shirleysbeach Hotels& Homestay’s
Light House Beach
Kovalam
Kerala
India
+91-471-2317303
3.The beach hotel
Light house beach kovalam
Vizhinjam p.o. 695521
Trivandrum, kerala
India
4.Hotel Sea Face
NUP Beach Road Kovalam,
Kerala - 695527 (India)
+91.471.2481835 / 2481836
5.GREEN SHORE APARTMENTS
Lighthouse Road
Kovalam
Vizhinjam PO
Trivandrum-695 521
Kerala
South India
0091 471 2480106
6.Hill & Sea View Ayurvedic Beach Resort 
Vizhinjam, Kovalam
Trivandrum, Kerala 695521
09927420034
7.Taj Green Cove Resort
G.V. Raja Vattapara Road
Kovalam
Trivandrum, Kerala
+91 471 248 7733
8.Tom's Inn
Vpi/43g
ITDC Road
Kovalam
Trivandrum 695527
Kerala
India
+91 471 2454008/2450838
9.Beach Hotel Neelakanta 
Light House Beach
Kovalam, 695521
0471 2480321
10.Jasmine Palace
Kozhikode
Kovalam P.O,
Trivandrum - 695527
Kerala, India.
+ 91 471 2481475

Travel Guide

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Travel Information

Airlines   Buses   Railways   Hotels   Eat Outs   Cabs

HOW TO REACH

By Air

Nearest airport is Trivandrum International airport which is about 15 km away from Kovalam. Taxi fare from Airport to Kovalam is about Rs 300. Trivandrum International airport is connected to all major airports in India and it is connected to many cities abroad including Colombo, Singapore and many gulf cities.

By Trains

The nearest rail head to Kovalam is Trivandrum Central (Thampanoor) railway station. It is about 15 km away from Kovalam. Trivandrum is well linked with all cities in India through rail.

By Road

Kovalam has a good network of roads.State buses and Inter State buses have regular services. Luxury buses, tourist taxis and autorickshaws can be hired for your travel.