KOZHIKODE


Gateway to the Western World

Click here to view KOZHIKODE district Map
District Head Quarters Kozhikode
Area 2,344 Sq.Km
Population 28,78,498
Literacy 92%

Geographical hints: - 71 Km Seashore. North-east area covering forest. Embilasserry, Nattuvaram, Mottila are the important hills. Rivers: Kuttiyadi, Korapuzha, Kallai, Chaliyar,Kadalundi and Mayyazhi. Total forest land : 41,386 Hectare

Opening up the gateway of India to Vasco-da-Gama the adventurous Portuguese navigator in 1498, Kozhikkod has carved for itself a landmark in the history of India. The land of the ancient Zamorins had many more things to offer to the western world other than the savoury spices for which they even ventured to discover a sea route.
Occupying a prominent place in the international trade map of the country right from the 13th century Kozhikkod paved the way for trade tourism in India. This trade centre is regaining much of its ancient glory by opening up air routes to Persian Gulf and other regions.


Kappad

Vasco da Gama landed on this beach on 27 May 1498 with three vessels and 170 men. Sixteen Kms from Kozhikkod town this extensive beach of historical importance is one of the major beaches being developed in Kerala with a view to tourism promotion.

Kappad Beach has historically played an important role in the history of Kerala. On these shores, over 500 years ago in 1498, 170 men led by Vasco- da-Gama first stepped onto Kerala. The entire State, especially the Malabar Coast, would never be the same again. A visit to Kozhikode is incomplete without a visit to this legendary site. The spice route flourished through this Beach. A walk in and around the place gives one an idea of itshistorical relevance. The rocks and small hills add to its charm. The nearby shacks are always stocked with excellent local delicacies and tea. Migratory birds can be spotted occasionally as well. Kappad Beach is a truly majestic destination, which will always hold an important place in our history.Kappad, or Kappakadavu locally, is a beach near Kozhikode, in the district of the same name, Kerala, India.A stone monument installed by government commemorates the "landing" by Vasco da Gama with the inscription, 'Vasco da Gama landed here, Kappakadavu, in the year 1498'.In 2007 a Rs. 1.5 crore program to beautify the beach was launched by [Kerala] Tourism Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan. It is now completed and Kappad beach has a corniche and park. The park includes a restroom, restaurant and seating. The nearest major railway station is Koyilandy, about 10 km away from Kappad. The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport (CCJ), which is about 25 km from the town of Kozhikode. Private transport buses are available from the main bus stand, or visitors can reach the beach by stopping at Thiruvangoor on National Highway 66 between Kozhikode and Vadakara.


Kallai

Kallai on the bank of River Kallai has the pride of being the major timber trading centre in Kerala. It still remains a potential trade centre of the timber industry.

Kallai (or Kallayi) is a small town on the banks of Kallai River which links with the Chaliyar river on the south by a man-made canal. It is in the Kozhikode district of Kerala in south India and is noted for timber trading. During the late 19th century early 20th centuries, the Chaliyar River was extensively used as a waterway for carrying timber from the forest areas in and around Nilambur to the various mills in Kallai near Kozhikode (Calicut). Rafts made of logs were taken downstream during the monsoon season to Kallai, where these were sawn to size in the timber mills dotting the banks of the river. During this period, Kallai was one of the most important centers in the world for the timber business. The place was noted for woods of superlative strength and durability like teak, rosewood etc. Towards the second half of the 20th century, the activity declined drastically as tree felling was banned or strictly controlled with a view to stop deforestation. Many mills still operate in Kallai, though with far less output. Many have now closed down. Kallayi Road starts from Palayam junction in the very heart of old Kozhikode. The first junction towards the south is Pushpa Junction which connects to Mankavu on the east and Kuttichira Beach on the west. The road continues to the south with landmarks like Paico Bookstall, Marzook College and the Kallayi Library. Panniyankara junction has a unique colonial building built in 1902 and called Princess of Wales Dispensary which is now converted into a homeo clinic. Panniyankara police station stands opposite to this clinic. Kannanchery, Nallalam and Areekkad are the next towns in the Kallayi Road. The SAIL-SCL steel factory and VKC Hawaii and the major industries in this area.


Vadakara

Vadakara has a prominent place in the folkore of Kerala. Lokanarkavu, the famous temple of Thacholi Othenan the hero of the Vadakkanpattu Ballads is only 5 Kms from here. Vadakara is reverberating with stories of the heroic exploits of Othenan.

Following the footsteps of the martial hero Othenan the famous martial art form of Kerala. Kalarippayattu has several arenas in VadakaraTrust on commonwealth Dominating the city centre is the large Manamchira Tank, flanked by the Town Hall and the Public Library, both fine example of traditional architecture of Kerala. Nearby is theCommonwealth Trust building, a 100 years old monument. The trust established by the BaselMission in 19th century modernized the terracotta tiles and textile industries in Calicut Later on it took the credit of developing the colour khaki for the British Army. There is a shop in the premises of the trust that sells textiles as well as terracotta products.Vatakara, also spelled Vadakara (formerly Badagara), French: Bargaret, is a coastal town in the Kozhikode district in the state of Kerala, India. Vatakara is located between Thalassery and Koyilandy. The municipality of Vadakara covers an area of 23.33 km2 and is bordered by Mahi to the north and Payyoli to the south. It is the headquarters of Vatakara taluk, which consists of 22 panchayats. During the reign of the Kolathiris and Zamorins, Vatakara was known as Kadathanadu. During the British Raj, it was part of the North Malabar region of Malabar District in the state of Madras.Vadakara is a very small town when compared to Thalassery. The historic Lokanarkavu temple, made famous by the Vadakkan Pattukal (ballads of North Malabar), is situated in Vatakara.


Kappakkadavu Beach

It is one of the most attractive beaches in the city and has taken an important place in the history of the world. It is in this beach that the Portuguese Navigator Vasco Da Gama landed on his discovery of the sea route from Europe to India. This beach is also known as Kappad Beach and is only 16 km from the railway station.

Located about 16 km away from Calicut city is the Kappad Beach, which has historical significance. It was on 27th May 1498 that Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama landed here with three vessels and 170 men to start the socio-political relationship between India and Europe. There is a small monument erected here commemorates this event. Also called as Kappakkadavu Beach, this stretch of the sea is located to the north of Kozhikode along the Kannur road. An ancient temple on a hillock, facing the sea, is an added attraction. This lovely beach has a rocky ledge on one side which makes it attractive among both tourists and locals. In fact you can actually climb the rocks and get a panoramic view of the Arabian ocean. On the rocks nearby is a temple that is said to be over 800 years old. While I took the road to reach Kappad, I found out later on that the best way to reach Kappad is along the backwaters. In fact this is where you can experience the unspoilt and less crowded picturesque scenes and a ride down the backwaters through the Korapuzha River. Watching the sun set over the Arabian Sea is a great experience and one that is strongly recommended. Due to its location away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Kappad beach an ideal beach holiday destination for relaxation and refreshing break. Dotted with enthralling rock formations on all sides, the beach landscape includes several coconut groves and long lines of silvery sands drenched by lathered surf that soothingly rolls up and down the shores. Kappad beach brings together many activities that you may try during your holiday. You have the option of taking a boat ride or go swimming in the pristine backwaters or you may even play beach games with your friends or family. One more thing you may do is to take a houseboat cruise down the river to Kappad as the backwaters of this place add charm to your beach tour. The beach is very popular for other leisure activities like sunbathing, shopping, sightseeing, etc. There are plenty of beach side shacks where you can get a variety of fresh sea food at affordable price. A very thrilling feature of the Kappad beach is the rock that protrudes into the sea. The major attraction of the beach is an 800 year old temple, located nearby Kappad beach.


Pazhassirajah Museum

This museum exhibits huge collection of wood and metal sculptures, models of temples and reconstruction of megalithic monuments. The Art Gallery located adjacent to this museum displays paintings of Kerala?s cherished artist Raja Ravi Varma, who brought international reputation to the state. The museum is named after the great king Pazhassiraja Kerala Varma of the Padinjare Kovilakom of the Kottayam royal family. Pazhassiraja led the famous ?Pazhassi Revolt? against East India Company and was known as ?Lion of Kerala

Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum is a museum and art gallery in Kozhikode, Kerala. The museum has a rich collection of historical artifacts from 1000 BC to 200 AD.The building that houses the museum was constructed in the year 1812 and was then known as East Hill Bungalow. The bungalow was converted to an archaeological museum in 1976. In the year 1980, the building was renamed as the Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum.The museum has exhibits from the megalithic age and the Indus Valley Civilization. The exhibits include ancient pottery, toys, stone and other metal sculptures. Coins, Models of temples, Burial urns and umbrella stones (tomb stones of rulers) are part of the museums's collection. The museum also has a collection of war weapons used by British soldiers and the official caps of British and French soldiers. The special collections of the museum include the Panchaloha idols and stone statues described as 'War heroes'.


Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

This is the home of about 100 species of resident and 60 species of migratory birds. The sanctuary is surrounded by hillocks and spreads over an area of 3 km at an altitude of 200m above sea level.The sanctuary at Kadalundi is a Haven for migratory birds. Terns, Gulls, Herons, Sand pipers, Whimbrels and other such migratory birds flock from the month of November and returns only by the end of April. It is 25 kms. from Kozhikode. The ideal season to visit is from December to April in the early hours of the day.

A cluster of scenic islands, beautiful hills and rare avian species would intrigue and entice every birdwatcher on the planet. This is exactly what the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary has to offer its visitors. One is greeted by the Kadalundi River flowing into the Arabian Sea while migratory birds casually flit about. This untouched land has over 60 species of migratory birds from across the planet that visits it during different times of the year. One can see seagulls, terns, sandpipers, sand plovers, red and greenshanks, turnstones and so on with November to April being the ideal viewing time. A small hill nearby gives you a panoramic view of the entire region. You can sit back and relax, with the odd otter peeking out at you playfully. This is indeed a paradise designed especially for bird lovers.The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary lies in the Malappuram, Kozhikode districts of the state of Kerala in India. It spreads over a cluster of islands where the Kadalundipuzha River flows into the Arabian Sea. The Sanctuary hill is around 200 m above sea level. It is 29 km from Tirur, 39 km from Malappuram and 19 km from Kozhikode city centre. The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, Malappuram.


Beypore

Beypore is a small historic village, located 10 kms south of Kozhikode. It was an important trade centre and fishing harbour during ancient Kerala. It was a much sought after destination for the western merchants owing to its ship-building industry. The boat building yard here is famous for the construction of the Uru a typical Arabian trading vessel. Artisans still today follow their old methods of ship building technology. Old vessels are also brought here to be repaired.

Beypore or Beypur is an ancient port town and a locality town in Kozhikode district in the state of Kerala, India. The place was formerly known as Vaypura / Vadaparappanad and also as Beydary. Tippu Sultan, ruler of Mysore, named the town "Sultan Pattanam". There is a marina and a beach while Beypore port is one of the oldest ports in Kerala, which historically traded with the Middle East. Beypore is noted for building wooden ships, known as dhows or urus in the Malayalam language. These ships were usually bought by Arab merchants for trading and fishing but are now used as tourist ships. According to Captain Iwata, founder member of the Association of Sumerian ships in Japan, Sumerian ships might have been built in Beypore. There is evidence to prove that Beypore had direct trade links with Mesopotamia and was a prominent link on the maritime silk route.

Beypore or Beypur is a small coastal census town in Kozhikode district in the state of Kerala, India. The place was formerly known as Beypuram. Tippu Sultan named the town (Sultan Pattanam). This place also has a small port and a beautiful beach. Beypore port is one of the oldest ports in Kerala from where trading was done to the Middle East. Beypore is also famous for building wooden ship, it is called Dhows or Urus in Malayalam language. These ships are usually bought by arab merchants for trading, fishing and now used as a tourist ships. TASARA creative hand weaving centre in north beypore attracts visitors and students from all around the world. Chaliyar Puzha which is the fourth longest river in the Kerala state flows through this village.The Indian Coast Guard has commissioned a station here in 2006.


Dolphin point

Just 2 km away from the city centre, along the stretch of tree lined sand is Dolphin Point, a popular place to watch Dolphin playing in the sea during early morning. The place is more enjoyable owing to its Lions Club Park and the Light House.

At the Dolphin's point one can see in the early hours of the morning dolphins playing in the sea. The beach, 2kms from Kozhikode town center is a along stretch of tree lined sand, popular with the local people because of the lions club park(Children's Park), the lighthouse and the two piers. People love taking long walks here in the evenings, because of the lovely evening breeze.Visiting Dolphin's Point is one of the fun and popular things to do when in Kozhikode. If you are keen on spotting schools of dolphins flipping around in the sun, then you are in for a major treat for children and adults alike. The Dolphin?s Point is usually quite packed in the early hours of the morning with locals and tourists waiting patiently to catch a glimpse of the lovable creatures.


Trust on commonwealth

Dominating the city centre is the large Manamchira Tank, flanked by the Town Hall and the Public Library, both fine example of traditional architecture of Kerala. Nearby is theCommonwealth Trust building, a 100 years old monument.





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