CALICUT @ KOZHIKODE
KAPPAD BEACH
For the people of Kozhikode, this pleasant stretch of rock-studded beach is Kappakkadavu. To the tourist it is one of the most charming of Kerala's beaches. Kappad finds mention in history and geography texts as the gateway to the Malabar Coast. Here, 501 years ago, 170 men led by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama (1460-1524) sailed in and stepped into Kerala to create a new chapter in history. The story of a long and tumultuous socio-political relationship between India and Europe. It was the spices and wealth of Malabar that first brought the Arabs, the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English to Kerala. Kappad has witnessed many such landings.
Kozhikode was then the most important trade centre of the Malabar region and the Zamorins who ruled this mighty land were powerful and shrewd. Though the Portuguese were welcomed in Kozhikode they were not too well encouraged or entertained for long by the Zamorins, which might be the reason they shifted their base to Cochin and Kollam down south. Today only a little stone monument is left at the Kappad beach to speak of its great historic importance. On the rocks nearby is a temple believed to be 800 years old.
To the tourist, however, this little sea faring town is a heaven. The best route to Kappad is along the backwaters. Unspoilt and uncrowded, the picturesque backwaters of Kozhikode offer a bewitching experience. A ride down the backwaters through the Korapuzha River brings you to the beach.
Getting there: Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 16 km. Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town
POOKAT LAKE
With its own dream-like serenity, this natural fresh water lake surrounded by meadows and trees on all sides is a haven for peace-loving travellers. It is located half way from Calicut, half an hour ahead of Kalpetta.
Pookat Lake, about 13 kms from Kalpetta, is undoubtedly the most beautiful tourist spot in the whole of Wayanad. The lake nestles in the lap of mountains surrounding it. Boating in the Pookat Lake is a memorable experience. Tall trees and dense forests that line along the pathway around the lake provide a visual treat. A freshwater aquarium with a large variety of fish is an added attraction.
This is a beautiful natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forest and wooded hills. Boating facilities, Children's Park and shopping centre for handicrafts and spices of Wayanad are arranged by District Tourism Promotion Council. These provide recreational facilities to the visitors. A fresh water aquarium with wide varieties of fishes is managed by the Fisheries Department. The lake is 3 km south of Vythiri resorts.
PAZHASSIRAJA MUSEUM
A veritable treasure trove for historians and connoisseurs of art, the Pazhassiraja Museum is located in Kozhikode - the land of spices, which lured navigators from time immemorial down to the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498. The Art Gallery adjacent to the museum displays the acclaimed paintings of Kerala's cherished artists, Raja Ravi Varma (1848 - 1906) whose works brought international repute to the State and his uncle Raja Raja Varma.
The museum is managed by the State Archaeology Department and has on display mural paintings, antique bronzes, ancient coins, models of temples, umbrella stones, dolmenoid cists (quadrangular burial chambers with capstones), and similar megalithic monuments. The art gallery has the oil paintings and other works of Raja Ravi Varma. For more information on Ravi Varma's works, refer 'The prince among painters and a painter among princes' .
The museum and the art gallery are named after the great Pazhassiraja Kerala Varma of the Padinjare Kovilakom of the Kottayam royal family. The famous 'Pazhassi Revolt' (against the British East India Company during the second half of the 1700s) was led by Pazhassiraja. Nicknamed the Lion of Kerala, Pazhassiraja is also credited with introducing guerilla warfare in the hills of Wayanad to resist the increasingly intolerable British colonialism. This great freedom fighter was shot dead in an encounter on 30 November 1805.
BACKWATERS
The Backwaters of Kerala is a unique product of Kerala and is found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self-supporting eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable. Calicut (Kozhikode), the age-old commercial town now attracts tourists with its wonderful backwaters and picnic sports. With a bewitching beauty, Calicut plays a major role in the travel and tourism sphere.
Unexplored and unspoiled are the backwaters of Kozhikode, which holds great promises of enchanting holiday options. Elathur, the canal and the River Kallai are favourite haunts for boating. Kadlundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is fast becoming a popular water sport destination up north in Kerala, the cool backwaters of Calicut lay waiting to be discovered. Unspoilt, uncommon and unknown enthusiastic experience is waiting here for you.
The most exciting thing on the backwaters of Kerala, however, is the Kettuvallam (traditional houseboat), which has become the most popular tourism product in India today. In a land as water bound as Kerala it wouldn't be an unusual sight, but for a visitor to God's Own Country a houseboat gliding along the vast green expanse of the backwaters is the most amazing spectacle in the world. Even more enchanting is a holiday in the houseboats of Kerala.
THUSHARAGIRI WATERFALLS
Snuggled cosily in the Western Ghats, are the gurgling waterfalls of Thusharagiri. Meaning the snow capped mountains; Thushargiri exhibits a unique kinship between the land and water. The three waterfalls on the backdrop of the Western Ghats provide an exhilarating and spellbinding sight to the visitor.
Snuggled cosily in the Western Ghats, are the gurgling waterfalls of Thusharagiri. Meaning the snow capped mountains; Thushargiri exhibits a unique kinship between the land and water. The three waterfalls on the backdrop of the Western Ghats provide an exhilarating and spellbinding sight to the visitor.
Of the three, the highest waterfall is the Thenpara that falls from an altitude of 75 metres. Situated at Kodencherry in Kozhikode district, the plantation destination that abounds in rubber, areca nut, pepper, ginger and spices is also a trekker's delight. Trekker's start early morning from the second waterfalls at the hills and climb up through the pristine dense evergreen forests teeming with exotic birds and animals to reach Vythiri and Wayanad district by evening. There is a dam located around 45 km from Calicut.
For the people of Kozhikode, this pleasant stretch of rock-studded beach is Kappakkadavu. To the tourist it is one of the most charming of Kerala's beaches. Kappad finds mention in history and geography texts as the gateway to the Malabar Coast. Here, 501 years ago, 170 men led by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama (1460-1524) sailed in and stepped into Kerala to create a new chapter in history. The story of a long and tumultuous socio-political relationship between India and Europe. It was the spices and wealth of Malabar that first brought the Arabs, the Phoenicians, the Greeks, the Romans, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English to Kerala. Kappad has witnessed many such landings.
Kozhikode was then the most important trade centre of the Malabar region and the Zamorins who ruled this mighty land were powerful and shrewd. Though the Portuguese were welcomed in Kozhikode they were not too well encouraged or entertained for long by the Zamorins, which might be the reason they shifted their base to Cochin and Kollam down south. Today only a little stone monument is left at the Kappad beach to speak of its great historic importance. On the rocks nearby is a temple believed to be 800 years old.
To the tourist, however, this little sea faring town is a heaven. The best route to Kappad is along the backwaters. Unspoilt and uncrowded, the picturesque backwaters of Kozhikode offer a bewitching experience. A ride down the backwaters through the Korapuzha River brings you to the beach.
Getting there: Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 16 km. Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town
POOKAT LAKE
With its own dream-like serenity, this natural fresh water lake surrounded by meadows and trees on all sides is a haven for peace-loving travellers. It is located half way from Calicut, half an hour ahead of Kalpetta.
Pookat Lake, about 13 kms from Kalpetta, is undoubtedly the most beautiful tourist spot in the whole of Wayanad. The lake nestles in the lap of mountains surrounding it. Boating in the Pookat Lake is a memorable experience. Tall trees and dense forests that line along the pathway around the lake provide a visual treat. A freshwater aquarium with a large variety of fish is an added attraction.
This is a beautiful natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forest and wooded hills. Boating facilities, Children's Park and shopping centre for handicrafts and spices of Wayanad are arranged by District Tourism Promotion Council. These provide recreational facilities to the visitors. A fresh water aquarium with wide varieties of fishes is managed by the Fisheries Department. The lake is 3 km south of Vythiri resorts.
PAZHASSIRAJA MUSEUM
A veritable treasure trove for historians and connoisseurs of art, the Pazhassiraja Museum is located in Kozhikode - the land of spices, which lured navigators from time immemorial down to the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498. The Art Gallery adjacent to the museum displays the acclaimed paintings of Kerala's cherished artists, Raja Ravi Varma (1848 - 1906) whose works brought international repute to the State and his uncle Raja Raja Varma.
The museum is managed by the State Archaeology Department and has on display mural paintings, antique bronzes, ancient coins, models of temples, umbrella stones, dolmenoid cists (quadrangular burial chambers with capstones), and similar megalithic monuments. The art gallery has the oil paintings and other works of Raja Ravi Varma. For more information on Ravi Varma's works, refer 'The prince among painters and a painter among princes' .
The museum and the art gallery are named after the great Pazhassiraja Kerala Varma of the Padinjare Kovilakom of the Kottayam royal family. The famous 'Pazhassi Revolt' (against the British East India Company during the second half of the 1700s) was led by Pazhassiraja. Nicknamed the Lion of Kerala, Pazhassiraja is also credited with introducing guerilla warfare in the hills of Wayanad to resist the increasingly intolerable British colonialism. This great freedom fighter was shot dead in an encounter on 30 November 1805.
BACKWATERS
The Backwaters of Kerala is a unique product of Kerala and is found nowhere else in the world. Backwaters are a network of lakes, canals and estuaries and deltas of forty-four rivers that drain into the Arabian Sea. The backwaters of Kerala are a self-supporting eco-system teeming with aquatic life. The canals connect the villages together and are still used for local transport. Over 900 km of this labyrinthine water world is navigable. Calicut (Kozhikode), the age-old commercial town now attracts tourists with its wonderful backwaters and picnic sports. With a bewitching beauty, Calicut plays a major role in the travel and tourism sphere.
Unexplored and unspoiled are the backwaters of Kozhikode, which holds great promises of enchanting holiday options. Elathur, the canal and the River Kallai are favourite haunts for boating. Kadlundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is fast becoming a popular water sport destination up north in Kerala, the cool backwaters of Calicut lay waiting to be discovered. Unspoilt, uncommon and unknown enthusiastic experience is waiting here for you.
The most exciting thing on the backwaters of Kerala, however, is the Kettuvallam (traditional houseboat), which has become the most popular tourism product in India today. In a land as water bound as Kerala it wouldn't be an unusual sight, but for a visitor to God's Own Country a houseboat gliding along the vast green expanse of the backwaters is the most amazing spectacle in the world. Even more enchanting is a holiday in the houseboats of Kerala.
THUSHARAGIRI WATERFALLS
Snuggled cosily in the Western Ghats, are the gurgling waterfalls of Thusharagiri. Meaning the snow capped mountains; Thushargiri exhibits a unique kinship between the land and water. The three waterfalls on the backdrop of the Western Ghats provide an exhilarating and spellbinding sight to the visitor.
Snuggled cosily in the Western Ghats, are the gurgling waterfalls of Thusharagiri. Meaning the snow capped mountains; Thushargiri exhibits a unique kinship between the land and water. The three waterfalls on the backdrop of the Western Ghats provide an exhilarating and spellbinding sight to the visitor.
Of the three, the highest waterfall is the Thenpara that falls from an altitude of 75 metres. Situated at Kodencherry in Kozhikode district, the plantation destination that abounds in rubber, areca nut, pepper, ginger and spices is also a trekker's delight. Trekker's start early morning from the second waterfalls at the hills and climb up through the pristine dense evergreen forests teeming with exotic birds and animals to reach Vythiri and Wayanad district by evening. There is a dam located around 45 km from Calicut.
The place offers challenging trekking and rock-climbing through river path and numerous waterfalls. There is another dam at 60 km from Calicut. It is a place of beauty, calm, and serenity. The place has a crocodile farm run by the state forest department.
BEYPORE BEACH
Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar River in Kozhikode district, Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbors of ancient Kerala was an important trade and maritime centre. Ancient Beypore was much sought after by merchants from Western Asia, for its ship building industry. The boat-building yard here is famous for the construction of the Uru, the traditional Arabian trading vessel.
The Beypore Beach has a bridge built nearly 2 kms into the sea. It is actually made up of huge stones piled together for nearly 2 kms making a pathway into the sea.
KADALUNDI BIRD SANCTUARY
Kadlundi bird sanctuary, 19 km from Kozhikode is home to more than a hundred varieties of native birds and over 60 species of migratory birds flock here in large numbers. The sanctuary is also known for a wide variety of Fish, Mussels and Crabs. Birds like Terns, Gulls, Herons, Sandpipers, Whimbrels, and other migratory birds flock the place from the month of November and return only by the end of April. The sanctuary, which is spread over a cluster of islands, covers an area of 3 kms in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks. A hillock, which is 200 m above sea level, provides a splendid view of the river mouth and the sea. The ideal season to visit is from December to April in the early hours of the day.
The number of birds in the approximately 2-sq.km areas is quite astonishing. The variety is also excellent with terns, gulls, egrets, herons, sandpipers, brahmini kites and cormorants among others. The best time to see this sanctuary in all its glory is from November to April. To see the turtles it is necessary to explore in the forest department’s boat, as one has to move out into the open sea. Due to its location along the coast, the climate is excellent through most of the year. Visits should be avoided during the months of May to July as the area receives torrential rainfall during that time. A day trip from Kozhikode is enough to explore the sanctuary.
The sanctuary seemed to be a favourite location for the wealthier families of the area as we saw an endless row of extremely impressive bungalows bordering it Kadlundi town itself seemed like a small quiet place very typical of towns in this part of the country. It had a couple of small eating joints serving local cuisine. It is advisable to take along a small packed meal while visiting the sanctuary because if you are interested in birds or photography, you’ll hate to waste time walking all the way to the town and back. One would rather even spend the time just watching the fascinating territorial battles of the hundreds of crabs dotting the wall beside the jetty.
PERUVANAMUZHI DAM
Peruvannamuzhi is located about 60 km North East of the district headquarters. By boarding buses plying between Kozhikode and Peruvannamuzhi, you can directly reach Peruvannamuzhi Dam. In addition, frequent bus services are available from Perambra to Peruvannamuzhi dam.
The region offers immense scope for picnicking. The Peruvannamuzhi dam site set amid hills is a beautiful picnic spot. The reservoir here provides facilities for speedboat and rowboat cruises during which one can see the 'Smaraka Thottam', a garden built in the memory of the freedom fighters of the region. Uninhabited islands, a bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place.
THALI TEMPLE
The Kozhikode Thali temple is an ancient one, dating back to the days of the Zamorins rule. The term Thali refers to a Shiva temple; however, the temple complex also houses a shrine to Krishna. Legend has it that Parasuraman’s, associated with several temples in Kerala, and worshipped Shiva here. Several legends associated with feudal rivalry, curses and relief from curses are associated with this temple. In its glorious days, this temple celebrated the Revathi Pattattaanam festival for seven days in the Malayalam month of Tulaa where learning and scholarship was celebrated with feasting and awards. The composer of Narayaneeyam (Guruvayur) is said to have been a recipient of awards at this festival. The Zamorins is also associated with the pomp and splendor of the now extinct Mahamakam festival at Tirunavayi.
This temple suffered destruction at the hands of Tippu Sultan and Hyder Ali and was renovated in the 18th century. The current structure dates back to the period of the ruler Manavikraman. The two storeyed sanctums have works of art in terms of stone sculptures and woodwork with scenes from the Puranas. In front of the sanctum is a chamber with intricate woodwork. There are also shrines to Ganapathi, Narasimha and Saasta.
In the north east segment of the temple complex is the Krishna shrine with its own set of mandapams and a flagstaff. The 7 day long annual festival commences on the Malayala new year. Five worship services are offered each day.
SULTAN BATHERY
Sultan Bathery, also known as Sulthan's Battery (pronounced in Malayalam as ‘Sul-than Ba-the-ry’), 98 km from Calicut, was formerly known as Ganapathivattom. It derivers its present name from Tippu Sultan of Mysore who built a fort here in the 18th century. It lies approximately 25 kms, from Kalpetta. Associated with Hyder Ali and Tipu Sulthan, Sulthan's Bathery no longer has a fort now. It is worth visiting for the Jain temple, which has some interesting stone carvings. Sulthan Bathery can be seen on a drive from Kalpetta to Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary, Muthanga.
This is located in Wayanad district, 96km from Calicut, passing through thick forest, coffee, rubber and tea estates, oranges and other cash crops, winding and climbing the hills. Sulthan Bathery, a small town is only 19km from Karnataka border and is also a health resort, hill station and a historical centre, noted for a fort built by Tipu Sultan in the 18th century. The business in this small town is mostly run by Muslims.
12 kms from Sulthan Bathery, 3 caves are located at a height of 1000 mts on Ambukuthi mala near Ambalavayal. The new stone age pictorial writings on the walls of these natural caves at Edakkal are the evidence of the civilizations that existed in the regions in the pre-historic times. The caves can be accessed only by a 1Km trekking trail from Edakkal. Morning hours are the best time to visit these caves. Entry is permitted only upto 1700 hrs.
OTHER TOURIST PLACES
Art Gallery, Krishnamenon Museum:
Close to Pazhassirajah Museum. The arts work of Ravivarma and Rajah Rajavarma are kept here. The private property of Late former Union Defence Minister V.K.Krishnamenon also exhibited here.
Dolphin's Point:
Just 15 minutes from the city centre is a place called Dolphin's Point, where one can see dolphins playing in the sea of an early morning. The long tree-lined beach, about 2 km away, is popular with the local people because of the Lions Club Park, the lighthouse, and two piers - and of course, the opportunity to soak in the evening breeze.
Kallai:
Six kms away is Kallai, once the bustling nerve-centre of Kozhikode's timber trade, said to have been the largest such trading centre in Asia. Today, though some business does take place, hard times have fallen on the timber trade and Kallai is just a shadow of its busy past.
Thikkoti Lighthouse:
The lighthouse, which overlooks Velliyamkallu - the rock much dreaded by mariners - off Moodadi coast, was built after a shipwreck, the remains of which can still be seen here. The region around the Velliyamkallu rock is the transit home of migratory birds.
Lakkidi:
Lakkidi, the gateway of Wayanad, is situated 700 m above mean sea level, at the crest of the Thamaraserri ghat pass. Lofty peaks, gurgling streams and luxuriant forests add magic to the journey up the winding roads to this hill station.
Lakkidi is one of the highest locations in Wayanad, and registers the second highest degree of Rainfall in the world.
Velliyamkallu:
This massive rock, much dreaded by navigators, was once a vantage point for the marakkars to attack the invanding portuguese. An entire crew of a portuguese ship was killed here. The beautiful natural engravings on the rock are worth exploring.
Mananthavadi:
The panoramic Mananthavadi is situated 32 kms from north east of Kalpetta. Perched on the Western Ghats at an altitude of around 500m above sea level.
The forests of Mananthavadi are amongst the most picturesque locales of Kerala. The place is also of historical importance as it is here that Pazhassi Raja, a native chieftain famous for his guerilla tactics against the British, breathed his last.The tomb of Veera Pazhassi Raja, known as the Lion of Kerala has been erected here as a memorial to this valiant leader, who committed suicide to avoid capture, by the British. The Pulpally Cave nearby is where Pazhassi took refuge until he was captured by the British.
Lions Park:
A park for children situates next to the light house at Calicut beach. The park is open from 3 pm onwards. It is good to enjoy the sunset from here.
Planetarium:
The Kozhikode (Calicut) planetarium at the city's jaffarkhan colony offers extensive insight into the mysteries of the universe the planets and the galaxies.
Kirtads:
(7 km frm Kozhikode): 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.
Kalipolika:
:(2 km from Kozhikode): One can leisurely cruise on the dappled waters at Kalipolika in both pedal and row boats.
Ettumanoor Temple:
Ettumanoor one of the fastest developing towns in kerala in kottayam district, about 12 km away from the kottayam town on the way to Ernakulam. Ettumanoor is well-known for the legendary God Siva Temple in south India. It is situated eastern side of MC Road. Ettumanoor, it is one of the major temples under Travacore Devaswom Board and famous god Siva temple in south India. One of the main attractions in this temple is the Ezharaponnana (7 and a 1/2 elephant made of gold) people can see these golden elephant during the 8th and 10th day of the annual festival season, the annual 10 day festival of the temple occurs in February /march. This is one of the most ancient and well-known temples in Travancore whose lore runs back to centuries.
Tirur:
The birth place of Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, now called Thunchan Parambu, is in Tirur. It is the hallowed ground where hundreds of Malayalam children are initiated into the wonders of writing when they first trace the letters of the Malayalam alphabet in sand, taken from that revered spot. The important works of Ezhuthachan are Adhyatma Ramayanam and Adhyatma Bharatham which is widely recited in Kerala homes. Young poets of Kerala come on that day to offer their first poem.
Buddha Vihar:
The Budha Vihar situated at Customs Road near south beach of Kozhikode is a marked example of the presence of Budhists in Kozhikode. There is a good collection of writings on Budha.
Kottakal:
Kottakkal town is the house to the famed Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, one of the pioneer institutions of Ayurveda. Founded in 1902 by Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier, Kottakkal Arya Vaidshala has branches all over the state as well as in Delhi & Madras. One of the best Ayurveda centers in the state, it is a research center, a nursing home & a hospital. The treatment it offers for various ailments attracts a large number of patients. Prior appointment has to be taken with the chief physician
Tirur:
The birth place of Thunchath Ramanujan Ezhuthachan, now called Thunchan Parambu, is in Tirur. It is the hallowed ground where hundreds of Malayalam children are initiated into the wonders of writing when they first trace the letters of the Malayalam alphabet in sand, taken from that revered spot. The important works of Ezhuthachan are Adhyatma Ramayanam and Adhyatma Bharatham which is widely recited in Kerala homes. Young poets of Kerala come on that day to offer their first poem.
Buddha Vihar:
The Budha Vihar situated at Customs Road near south beach of Kozhikode is a marked example of the presence of Budhists in Kozhikode. There is a good collection of writings on Budha.
Kottakal:
Kottakkal town is the house to the famed Kottakkal Arya Vaidyasala, one of the pioneer institutions of Ayurveda. Founded in 1902 by Vaidyaratnam P.S. Warrier, Kottakkal Arya Vaidshala has branches all over the state as well as in Delhi & Madras. One of the best Ayurveda centers in the state, it is a research center, a nursing home & a hospital. The treatment it offers for various ailments attracts a large number of patients. Prior appointment has to be taken with the chief physician
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