KOZHIKODE
Kozhikode is an ancient port endowed with a pleasant geography and echoing with an ancient history. Kozhikode was a major power in North Kerala during the medieval period. The rulers of Kozhikode were known as the Zamorins who were among the most cultured and accomplished rulers of Kerala. Under the patronage of the Zamorins, Kozhikode developed into a major seaport on the coast of Kerala. The Zamorins declared Kozhikode as a free port where even foreign ships could call at any time and enjoy the facilities provided for taking fresh water or for reinforcing depleted provisions. The helpful attitude of the Zamorins coupled with their reputation as fair minded monarchs attracted foreigners to Kozhikode. It was the landing of Vasco da Gama in 1498 that marked the beginning of a new epoch in the history of Kerala. It was off the Kappakkadu coast ( now known as the Kappad Beach), some 20 km north of Kozhikode that his fleet anchored. The Portuguese captain was then taken to the Zamorin’s palace where he was received with traditional hospitality. With the landing of Vasco da Gama dawned a period of continuous conflict of foreign powers for domination of the trade in Malabar and thus it opened a a new chapter in the history of India.
THE KAPPAD BEACH
It was here Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese navigator, landed on 27 May 1498, a landing commemorated by a small stone monument at the beach. He was the first European to reach India. Kappad has already found a place in the tourism map of the country. The beach here is a long stretch of golden sand fringed by fronds of swaying coconut palms and lush greenery as far as the eyes can see. The tranquil sea on this secluded beach creates a pensive mood. Two rocky promontories, lying between far away jotting out into the sea , have created a beautiful bay of calm waters. There is also an ancient temple on the hillock facing the sea. The shimmering waters and the exquisite scenery all around with the native fishing crafts sailing by provides the experience of a life time.
THE MOTHER OF GOD CATHEDRAL
It is the Headquarters of the Latin Catholic congregation in Malabar. Built in the Goethic style, the church is a tribute to the beauty of Italian architecture and the skill of Indian craftsmen. It is said that Italian architects were brought to Kozhikode to design the church. The church is a mute witness to the chequered history that followed the landing of Vasco da Gama at Kappad when the flood gates of the Indian shores were opened to European navigators. History has it that the Zamorin, who had encountered the Portuguese in many a conflict, was himself the donor of the land on which the church stands today.
PAZHASSIRAJA MUSEUM
This archaeological museum in the city of Kozhikode displays ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes, old coins, models of temples, megalithic monuments like dolmonoid cysts, umbrella stones etc.
KALLAI
Kallai by the banks of the river Kallai, 6 km from Kozhikode, is famous for timber business. Once it was the largest trading centre of timber in the Asian continent.
DOLPHIN’S POINT
This beach in the city is a long stretch of tree-lined sand. The Lions Club Park, the Light House and the two piers are here. In the early hours of the morning dolphins can be seen playing in the sea.
ART GALLERY
The Art Gallery in the City, near the Pazhassiraja Museum, have paintings of Raja Ravi Varma and Raja Raja Varma.
BEYPORE
Beypore, 11 km from Kozhikode, has been for centuries a famous center for ship building. The country crafts called ‘URU’ built by the traditional ship builders here known as Khalasis are famous the world over.
THIRUVANGOOR
It is famous for the Sree Mahaganapathy Temple, dedicated to Lord Ganapathy. The annual festival ‘Sivaratri Utsavam’ here lasts for two days. Cultural and ritual art forms are performed all night during the festival. The ritual festival Theyyam is performed on the second day. It is watched by a large gathering of devotees who in the end receive ‘blessings in person’ from the ‘Theyyam’.
Tourist information can be had from the KTDC Hotel (Tourist Office), Malabar Mansion, Kozhikode, District Tpourism Promotion Council, Railway Station.
BADAGARA
Badagara, 48 km from Kozhikode, is a centre of martial arts. It is the birth place of Thacholi Othenan whose heroic deeds have been immortalized in the ballads of North Malabar.
VELLARIMALA
This pristine spot endowed with the beauty of nature is in the hilly reaches of Kozhikode district. This place is ideal for relaxing and trekking. The Kanjirapuzha, a tributary of the Chaliyar river, flowing along the rocky terrain forms attractive waterfalls here and there.
THUSHARAGIRI
This tribal tourist spot is 50 km east of Kozhikode and 5 km from Adivaram on the Kozhikode-Mysore State Highway. Two streams originating from the Western Ghats meet here to form the Chalippuzha river. The river diverges into three waterfalls creating a snowy spray which gives the name, ‘Thuzharagiri’. Of the three, the highest waterfall is the Thenpara that falls 75 meteres below.