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Kozhikode District

Once the capital of the owerful Zamorins and a prominent trade and commerece centre, Kozhikode was the mos important region of Malabar in the days gone by. Today, lush green countrysides, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sancturaies, rivers, hills, a unique and a warm, friendly ambience make Kozhikode a popular destination.

Vasco-da-gama landed in 1498 near Kappad in Kozhikode. It was one of great port of the west coast and now it is a port of call for cargo steamers. A big center of timber industry, it has busy boat building yards against the idyllic setting of serene Arabian Sea in the west in the west and the proud peaks of Wayanad hills in the East this districts has all the elements of fascination.

Innumerable versions of how Kozhikode acquired its name abound amongthe local populace. According to one such version, the place got itsname from “Cock Fort” (the land where the cock crows).Another version says that Kozhikode derived its name from Koyil Kotuor Kotta, which means a fortified palace.

Places of Interest

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.

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 an 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 K Krishna Menon, renowned statesman. His personal belongings and souvenirs are displayed here.

Kalipoika 
One can leisurely cruise on the dappled waters at Kalipoika in both pedal and row boats. Boating time: 0800 - 1900 hrs. 

Kallai 
This was once the second largest timber trading centre in Asia. A steel bridge built by the British is still intact here. 
 
S. M. Street 
Sweet Meat Street is the busiest street in Kozhikode and derives its name from the times when the street was lined with sweetmeat stalls. 
 
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. 
 
Beypore 
10 km from south of Kozhikode. 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 builing yard here, famous for the construction of the Uru ( the Arabian trading vessel),boasts a tradition of almost 1500 years.

Kappad  
This is the historic beach where Vasco do Gama landed on 27th of May 1498, with 170 men in three vessels. A monument on the beach commemories this historic event. The rock studded beach is locally known as Kallakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is belived to be 800 years old.
  
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. 

Thikkoti Lighthouse 
The lighthouse which overlooks Velliyamkallu 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. 

Payyoli 
This is yet another beautiful stretch of golden sands with shallow waters that border Velliyamkallu. 

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuazy 
19 km from Kozhikode and 7 km from Beypore port. The sanctury is spreawd over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundipuzha river flows into the Arabian sea. Over a hundrd varieties of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory birds flock here in lagre numbers. A hillock which is 200 m above sea level provided a splendid view of the river mouth and the sea. The place is also known for a wide variety fo fish, mussels and crabs.
 
Planetarium 
The Kozhikode Planetarium at the city's Jaffarkhan colony offers extensive insight into the mysteries of the universe, the planets and the galaxies.
 
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. 
 
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. 
 
Vadakara 
The birth place of Thacholi Othenan - the legendary hero of the Vadakkanpattu (ballads 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 spent long days in deep meditation before every poythu (duel), is a place worth visiting.
 
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 stylised floral carvings and geometric designs. 
 
Mishkal Masjid
One of the oldest mosques in the city, this four storeyed 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 Vadakkanpaltu combines an arresting simplicity and a legendary aura. The candid murals and carvings here are a delight to art lovers. 
 
Tali Temple 
Built in the l4th 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. 

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.

Peruvannamuzhi 
The Peruvannamuzhi damsite 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. 
 
Vellari Mala 
Scintillating waterfalls and velvet green landscapes make this an ideal spot for trekking. Wayanad Ghats: The green ghats enroute 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. 
 
Kuttiyadi
This picturesque village is the site of a major power project - The Kuttiyadi Hydro Electric Power Project. 
 
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 Moorad river, is today preserved by the Department of Archaeology. 
 
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. 

Mannur Temple 
Modelled like the Siva Temple at Tiruvannur, this exquisitely carved Gajaprathista styled laterite structure is more than two centuries old. It is believed that Sree Parashuraman starts his Siva Linga prathista at Tiruvannur and completes it here every noon. The noon pujas here are therefore considered very special. The annual Sivaratri festival is celebrated in a big way. 
 
Ponmeri 
The Sree Krishna Temple at Karatt and the Shiva Temple at Ponmeri have Elamboyant paintings depicting Palazhimathanam (the story of the churning of the ocean of milk) from the Puranas. 
 
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. 

Jain Temple 
The two temples in this compound at Trikkovil lane have exquisitely painted interiors and elaborately carved porticoes 
 
Parsi Anju Amman Baug 
This Fire Temple on S M Street dates back to the period when the Parsis, lured by the trade opportunities, settled in Kozhikode about 200 years ago. 

Buddha Vihar 
This temple houses a good collection of writings on the Buddha. 
 
Muchunthi Palli 
Built in the traditional Kerala architectural style, this mosque enshrines a 13th century Vattezhuthu (inscription on stone slab). The inscription proclaims the donation of the property to the mosque by a Zamorin. 
 
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.
 
St. Mary's Church  
The Church was founded in 1860 for the civil members of the collectorate and the English military. In the cemetery adjacent to the church, there is a tomb dated 1717. 

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