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Nearby
locations
One
of the bustling cities Kozhikode is considered among the hottest
tourist destinations in Kerala; it takes you on an idyllic trail
of some of the best virgin forests, mind-boggling scenic beauty
slipped from the tight-fist of nature which is sure to be packed
with fun.
The lush green countryside, serene beaches, historic sites, wild
life sanctuaries, rivers, high hills, a unique culture and a warm
and friendly ambience- almost all the natural ingredients are
present to make Kozhikode a perfect tourist destination.
Getting around
Mananchira Square: situated in the heart of the city,
surrounds the Manachira tank which used to be the private bath of
Samuthiris, and houses many important institutions like
Commonwealth Trust Factory, Town Hall, Lalitkala Academy Hall,
Jama'atpalli Mosque and Muchhandipalli Mosque.
Ettumanoor Temple: Among the must visit tourists spots, the
Temples of Kerala attracts a large number of tourists due to its
indigenous style of architecture, relics showing its cultural
heritage. Ettumanoor is a Hindu pilgrimage, famous for the
legendary 16th century Shiva Temple. The Shiva temple is an
example of Kerala's indigenous style of temple architecture,
incorporating clear-cut woodcarvings and murals, including an
exceptionally striking one of Shiva as Nataraja, where he crushed
underfoot the evil spirit represented by a demon.
Thali Temple: Thali temple is another temple worth visiting
located downtown Kozhikode and is an important temple of the
former Zamorin Kingdom of Kozhikode. The Thali temple is famous
for the 'Revathi Pattathanam', an annual competition of pedagogic
skills.
Lokanarkavu Temple: The
Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi is a temple frequently mentioned in the
Northern Ballads of Kerala. The main deity is Goddess Durga, with
two adjacent shrines dedicated to Vishnu and Siva.
Krishnan Menon Museum: One must visit the Krishna Menon
Museum which is tribute to the great Indian leader V.K. Krishna
Menon, whose personal belongings and souvenirs presented by
leaders and friends are exhibited here.
Malabar Mahotsavam: It is a
cultural show showcasing the centuries old rich cultural heritage
of Kerala. The event held at Mananchira maidan in the heart of
Kozhikode town from 13th to 16th January which attracts fair
amount of tourists ever year.
Thikkoti Lighthouse: The Thikkoti lighthouse at Kozhikode/Calicut
and was built after a shipwreck which is a major tourists
attraction.
Dolphin's Point: Just a few
kilometers away from the main city is the Dolphin's Point, where
you can spot dolphins playing in the sea in the early morning. The
long tree-lined beach, about 2 km away, is popular with the local
people because of the Lions Club Park and the lighthouse.
Pazhassi Raja Museum: The
Pazhassiraja Museum 5 km from Kozhikode run by the State
Archaeological Department is located at East Hill and displays
ancient murals, old coins and antique bronzes as well as models of
temples and megalithic monuments. Adjacent to the museum is the
art gallery which exhibits an excellent collection of paintings of
Raja Ravi Varma.
Planetarium: The Kozhikode planetarium located at the
city's jaffarkhan colony offers extensive insight into the
mysteries of the universe the planets and the galaxies.
Pookot Lake: A natural fresh
water lake flanked by meadows and trees from all sides and is
ultimate haven for peace-loving travelers. It is located half way
from Kozhikode.
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. A great place with its old glory
and charm, worth exploring.
Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary:
established in 1973, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary is adjacent to
the protected area network of Nagarhole and Bandipore of Karnataka
and Mudumalai of Tamilnadu. A great place for nature lovers.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary:
Kalalundi bird sanctuary is located about 19 km from Kozhikode and
is home to more than a hundred varieties of native birds and over
60 species of migratory birds flock here in large numbers.
Kozhikode Beach famous for its amazing sunset views. There
is a dilapidated lighthouse and two crumbling piers running into
the sea, each more than a hundred years old. Lions Park and the
Marine Water Aquarium are other places to visit on the beach.
Another beach is Beypore Beach, 10 Km from Kozhikode which
is a small coastal town famous for centuries as a shipbuilding
center and still is known today for its country crafts called `Uru'
built by traditional shipbuilders known as `khalasis'.
Kappad Beach it is a very special beach where Vasco da Gama
landed on the 27th of May 1498 thus discovering a sea route to
India.
Thusharagiri Waterfall is a
scenic spot 48 Km from the town among the must visit tourists
spots.
Discover the unexplored
For some more excitement and adventure one can go for a short
excursion from Kozhikode to the following destinations:
Kakkyam: about 45 km from Kozhikode, Kakkyam is a forest
area, 700 metres above sea level and experiences a copious
rainfall of 7,000 mm. every year. Dense virgin forest, birth place
of five big rivers, perfect destination for those seeking for a
trip full of adventure.
Peruvannamuzhi is located about
60 km north East of the Kozhikode. One can take buses plying
between Kozhikode and Peruvannamuzh to reach directly
Peruvannamuzhi Dam.
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.
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