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Kozhikode or Calicut is situated in the south Indian state of Kerala on the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea. Due to its nearness to sea, the place has a hot and humid climate. Basking in the idyllic setting of the serene Arabian Sea on the west and mesmeric peaks of the Wayanad hills on the east, this district has all the required ingredients to fascinate a tourist.
There is not much known of the early history of Calicut except for some prehistoric rock-cut caves that have been found at many places of the district. During the Sangam age, the district was under the Chera administration until ad 1122. This was the time when this region was a major center of trade between Kerala and the outside world. The city of Calicut came into existence in the 13th century when Udaiyavar, the king of Ernad, conquered the area around Ponniankar and built a fort at a place called Velapuram, now known as Calicut. Interestingly, the name Calicut is derived from ‘calico,’ the fine variety of hand-woven cotton cloth said to have originated from this place.
The outer world came to know about India in 1498 when Vasco da Gama came to Calicut and obtained permission to carry out trade from here. Quickly in succession came the English and Dutch. Disputes over the control of Calicut continued for a long time until 1792, when the East India Company went into an agreement with the local Zamori rulers to directly administer this area. Kerala was declared a state in 1956, and Calicut today is one of the most important centers of trade and business in this progressive state.
There are a number of places worth visiting in Kozhikode. Kappad is the place where Vasco da Gama set foot for the first time when he came to India on May 27, 1498. There is a small stone monument at the beach to commemorate that event.
Situated next to Pazhassirajah Museum is an art gallery displaying paintings of Raja Ravi Varma.
While in Kozhikode, Dolphin's Point is a good place to watch dolphins playing in the sea early in the morning. On this beach are also situated Kozhikode Town Center, Lions Club, and a lighthouse.
Two crumbling piers, more than hundred years old, stand out into sea at Kozhikode beach. The Kozhikode beach is easily accessible from Kozhikode city and provides a good view of the setting sun. Kozhikode beach also has a Marine Life Aquarium open whole day.
The Science Planetarium at Jaffarkhan Colony is the best place to unravel the mysteries of universe and enlightens about the planets and stars in Kozhikode.
Kozhikode's planetarium has an interesting array of games, puzzles, and scientific gadgetry, which can keep a person busy for the whole day. The planetarium and Science Center are in the same complex of Kozhikode.
Mananchira, which was the palace tank of King Mana Vikrama, has been now turned into a traditional architectural splendor with carpeted green grass and surrounded by ethnic buildings. The place also has a musical fountain and worth visiting in Kozhikode.
Excursions from Kozhikode
There are a number of excursion options from Kozhikode. Beypore is 11 km from Kozhikode. It is a small coastal town known for its shipbuilding industry for centuries.
Vadakara, 48 km from Kozhikode is a commercial center of martial arts and the birthplace of Tacholi Othenan, a legendry hero of North Malabar.
98 km from Kozhikode is Tellicherry and Sultan Battery famous for their breathtaking scenery.
Thusharagiri is famous for its waterfalls and lush green forests. It is at a distance of 11 km from Kodenchery, a place abounding in rubber plantations, coconut, pepper, ginger, and spices of all sorts, a must visit from Kozhikode.
There is a dam at located around 45 km from Kozhikode. This excursion from Kozhikode offers challenging trekking and rock-climbing through river path and numerous waterfalls.
There is another dam at 60 km from Kozhikode. It is a place of beauty, calm, and serenity and boasts of a crocodile farm run by the state forest department.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, 25 km from Kozhikode is a heaven for migratory birds. Terns, gulls, herons, sandpipers, whimbrels, and other migratory birds flock the place from the month of November and returns only by the end of April.
Other places worth visiting near Kozhikode are Velleri Mala, a beautiful location for trekking and Velliyamkallu.
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