Kozhikode (Calicut), the most important region of Malabar in yesteryears, was the capital of the powerful Zamorins and also a prominent trade and commerce center.
Kozhikode District found a place in the World History with the discovery of Sea Route to India in 1498 by the Portuguese Navigator Vasco Da Gama. Vasco Da Gama landed at the Kappad sea shore with three vessels and 170 men. A monument is constucted here to commemorate the historical landing.
The Kozhikode district came into existence on 1st January 1957. The Kozhikode district now consists of one revenue division, three taluks, twelve blocks, 77 Panchayats and 117 villages.
Kappad beach: Vasco-da-Gama set foot on the sands of Kappad beach, on 27 May 1498 A.D., This landing is commemorated by a small stone monument at the beach.
Dolphin's Point: In the early hours of the morning dolphins playing in the sea can been seen. The beach, 2 km from Calicut town centre is popular with the local people because of the Lions Club park, the Light House and the two piers - and, of course, the opportunity to enjoy in the evening breeze.
Pazhassirajah Museum: Located at East Hill, the Pazhassirajah Museum, run by the State Archaeological Department, displays ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes and old coins as well as models of temples, megalithic monuments like dolmonoid cysts and the umbrella stones.
Art Gallery: Situated next to the Pazhassirajah Museum, the Art Gallery contains paintings of Raja Ravi Varma.
Krishna Menon Museum: The Krishna Menon Museum has a section in honour of the great Indian leader V.K Krishna Menon, whose personal belongings and souvenirs gifted to this world leader are exhibited here.
Mananchira: Mananchira the heart of the city, is the site of important institutions like the Town Hall and the Public Library. One of Calicut's oldest buildings, the Commonwealth Trust Office is situated here. The large pond and the park are well known landmarks.
Kallai: Kallai , once the the largest trading centre in Asia was a bustling nerve point of Calicut's timber trade .Today, though some business does take place, hard times have fallen on the timber trade and Kallai is just a shadow of its past.
Beypore: 11 kms from Kozhikode, is a small coastal town known for centuries as a ship building centre and still famous for its country crafts called "Uru" which are built by the traditional shipbuilders known as Khalasis. Beypore is still a favourite destination among the Arabs for buying of large boats.The Place was formerly known as Vaypura and Vadaparappanad. Tippu Sultan named the town "Sultan Pattanam" .It is one of the imporatant ports of Kerala and naturally an important trading centre.It is a major fishing harbour of kerala. There are two man made extensions to the sea to facilitate easy acces for fishing boats.
Badagara: A commercial centre of martial arts, Kalaripayattu, Badagara, 48 km from Calicut is also the birthplace of Thacholi Othenan, whose heroic deeds have been immortalised in the ballads of North Malabar.
Thacholi Manikkoth:A Kalari belonging to Thacholi Othenan, the legendary hero of the ballad of Malabar called "Vadakkan Pattu" can be seen at a short distance from Vadakara. A monument and Kalari still exists at this place which is 3 kms away from Vadakara. Every year martial arts festival is held in the month of March or April. There is a ruined fort in the town. Vadakara was the scene of many exploits of Thacholi Othenan, the hero of the ballads of north malabar. A cattle fair is also held during February at Vadakara.
Tellicherry and Sultan Bathery: 98 km away, are important trading centres of Calicut. The road from Calicut to Sultan's Bathery, though full of steep climbs and hairpin curves, offers a breath taking scenic drive. From Sultan's Bathery it is only six hours to Bangalore.
Kozhicode Beach: Two crumbling piers, more than hundred years old stand out into sea at Kozhikode Beach pondering the glorious trade witnessed in yester years.The Beach is easily accessible from city and is ,best for enjoying sunset.
Thusharagiri: True to its very name , land and water have struck an extraordinary kinship at this destination. The three water falls in the backdrop of lush green forest is exhilarating and dumbfounding for every visitor. This natural beauty spot exists 11 kms from Kodenchery which is abound in plantations of rubber, aracanut, coconut, pepper, ginger, and spices of all sort. This destination provides ample opportunities for young and old alike and challenging time for adventurers. Best season to visit is from October to March. more
Kakkayam: A dam site of unique beauty and abundant wild life,Kakkayam is situated 45 kms. from Kozhikode. Kakkayam offers a Muscle flexing and challenging trekking and rock climbing through river path, enjoying numerous water falls. Best seasons for a trek is from November to April.
Peruvannamoozhy: The dam site ,60 kms. from Kozhikode girdled with mountains is an abode of beauty, calm & serenity. Cruise in a speed boat or leisurely walk through thick foliage. A crocodile farm run by the Forest Department is situated close to the reservoir. There exists a 'Smarakathottam' within this reservoir bearing the heroes of nation building.
Velleri Mala: A beautiful location for trekking. The trekking starts from a water fall and pass through lush green forest. Overnight stay in tented accommodations is required, as it is not safe to trek at night. On the top of the hill it is so chill that warm clothes are required. Can be reached from Thiruvambadi.
Science Planetarium: Kozhikode wins a place in the planetarium map of the world. Situated within the city at Jaffarkhan Colony ,it reveals the mysteries of universe and enlightens about the planets and stars. Shows are at 12.00, 2.00, 4.00 & 6.00 pm.
Regional Science Centre: The science centre abounds with puzzles and wonders that can keep you busy for at least half a day. Floating ball, whisper being carried from one end to another with the help of parabolic reflectors and many more wonders await you at Science centre. Science Centre and Planetarium are situated in the same compound.
Mananchira: The palace tank of King Mana Vikrama is now turned into a traditional architectural splendour, with carpeted green grass, and surrounded by Kerala style buildings. The musical fountain within the maidan (open ground) has become a local favourite.
Lions Park: A park for children is situated 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.
Kalipoika: A recreational boating centre within the heart of city can be seen at Arayadathupalam. Boating in pedal boats and row boats are facilitated here. Timing 8.00 am - 7.00 pm.
Aquarium: A marine water aquarium is situated at Kozhikode beach near the light house. Varieties of marine and fresh water fish can be seen here. Opened on all days from 8am to 8pm.
Malabar House Boats: For luxury boating and exploring pristine back waters of Kozhikode, House Boats can be availed. The novel concept and excellent hospitality in this floating palace is worth enjoying, with family and friends. These are the first fully newly built House Boats of Kerala. These are stationed at Purakkattiri, close to Purakkattiri Bridge on Ullery - Perambra road. 10 kms. from Kozhikode.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctury: The sanctury at Kadalundi is a Haven for migratory birds. Terns, Gulls, Herons, Sand pipers, Whimbrels and other such migratory birds flock from the month of November and returns only by the end of April. It is 25 kms. from Kozhikode. The ideal season to visit is from December to April in the early hours of the day.
S. M. Street: Sweet Meat Street is the busiest shopping area at Kozhikode City. All shops are opened till 9.00 pm. The name is derived as a result of the presence of numerous sweet meat stalls.
Birth Place of Kunhali Marakar: The Marakars were admirals of Zamorins. who valiantly resisted the Portuguese on high seas. Kunhali marakkar built a fort on the southern bank of Mooriad river which was completely destroyed by Portuguese with the help of Zamorins for various reasons. The place is known today as Kottakkal. It is 46 Kms. North of Kozhikode. A small hut belonged to Kunhali Marakkar with collections of ancient swords, canon balls and knives can be seen here.
Velliyamkallu: A massive rock "Velliyamkallu" associated with the valiant Kunhali Marakkar is situated 13 kms. off Payyoli Beach. The rock though much dreaded by navigators was a safe ground for the Marakar to attack the invading Portuguese. The fisher folk looks at it with awe and fear. However., it is worth exploring the beautiful figures that nature has engraved on it. It was on this rock that Marakars killed the whole crew of a ship belonging to the Portuguese.
Crocodile farm: The Forest Dept. is maintaining a crocodile farm at Peruvannamuzhy near the dam site.There is a Forest Complex, by name Vanasree, at Mathottom in Beypore panchayat just 5kms. away from the city which accommodates the Regional Divisional & Range Offices.
Edakkal Caves: Situated on Ambukuthi Hills, Edakkal caves are 10 kilometers from Sultanbathery, in Wayanad district.
Pookot 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.