Kozhikode-Calicut :
Sightseeing Highlights:
Mananchira Square is the heart of Kozhikode and surrounds Mananchira tank which used to be the private bath of the Samuthiris. The renovated square today houses important structures such as Commonwealth Trust Factory, Town Hall, Lalitkala Academy Hall, Jama'atpalli Mosque and Muchhandipalli Mosque, the oldest in Kerala.
Sweet Meat Street starts from Mananchira Square and is famous for the local sweet, mithai theruvu available in various colours. CVN Kalari Centre is known for the ancient martial art, Kalaripayattu. On the Kappad Beach, there is a small stone monument to commemorate Vasco da Gama's arrival in India. The Ettumanoor Shiva Temple is a celebrated 16th century shrine and attracts pilgrims round the year. Pazhassiraja Museum & Art Gallery, 5 Km from the town displays antique bronzes, coins, megalithic relics, murals and paintings by acclaimed artists of Kerala. Krishna Menon Museum has an entire section dedicated to V K Krishna Menon.
Kozhikode Beach is known for its amazing sunset views. There is an old 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. The traditional boat-building yard is a must visit. Thusharagiri Waterfall is a scenic spot 48 Km from the town.
Other Activities:
The Kallai River and Elathur and Canolly Canals offer options to experience the backwaters of Kozhikode. For shopping visit S M Street. Must buys from Kozhikode include the famous coloured halwa; banana chips, Kerala spices, bell metal artefacts, muslin and handloom cloth. Kozhikode is also a gourmet paradise offering the best of Malabar cuisine. Moppila Biryanis, arikadaka (a concoction of mussel and rice flour, cooked in a shell) and muttamala (egg pudding) are a must eat here.
Kozhikode or Calicut as it was known to the Europeans was where Vasco da Gama first landed in India in 1498. It was earlier visited by the explorer Marco Polo in 1320 AD who talked about the 'Great Province of Malabar'. Kozhikode was once the capital of the powerful sea lords known as Zamorins or Samuthiris, and till date is a prosperous centre of trade and commerce. The idyllic setting, with the Arabian Sea on the west and Wayanad Hills on the east, has made it a popular tourist destination over the years. Today, the town is known for its beautiful countryside, pristine beaches, historic sites, calm backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, timber industry and ayurvedic medicines.
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