Calicut is the anglicised form of Kalikut, the Arabic for the Malayalam, Kozhikkod. It is also called the Cock Fort. According to the historian, K.V.Krishnan Iyer, the term means Koyil (palace) Kodu (fortified). From time immemorial, the city attracted travellers, with its charming physical features and prosperity. Even today, the glory that was Calicut has not faded.
The political history of Kozhikode is a story of treacherous and ill conceived conspiracies hatched by the Western powers. Vasco Da Gama landed at Kappad (16 kilometers north of Kozhikode) in May 1498, as the leader of a trade mission from Portugal and was received by the Zamorin himself.
This marked the beginning of foreign dominations in the East. From the 13th century, Kozhikode attained a position of preeminence in the trade of pepper and other spices which made it India’s emporium of international trade. As Kozhikode offered full freedom and security, the Arab and the Chinese merchants preferred it to all other parts. The globe-trotter Ibn Batuta (AD 1342-47) notes: "We came next to Kalikut, one of the great ports of the district of Malabar, and in which merchants of all parts are found".
Athanaseus Nititen, the Russian traveller, (1468-74) accounts thus, "Calicut is a port for the whole Indian sea, which God forbid any craft to cross, and whoever saw it, will not get over it healthy, everything is cheap and servant and maids are very good".
Associated with the Zamorins is Kottaparambu where stood their ancient palace. Mananchira was the bathing tank of the members of the Zamorin’s household.
The history of Kozhikode district as an administrative unit begins from January 1957. When the states of the Indian Union were reorganised on linguistic basis on 1st November, 1956, the erstwhile Malabar district was separated from Madras state (Tamil Nadu) and added to the new unilingual state of Kerala. But malabar district was found to be too uniwieldy for administrative purposes. Consequently the state government ordered the formation of three districts with certain changes in the boundaries of some of the taluks. The Kozhikode district thus came into existence on 1st Jnauary 1957,orginally consisting of five taluks, Viz, Vadakara, Koyilandy, Kozhikode, Ernad & Tirur. With the formation of malapuram district on 1st june 1969 & Wayandu on 1st November 1980, kozhikode district now consist of one revenue division , three taluks, twelve blocks, 77 panchayats and 117 villages
Kozhikkod district is situated on the south west coast of India. The district is bounded on the north by Kannur district, on the east by Wayanad district, on the south by Malappuram district and on the west by the Arabian Sea. It is situated between north latitudes 11° 08’ and 11° 50’ and east longitudes 75° 30’ and 76° 08’.
Basking in the idyllic setting of the serene Arabian Sea on the west and the proud peaks of the Wayanad hills on the east, this district has all the elements that fascinate a visitor.
Topographically the district has three district regions - the dandy coastal belt, the rocky highlands formed by the hilly portion of the Western Ghats and laterite midland. Of the total area of 2344 sq. km, the sandy coastal belt is 362.85 sq. km., lateritic midlands 1343.50 sq.km., and rocky highlands 637.65 sq.km.
All the three taluks are spread over the three regions. The district has a coastal length of about 80 km. The highland region accounts for 26.80 per cent and the lowland region for 15.55 per cent of the total area of the district.
The district has a humid climate with a very hot season extending from March to May. The most important rainy season is during the South West Monsoon which sets in the first week of June and extends up to September. The Northeast Monsoon extends from the second half of October through November. The average annual rainfall is 3266 m.m.
During December to March, practically no rain is received and from October onwards, the temperature gradually increases to reach the maximum in May, which is the hottest month of the year. The maximum temperature in the month of May comes to 36° C. The highest maximum temperature recorded at Kozhikkod was 39.4°C during the month of March 1975 and the lowest temperature was 14°C recorded on 26th December 1975. Humidity is very high in the coastal region.
There is an abundance of wild and marine life here. Though wild elephants and bison are occasionally seen in the forests, tigers and leopards are very few and rare.
Barking deer, Mouse deer, Monta lizards, Malabar squirrels, black and gray monkeys, hares and porcupines are found in the forests here. The avions are well represented by horn bills, peacocks, jungle fowls, thrushes, pigeons, sun birds, king fishers, wood peckers, paradise fly catchers, parrots, mynas, king crows, rachuet tailed drangos etc. Snakes, poisonous and non-poisonous, are seen in the forest in fairly large numbers. Pythons also are common.
The natural forests fall under three main categories; the southern tropical moist deciduous, western tropical wet ever green and semi evergreen.
The principal tropical moist deciduous forest species are Terminalia paniculata, Dilenia, Pentagyna, Miliusa velutina, Schrebra suretenoides (all inhabiting species) etc. Bamboods bambusa, Arundanaclac, Callicarpalanta, Cacsalpintia minussoides etc. (under growth), Butea parviflora, Celastrus paniculaters (climbers) etc.
The principal western tropical wet evergreen species are Pakquium ellipticum, Salmalia malabarica, Mappila foetida (inhabiting species top canopy layer) Canarium strictum, Chrysophyllum reshurghi, Oleadiocea, Canes, wild arrow roots, screwpines etc.
Kozhikode district consists of One revenue division, Three Taluks, 12 Blocks, 77 panchayats and 117 villages. The total area of the district comes to 2344 Sq.Kms, which accounts for six percentage of the total area of the state.Of the total area of the district , 2004 Sq. Kms are rural area and 340 Sq. Kms urban. As per the 2001 census, total population of the district is 28,78,498. Total male population is 13,98,674 and total female population is 14,79824. Kozhikode district comprise of two parliamentary constituencies and 12 assembly constituencies.The revenue division is Kozhikkod is one among the twelve taluks in the State having an area of more than 1000 sq. km., it has an area of 1026.6 sq.km. The areas of Koyilandy and Vadakara taluks are 756.90 sq. km and 549.80 sq. km. respectively.
Kunnummal, Balussery, Tuneri, Permbra, Kunnamangalam, Thodannur, Koduvally, Meladi, Vadakara, Panthalayani, Chelannur and Kozhikkod are the twelve blocks.
Of the 77 panchayats in the district, 21 panchayats are grouped in the special grade. There are 32 first grade panchayats and the remaining 24 are second grade ones.
Kalarippayat is the exclusive martial arts legacy of kerala, taken to China by the Buddhist monks which became the fabled model for the modern martial arts. Kalari Payattu encompasses an invigorating Ayurvedic herbal treatment for chronic ailments like arthritis and spondylosis, and a massaging regimen which repairs physiological damages and makes the body young and supple. The fracture treatment system, developed as a corollary of the rough and tumble world of martial arts, does away with the risk-ridden x-rays and hit-or-miss plater-cast method.
Kalarippayat literally means 'acquired skill' of art. "Kalari" means school or arena and "Payat" is skill training, exercise or practice. It is the most comprehensive personal combat training scheme anywhere in the world.
The training includes exercises to develop sharp reflexes for unarmed combat and techniques of combat using mace, spears, daggers,sword and shield etc. There is also a unique Kerala weapon- the lethal flexible sword, called "Urumi' which can be concealed as a waist belt.
kalari also includes the "marma" treatment which identifies the vital nodal points (marmas) in the body (107 of them in all) for suitable pressing and nudging to correct muscular and neurological problems. The massaging may involve standing full length over the patient and applying pressure with the feet. The system is acknowledged superior to any other method of massage
According to the 2001 Census, the district has a population of 3629640. Of the total population 1759479 are males and 11870161 are females, forming a ratio of 1063 females for every 1000 males,the state ratio being 1058 females for 1000 males. The density of population is 1022 per Sq. Kms. Which is higher than the state average (819 per Sq. Kms.). Literacy as per 2001 census is put at 88.61%. Subsequently, Malappuram District was declared 100% literate along with other districts of the state; made possible by in intensive state wide literacy drive.
Headquarters of the administration is at Malappuram, with Collectorate and main offices in the civil station, established in the erstwhile headquarters of the Territorial Army. The district has two revenue divisions with headquarters at Perinthalmanna and Tirur. There are 6 taluks, namely Ernad (headquarters at Manjeri), Perinthalmanna, Tirur, Ponnani, Nilambur and Tirurangadi (headquarters at Parappanangadi). The taluks of Nilambur and Tirurangadi and the revenue division of Tirur, were formed recently.
Kozhikode, the most important region of Malabar in yesteryears, was the capital of the powerful Zamorins and also a prominent trade and commerce center. It was here at Kappad that Vasco Da Gama landed in his search for the spices of the Orient. Today the serene beaches, lush green countryside, historic sites, all combine to make this a popular tourist destination filled with a warm ambience.
Kozhikode Beach is a favourite haunt of sunset viewers. Its natural beauty and old world charm makes it a dreamy place to visit. The beach has an old lighthouse and two crumbling piers running into the sea, each more than a hundred years old. Children can be entertained at the Lions Park and the Marine Water Aquarium. Should you be able to drag yourself away from the beach the city of Calicut or Kozhikode awaits you with its unique culture and other treasures.
Getting there:
Nearest Railway Station:Kozhikode, about 1 km
Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport,about 25 km
For the people of Kozhikode, this pleasant stretch of rock studded beach is Kappakkadavu. To the tourist it is one of the most charming of Kerala's beaches. Kappad finds mention in history and geography texts as the gateway to the Malabar coast. Here, 501 years ago, 170 men led by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama (1460-1524) sailed in and stepped into Kerala to create a new chapter in history. The story of a long and tumultuous socio-political relationship between India and Europe. It was the spices and wealth of Malabar that first
brought the Arabs, the Phoenicans, the Greeks, the Romans, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English to Kerala. Kappad has witnessed many such landings.
Kozhikode was then the most important trade centre of the Malabar region and the Zamorins who ruled this mighty land were powerful and shrewd. Though the Portuguese were welcomed in Kozhikode they were not too well encouraged or entertained for long by the Zamorins, which might be the reason they shifted their base to Kochi and Kollam down south. Today only a little stone monument is left at the Kappad beach to speak of its great historic importance. On the rocks nearby is a temple believed to be 800 years old. To the tourist, however, this little sea faring town is a haven. The best route to Kappad is along the backwaters. Unspoilt and uncrowded, the picturesque backwaters of Kozhikode offers a bewitching experience. A ride down the backwaters through the Korappuzha river brings you to the beach.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 16 km.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town.
Located about 10 kms south of Kozhikode town at the mouth of the Chaliyar River, is Beypore. Historically, it has a special place as being one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours, and was also an important trade and maritime centre during the days of the early Arab and Chinese travelers and later the Europeans. Soon after its prominence as a port and trade centre, Beypore slowly began to flourish as a centre for shipbuilding, which was in great demand by merchants from Western Asia.
The boat-building yard at Beypore is famous for its traditional construction of the Uru or the Arabian trading vessel. This tradition of shipbuilding is nearly 1,500 years old, and the craftsmanship of the workers here is exceptional.
Traditionally, Arabs constitute the major chunk of buyers. They place orders with their specifications and needs. Unlike modern day shipbuilding involving the development of blue print and machinery to facilitate manufacturing of ships, here, at Beypore everything is conceived in the minds of the workers, who as a team execute the highly intricate woodwork to perfection. It is an amazing aspect if one is to observe the manner in which the Uru takes shape with minimum sophistication in production. The entire team observes certain work ethics, of which discipline is the foremost. A visit to this historic place is a must in order to have a close look at some of the deft fingers and alert minds, measuring and fixing different parts of the ship to perfection.
Nearby attractions in Beypore include the fishing harbour, hardly a kilometer from the shipbuilding yard and Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, which is about 7 kms from Beypore. The Kadalundi estuary is considered as a birdwatchers paradise, due to the variety of local as well as migratory bird life. Migratory birds flock here in large numbers during February-March.
The sanctuary is spread over a group of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. The place is locally known as Kadalundi Nagaram.
Getting there:
Nearest Railway Station: about 10 kms from Kozhikode town.
Nearest Airport: Karipur International Airport, about 23 kms from Kozhikode town.
A veritable treasure trove for historians and connoisseurs of art, the Pazhassiraja Museum is located in Kozhikode - the land of spices which lured navigators from time immemorial down to the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498. The Art Gallery adjacent to the museum displays the acclaimed paintings of Kerala's cherished artists, Raja Ravi Varma (1848 - 1906) whose works brought international repute to the State and his uncle Raja Raja Varma.
The museum is managed by the State Archaeology Department and has on display mural paintings, antique bronzes, ancient coins, models of temples, umbrella stones, dolmenoid cists (quadrangular burial chambers with capstones), and similar megalithic monuments. The art gallery has the oil paintings and other works of Raja Ravi Varma. For more information on Ravi Varma's works, refer 'The prince among painters and a painter among princes' .
The museum and the art gallery are named after the great Pazhassiraja Kerala Varma of the Padinjare Kovilakom of the Kottayam royal family. The famous 'Pazhassi Revolt' (against the British East India Company during the second half of the 1700s) was led by Pazhassiraja. Nicknamed the Lion of Kerala, Pazhassiraja is also credited with introducing guerilla warfare in the hills of Wayanad to resist the increasingly intolerable British colonialism. This great freedom fighter was shot dead in an encounter on 30 November 1805.
Getting there:
Location :About 5 km from Kozhikode town at East Hill, Kozhikode district, north Kerala.
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, Kozhikode about 23 km from Kozhikode town.
Situated adjacent to the Pazhassi Raja Museum, the art gallery houses painting of Raja Ravi Varma among the other collections.. The museum has a section dedicated to V. K. Krisha Menon. The personal belongings and souvenirs gifted by this world leader are exhibited here
Kuttichira was the main square in the Calicut urban area from 14th Centuary onwards. The square was formed around a tank with several mosques around and nearby. This area was mainly inhabited by Muslim traders.Mosques are built in the traditional systems of timber construction with tiered roofs. These mosques are preserved without much alterations and additions from the original form.
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.
Lokanarkavu temple is situated 5 km from Vatakara, a small town in Kerala state of south India. In the vicinity of the temple, there are three rock cut caves. The candid murals and carvings here are of great fascination to the visitors. The main deity is Goddess Durga, with two adjacent shrines dedicated to the gods Vishnu and Siva. The festival, locally called Pooram, is celebrated during March/April. It is believed that the temple is 1500 years old.
The week-long festival begins with Kodiyettam (flag hoisting) and concludes with Arattu. The temple dedicated to goddess Bhadrakaali has great historical importance as Thacholi Othenan, the legendary martial hero of Kerala, used to worship here every day.
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.
The two temples in this compound at Trikkovil lane have exquisitely painted interiors and elaborately carved porticoes.
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.
Built in the 14th 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.
Mumburam: Muslim shrine and receptacle for dead bodies of the Thangals (the relegious leaders of the malabar muslims), situated in A.R.Nagar village; is a major pilgrimage centre of Muslims.
This temple houses a good collection of writings on the Buddha.
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.
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.
A land of serene beaches, ancient monuments, lush green countrysides, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience, Kozhikode is a much sought after destination. Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins and a prominent trade and commerce centre, Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by.
This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May, 1498 with 170 men in three vessels. The rock studded, pleasant beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old. The Kappad Beach Resort is one of the leading centres for Ayurvedic health holidays in Kerala (16 km from Kozhikode)
Backwaters: Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins, a prominent trade and commerce centre and the land of the Malabar Mahotsavam, Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by. Today, ancient monuments, lush green countrysides, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make this district a much sought after destination. Unexplored, unspoiled, the backwaters of Kozhikode hold great promises of enchanting holiday options. Elathur, the Canolly Canal and the Kallai river are favourite haunts for boating. Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site. Korapuzha, the venue of the Korapuzha Jalotsavam is fast becoming a popular water sport destination.
Sweat Meat Street, popularly known as SM street with its cross raods , is the busiest shopping spot of kozhikode . The name derived so as a result of the presence of numerous sweet meat stalls. Old bakery shops here known for the famous Kozhikodan Halwa and Banana Chips.
Kallai was known as the world's best timber trading centre. Even now, it is the place for timber trade in Malabar.
On 27th May 1498, Vasco-De Gama landed here with three vessels and 170 men. If you travel 16 Kms north of Kozhikode by kannur road, a small road near Tiruvangoor health centre guides you to this beach of historical inportance. A monument is here to commemorate the historical landing. An ancient temple on a hillock, facing the deep sea, is an added attraction.
Beypore town is about 9.65 Kms from Kozhikode at the mouth of the Beypore River. 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 famous for it's boat buliding yard where mammoth country crafts known as "Urus" are being bulit.It is a major fishing harbour of kerala. there are two man made extensions to the sea to facilitate easy acces for fishing boats. This is an ideal place for outing
Thusharagiri is situated 55 kms away from Kozhikode City and the 'Green Splender' considered as the major tourist destination in Malabar region with four water falls right in the middle of the forest. The waterfalls and streams amidst the hilly regions are really a feast to eyes.
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 and added attraction
A new attraction in the heart of the city, Manan-chira-maidan, is the sublimation of the concept of a planned modern city. The historic maidan, adjacent to Manachira has been converted into an arcadia with beautiful trees and plants, artificial hill,, shrubs, sculpture, an open air theatre and above all a musical fountain. No doubt, locals and tourists seeking leisure and relief from the mad rush outside, find shelter here. Mananchira Maidan is managed by the corporation of Kozhikode.
Calicut now wins a place in the Planetarium map of the world. Regional science centre Calicut houses a 250 seater Planetarium fitted with a sophisticated Zeiss projector. The Science centre abounds with puzzles which make mathematics easy. An array of rolling balls move in a circuitous path and perform acrobatics. They ring bells, generate electricity and play musical chimes on their way. Parabolic reflectors carry whispers from one end of the park to the other end. Objects float in space defying gravity. Chemistry brings magic at home. The Science Centre unravels mysteries, explains things which otherwise would be called supernatural.
This is thick dense forest and is called the " Chirapunchi" of kerala because of the high availablity of the heavy rains. It is about 44 Kms from Kozhikode and is the boundary to Wayanad district. A journey through this ghat section is enjoyable experience . It is 14 kms long with nine hair pin curves amidst a number of hills and thick forests. A view from the top will be a breath taking experience.
The eatuary at kadalundi is a haven for migratory birds. trens, grulls,herons, sandpipers, whimberels and other exotic birds flock into this place in November and return home in April.Thousands of migratory birds from all over the world gather here during the season which strats from November.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary,about 25km from Kozhikode and 7 km fromBeypore port on the Arabian Sea, Malappuram district, north Kerala.
The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. The place is locally known as Kadalundi Nagaram.
This virgin land is the abode of a hundred species of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory birds that flock here in large numbers during February-March.
A hillock nearby, which is 200 m above sea level, offers a splendid view of the river mouth and the sea. Kadalundi is also known for a wide variety of fish, mussels and crabs.
Getting there:
Nearest railway station: Kozhikode, about 19 km from Kadalundi.
Nearest airport: Karipur International Airport, about 23 km from Kozhikode town.
This ancient place is now the headquarters of the taluk as well as of the municiplaity of that name. There is ruined fort in the town. vadakara was the scene of many exploits of Tacholi Othenan, the hero of htee ballads of north malabar (Vadakkan Pattukal) Five kms south east of Vadakar in Memunda amsom, is the Lokanarkavu which hass three rock-cut caves in its vicinity. Annual ceremonies are conducted in memory of "Othenan" whose bith place is Manikoth near Meppayil. Vadakara is also called becasues of its location just north ( Vadakku) of kotta river. the Orkattery cattle fair is held between fabruary at Orkattery 6.45 kms from vadakara
The Sree Krishna Temple at Karatt and the Shiva Temple at Ponmeri have flamboyant paintings depicting Palazhimathanam (the story of the churning of the ocean of milk) from the Puranas.
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.
Verdant, rolling landscape, with numerous brooks, cascades and breathtaking waterfalls, Vellari Mala offers is a true abode for you to unwind and to immerse in the whiff of its limitless fresh air. River Kanjirapuzha, a tributary of the River Chaliyar, meanders through the rocky terrain, creating cascades and breathtaking waterfalls at many points. The land's beauty and topography is truly a trekker's paradise and is also an ideal picnic spot for people of all age group to have a good time.
The famous son of Iringal, Kunjali Marakkar went on to become the trusted admiral and commanded the Zamorin’s fleet and thwarted the efforts of Portuguese vessels trying their best to make a landing on the Kerala coast. The birthplace of this valiant admiral of the Zamorin is situated on the southern bank of the Mooradi River. Today, Keralites remember his valour and selfless service rendered for his motherland with lot of reverence.
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
(48 km from Kozhikode) 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.
(45 km from Kozhikode) This picturesque damsite, teeming with exotic wildlife, offers excellent trekking and rock climbing opportunities. The best time to visit is between November and April.
(2 km from Kozhikode) One can leisurely cruise on the dappled waters at Kalipoika in both pedal and row boats.
Boating time: 0800 - 1900 hrs.
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