District Head Quarters Kozhikkode
Area 2,344 Sq. Km
Population 28,78,498
Literacy 92 %
Geographical hints: - 71 Km Seashore. North-east area covering forest. Embilasserry, Nattuvaram, Mottila are the important hills. Rivers: Kuttiyadi, Korapuzha, Kallai, Chaliyar,Kadalundi and Mayyazhi. Total forest land : 41,386 Hectare
Opening up the gateway of India to Vasco-da-Gama the adventurous Portuguese navigator in 1498, Kozhikkod has carved for itself a landmark in the history of India. The land of the ancient Zamorins had many more things to offer to the western world other than the savoury spices for which they even ventured to discover a sea route.
Occupying a prominent place in the international trade map of the country right from the 13th century Kozhikkod paved the way for trade tourism in India. This trade centre is regaining much of its ancient glory by opening up air routes to Persian Gulf and other regions.
Kappad Vasco da Gama landed on this beach on 27 May 1498 with three vessels and 170 men. Sixteen Kms from Kozhikkod town this extensive beach of historical importance is one of the major beaches being developed in Kerala with a view to tourism promotion.
Kallai Kallai on the bank of River Kallai has the pride of being the major timber trading centre in Kerala. It still remains a potential trade centre of the timber industry.
Vadakara Vadakara has a prominent place in the folkore of Kerala. Lokanarkavu, the famous temple of Thacholi Othenan the hero of the Vadakkanpattu Ballads is only 5 Kms from here. Vadakara is reverberating with stories of the heroic exploits of Othenan.
Following the footsteps of the martial hero Othenan the famous martial art form of Kerala. Kalarippayattu has several arenas in VadakaraTrust on commonwealth Dominating the city centre is the large Manamchira Tank, flanked by the Town Hall and the Public Library, both fine example of traditional architecture of Kerala. Nearby is theCommonwealth Trust building, a 100 years old monument. The trust established by the BaselMission in 19th century modernized the terracotta tiles and textile industries in Calicut Later on it took the credit of developing the colour khaki for the British Army. There is a shop in the premises of the trust that sells textiles as well as terracotta products.
Kappakkadavu Beach: It is one of the most attractive beaches in the city and has taken an important place in the history of the world. It is in this beach that the Portuguese Navigator Vasco Da Gama landed on his discovery of the sea route from Europe to India. This beach is also known as Kappad Beach and is only 16 km from the railway station.
Pazhassirajah Museum This museum exhibits huge collection of wood and metal sculptures, models of temples and reconstruction of megalithic monuments. The Art Gallery located adjacent to this museum displays paintings of Keralaïž’s cherished artist Raja Ravi Varma, who brought international reputation to the state. The museum is named after the great king Pazhassiraja Kerala Varma of the Padinjare Kovilakom of the Kottayam royal family. Pazhassiraja led the famous ïž‘Pazhassi Revoltïž’ against East India Company and was known as ïž“Lion of Keralaïž”.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: This is the home of about 100 species of resident and 60 species of migratory birds. The sanctuary is surrounded by hillocks and spreads over an area of 3 km at an altitude of 200m above sea level.The sanctuary 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.
Beypore Beypore is a small historic village, located 10 kms south of Kozhikode. It was an important trade centre and fishing harbour during ancient Kerala. It was a much sought after destination for the western merchants owing to its ship-building industry. The boat building yard here is famous for the construction of the Uru ïž– a typical Arabian trading vessel. Artisans still today follow their old methods of ship building technology. Old vessels are also brought here to be repaired.
Dolphin point Just 2 km away from the city centre, along the stretch of tree lined sand is Dolphin Point, a popular place to watch Dolphin playing in the sea during early morning. The place is more enjoyable owing to its Lions Club Park and the Light House.
Trust on commonwealth Dominating the city centre is the large Manamchira Tank, flanked by the Town Hall and the Public Library, both fine example of traditional architecture of Kerala. Nearby is theCommonwealth Trust building, a 100 years old monument.
