| |
| |
 |
|
| Kozhikode |
|
Vasco da Gama landed in Kozhikode in 1498, thus putting it on the world map. Today, this great port of yesteryears is popular for its historical sites, unique culture, and warm and friendly ambience. Despite the urban sprawl, this charming coastal city is awash in glorious history. |
|
|
|
The Arabs, who were the earliest traders to visit the shores of Kozhikode, called it 'Kalikut', a name later anglicised to 'Calicut' by the Europeans. The Italian explorer, Marco Polo, eulogised its virtues, whereas the Arab traveller and chronicler, Ibn Batuta, called it 'one of the great ports of the Malabar District where traders from all parts are found'. In the wake of the Portuguese, followed the Dutch, French and the British, who waged ceaseless war against the Zamorin kings, and later, among themselves, to gain control over this 'Jewel of the Malabar' |
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Essential Information |
Area
Population
Taluks
Villages
Blocks
Telephone Code
Pincode
Vehicle Regn. Code
When To Go |
: 2344 Sq.Km.
: 28,78,498
: Vadakara, Koyilandi, Kozhikode
: Ramanattukara, Farokku, Kadalundi, Cheruvannoor, Beppoor, Panniyangara, Nagaram, Kasaba, Kacheri, Karuvanduruthi, Valayanadu, Puthiyangadi, Elathoor, Thalakkulathoor, Kakkodi, Chelavoor, Vengeri, Chovayoor, Chelavoor, Nellikkodu, Olavanna, Kottulli, Pandirangavu, Kuruvattoor, Kundamangalam, Chathamangalam, Neeleswaram, Thiruvambadi, Kodancheri, Kumaranelloor, Kodiyathoor, Kakkadu, Thazhaekkodu, Poolakkodu, Mavoor, Peruvayal, Perumanna, Koodaranji, Kuttikkattoor, Nellipoyil, Koduvalli, Puthoor, Kizhakkothu, Narikkuni, Rarothu, Kakkoor, Nanmanda, Puthuppadi, Koodathay, Madavoor, Eengaappuzha, Vavadu, Kedavoor, Chemancheri, Chengottukavu, Pandalayini, Viyyoor, Moodadi, Thikkodi, Thurayoor, Payyoli, Keezhariyoor, Arikkulam, Kozhukkalloor, Eringal, Changarothu, Eravattoor, Paleri, Koothali, Cheruvannoor, Perambra, Nechadu, Meppayoor, Chembanoda, Menjanyam, Chakkittappara, Avittanelloor, Kottoor, Panangadu, Kayanna, Naduvanoor, Ulliyeri, Atholi, Balusseri, Kinaloor, Sivapuram, Unnikkulam, Kandaladu, Koorachundu, Azhiyoor, Onjiyam, Choradu, Eramala, Vadakara, Nadakkumthazha, Maniyoor, Kottappalli, Thiruvalloor, Palayadu, Ayanjeri, Vilyappalli, Volam, Edacheri, Thuneri, Chekkyadu, Vanimel, Valayam, Purameri, Kavilumpaara, maruthonkara, Kuttiyadi, Kayakkodi, Kunnimmal, Nadapuram, Narippatta, Vilangadu, Thinnoor.
: Vadakara, Thooneri, Kunnummel, Thodunnoor, Meladi, Perambra, Balusseri, Pandalayani, Chelannoor, Koduvalli, Kunnamangalam, Kozhikkodu.
: +91 495
: 673 XXX
: KL-11, KL–56, KL-57
: September to December
|
|
|
|
|
|
Beypore and its ‘Urus’
From the north of Kozhikode we travelled 10 kms. south to visit Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala, located at the mouth of Chaliyar river.
more |
|
Beach Road
A stretch of nearly 3 km skirting the beach, this boulevard is quiet during the heat of day, except for the marine aquarium at the northern end, which draws a few visitors. At sundown, people wander onto the promenade, and pushcarts, vending an assortment of snacks and eatables, emerge from the adjoining streets. Scattered beachfront eateries and ice cream parlours too, stir to life.
more |
|
CSI Church
Built in 1842 as the largest Basel Mission church in the Malabar region, this shrine in the heart of the city is today's CSI Church. The architecture is a mix of European and Kerala styles. The church has a three-tiered turret atop the arched entrance porch and the main hall, and a cluster of rooms to the back and sides, all with peaked, tiled roofs. It owns the only pipe organ among all the dioceses in Kerala - a gift from St Ayden's Church in England.
more |
|
Kallai
A once bustling centre of Malabar's timber trade, this town is on the banks of the Kallai River, 6 km from the city. Kallai has its own old-world charm and you can still see timber being rolled into the river from the few timber yards along the banks. Logs are sent down along the gently flowing river from as far away as Nilambur in the Western Ghats.
more |
|
Lokanarkavu of Vadakkanpattu
Lokanarkavu is a short form of ‘Lokamalayarkavu’ which means ‘lokam’ (world) made of mala (mountain), aaru (river) and kavu ((grove). It was on our journey down from Wayanad that we visited this place which is located 5 kms. away from Vadakara inKozhikkode district. Lokanarkavu, which is frequently mentioned in the Northern Ballads or the Vadakkanpattu of Kerala, is still has an alluring simplicity and a legenndry ambience. The temple finds frequent mentions in the ballads as the presiding deity goddess Bhadrakali is the patron of the warriors and she is worshipped with martial art performances. Though the temple is dedicated to goddess Durga, it has two adjacent shrines dedicated to Vishnu and Siva. The three rock cut caves in teh temple premise showcase an eloquent exposition of candid murals and carvings. It is believed that the main temple is more than 1500 years old. This is the only temple where a distinct folk dance called Thacholikali is performed, as we came to know from the local people. The dance, performed during the festival resembles the martial art Kalarippayattu and is presented by a set of people known as Theeyampadi. This temple is associated with the heroes like Aromal Chekavar, Thacholi, Othenan, Aringodar and heroines like Aromal Chekavar, Thacholi Othenan, Aringodar and heroines like Unniyarcha, Thumbolarcha of ‘Vadakkan Pattukal’.
more |
|
Mananchira Square
The heart of the city and the hub of shopping and local transport, this square is surrounded by important landmarks such as the bust of the renowned Malayalam writer, SK Pottekkad, the popular SM Street, swarming with shoppers, and the pleasing brick-and-tile public library. Note: Sweet Meat Street is choc-a-bloc with shops selling almost everything you might want to lay your hands on and is known specially for its famed halva, a glutinous local sweet dish.
more |
|
Mishkal Mosque
An architectural and historical landmark, the mosque was constructed by the rich Arab businessman and ship-owner, Nakhooda Mishkal, nearly 700 years ago. Built extensively out of wood, it is supported on 24 carved pillars and sports 47 doors. The intricate carvings on the ceilings and doors, gopuram style entrance arches, and the absence of minarets is reminiscent of Kerala's temple architecture.
more |
|
Mother of God Cathedral
This 18th century Gothic cathedral, built by Jesuit missionaries, has a 200-year-old portrait of St Mary adorning its walls. The shrine stands as a tribute to Italian expertise (Italian architects are believed to have designed it) and Indian skill.
more |
|
Muchundipalli
Constructed in the 13th century, this is the oldest mosque in the city, and has a stone slab inscribed in the ancient vattezhuthu (early Malayalam) script, narrating the story of a Zamorin king's donation of land. The building stands on a plinth, 1.5 m tall, and sports a double-tiered roof with an ornamental gable, the outer walls have elaborate beams that support a coffered ceiling with intricate and beautiful woodcarvings.
more |
|
Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery
Built in 1812, it was known as the East Hill Bungalow, but was later renamed in 1980 after Pazhassiraja Raja Kerala Varma of the Kottayam royal family. On display is a rare collection of copies of ancient murals, bronzes, old coins, excavated earthenware, models of temples and megalithic monuments such as rock-cut caves, crypts, umbrella stones and burial urns.
more |
|
Planetarium and Science Centre
This 250-seater planetarium at the city's Jaffar Khan Colony is a must-see. The sophisticated Zeiss projector simulates the night sky. The entomology section, 'Giants of Nature', at the Regional Science Centre, has huge working models of garden insects, bugs and arthropods that simulate natural movements and is popular with visitors.
more |
|
Tali Temple
Built in the 14th century by the Zamorin king, Manavikraman, on the site of an earlier temple, this shrine is located about one and a half kilometres east of Mananchira Square close to Palayam market. It has elaborate carvings on wooden roofs and intricate bas-relief on the walls of the sanctum sanctorum. The temple is the venue of Revathi Pattathanam, an annual cultural and intellectual event.
more |
|
Valayanadu Devi Kshetram
This old shrine, located in Valayanadu, Govindapuram, was built in the 14th century. The most important festival of the temple, held in the Malayalam month of Makaram (December-January) and lasting eight days, attracts hundreds of devotees.
more |
|
| |
Places to Visit |
Thiruvananthapuram |
Aakulam Tourist Complex, Agasthayarkoodam, Anjengo Fort, Ammachiplavu, Ananthapuri, Beemapalli, Kanyakumari, Kerala State Science and Technology Museum, Kovalam Beach, Maruthwamala, Napier Museum, Neyyar, Padmanabhapuram Palace, Priyadarshini Planetarium, Puthen Malika, Shankhumugham Beach, Sree Chithra Art Gallery, Sree Chithra Enclave, Sree Padmanabha Swamy Temple, Sucheendram temple, The Zoo and Museum Complex, Thriparappu waterfalls, Varkala, Vattakkotta, Veli, Vivekanandappara, Vyloppilly Sanskrithi Bhavan, |
|
|
|
|
Pathanamthitta |
Aranmula boat race, Ashtamudi Backwaters, Kakki Reservoir, Kaviyoor, Konni, Mannadi, Maramon, Perumthenaruvi Falls, Sabarimala, Thiruvalla, Vastu Vidya Gurukulam, Vijnana Kala vedi Cultural Centre, |
|
|
Alappuzha |
Ambalappuzha Sree Krishna Temple, Bhagavathi Temple, Chakkulathukavu Bhagavathi Temple, Chavara Bhavan, Karumadi Kuttan, Krishnapuram Palace Museum, Kuttanad, Mannarassala Snake Temple, Pathiramanal Island, R Block,, St George Orthodox Syrian Church, St Mary's Church, Champakulam, Subrahmanya Temple. |
|
|
Idukki |
Blossom international Park, Cheriyapalli, CSl Church (St George's Church), Devikulam Lake, Eagle Rock or Parunthumpara, Idukki Arch Dam, Kalvary Mount, Kolukkumalai, Kundala, Kurisumala Ashram, Kurisumala, Malanadu Development Society (MDS), Mampara Grasslands, Mangaladevi Temple, Marayoor, Mattupetty, Mount Carmel Church, Munnar, Murugan Para, Nelliyampathy, Orange and Vegetable Farm,Panchalimedu, Peermede, Pine Forests, Pothundy, Rajamalai, Seetharkundu,Summer Palace, Tea Museum, Thekkady, Thommankuthu, Thrisangu Hills, Top Station, Vagamon, Viewpoints, Waterfalls of Munnar, |
|
|
Kottayam |
Ayyampara hills, Cheriyapalli, Erumely, Ganapathiyar Kovil, Good Shepherd Church, Ilaveezhapoonchira, Kanjirapally, Kayyoor Temple, Krishnapuram Palace Museum, Malanadu Development Society (MDS), Pala, Poonjar Palace, Shrine of our Lady of immaculate Conception, St Dominic's Cathedral, St George Church, St Mary's Church, St Mary's Church Bharananganam, St Mary's Forane Church, St Thomas Benedictine Abbey, Thirunakkara Temple, Vagamon, Valiyapalli, Kumarakom, Driftwood Museum, Bird Sanctuary, Midlands. |
|
|
Ernakulam |
Antique Shops in Jew Street, Bhoothathankettu, Bishop's House/indo-Portuguese Museum, Broadway, Cherai Beach, Chottanikkara Temple, Clock tower, Dutch Cemetery, Fort Kochi Beach, Hill Palace Museum, Kerala Lalitha Kala Akademi, Kochi, Kumbalangi, M.G.Road, Marine Drive, Maritime Museum, Museum of Kerala History, Pardesi Synagogue, Santa Cruz Basilica, Shiva Temple, SNC Maritime Museum, Spice Market, St Francis Church, Thirumala Devaswom Temple, Willingdon Island, Chendamangalam. |
|
|
Thrissur |
Athirappally and Vazhachal water falls, Ayyappa and Edathedathu Kavil Bhagavathy, Basilica of Our Lady of Dolores, Cheraman Perumal Juma Masjid, Cheruthuruthy, The land of Arts, Guruvayur, Irinjalakkuda, The land of Bharatha, Juma Masjid,Kodungallur, Koodalmanik, Yam Temple, Irinjalakuda, Kurumba Bhagavathi Temple, Lourdes Cathedral,Mar Thoma Pontifical Shrine, Martha Mariyam Chaldean Church, Palayur Church,Punnathoor Kotta, Sakthan Thampuran Palace, Shiva Temple,Sree Rama Temple, Thriprayar,The Cheraman Perumal who embraced Islam, The State Museum and Zoo,The Swaraj Roudn the heart of Thrissur,Vadakkumnathan Temple, |
|
|
|
|
Malappuram |
Kadalundi Nagaram, Kondotty, Kottakkal(Centre of Ayurveda), Kottapadi, Malappuram, Manjeri, Nilambur(Forest area), Perinthalmanna, Perumpadappu, Ponnani, Tanur, Teak Museum,Tirur,Tirurangadi, |
|
|
Kozhikode |
Beypore and its ‘Urus’, Beach Road, CSI Church, Kallai, Lokanarkavu of Vadakkanpattu, Mananchira Square, Mishkal Mosque, Mother of God Cathedral, Muchundipalli, Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery, Planetarium and Science Centre, Tali Temple,Valayanadu Devi Kshetram, |
|
|
Wayanad |
Mananthavady, Brahamagiri, Chembra Peak, Edakkal Caves,Jain Temple, Karalad Lake, Kerala Kalamandalam, Kuruva Dweep, Lakkidi's Chain Tree, Mahe, Meenmutty Falls,Muthanga,The jungle of secrets, Pakshipathalam,Pazhassi Museum,Pookot Lake,River Nila,Soochipara and Kanthampara Falls, The tree of Karimthandan,Thirunelly Temple,Thrissiteri Temple,Wayanad Heritage Museum, |
|
Kannur |
Alluring Beaches, Cheruvathur Kota Palli, Delightful Backwaters, Ezhimalai, Fort St Angelo,Kanhirode weaving Co-operative, Kerala Folklore Academy, Kottiyoor Shiva Temple, Mahalingeshwara Temple, Nileswaram, Parassini Kadavu Temple, Payyambalam Beach,Rajarajeshwara Temple,Thalassery,The tree of Karimthandan,Ummichipoyil and Varikulam,Valiyaparamba Backwaters, |
|
|
Kasargode |
Anandashram, Ananthapura Temple, Bekal Fort, Chandragiri Fort, Kanhangad Hosdurg Fort,Kanwatheertha Beach, Kappil Beach, Kodagu, Kottanchery, Malik Ibn Dinar Mosque, Possadi Gumpe, Ranipuram. |
|
| |
|
|
|
