Tourist Places

Calicut (Kozhikode) Guide

Calicut is a port for the whole Indian sea, which God forbid any craft to cross.... these words of Athanaseus Nikiten, the Russian traveler way back in the 13th century echo even today the glory of the historical town that is 'Koyil' (palace)'Kodu' (fortified).


Kozhikode (earlier Calicut, anglicized form of Kalikut) means Koyil (Palace) Kodu (fortified). The historical town was the seat of Zamorins. When Vasco De Gama, the navigator from Lisbon landed at Kappad near Kozhikode, the city was the first in the country to receive a force from a Western country.


Even before the Gama expedition on this land, Arabs and Chinese had established trade relations with Kozhikode. During the British regime Kozhikode was under Madras Province. The city has retained its position as the capital of Malabar region and major trading centre of hill-produce.


Places of Interest in Calicut

The Backwaters of Kozhikode
Unexplored, unspoiled, the backwaters of Kozhikode hold great promises of enchanting holiday options. Elathur, the Canolly Canal and the Kallai river are favorite haunts for boating. Kadalundi, with its beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site.

Payyoli
It is a place of historical importance due to the old fort and mosque of the Kunhali Marakkans. This place is also known for its sacrifice rock which can be found at about 13 km away in the sea.

Vadakara
Situated on the right bank of Kuttiyadi river, Vadakara has a historical fort which is now in ruins. About five kilometers away from this town is the famous 1500 year old Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi Temple, where the main deity is Goddess Durga. The annual festival is celebrated during March - April. There are three rock cut caves near the Temple containing interesting murals and carvings.

Peruvannamoozhi Dam
The picturesque dam sight has a crocodile farm and birds sanctuary here. Boating facilities are also available here.

Tusharagiri
Famous for its trekking tracks, it is located, near Vythiri in Wayanad. Trekkers start early morning from the second waterfall and climb uphill through the pristine, evergreen dense forests populated with exotic birds and wild animals to reach Vythiri by evening.

Tali Temple
Built in the 14th century by Swami Thirumulpad, the Zamorian, within his palace complex, this temple was the venue of Revathy Pattathanam the annual culture and intellectual event at eh Zamorin's court.