When Vasco Da Gama, the Portuguese Navigator set forth on his voyage to discover India through sea route, he first landed at the sea shore of Kappad, in Kozhikode district in 1498. There he constructed a memorial in tribute to his historical landing. Kozhikode was also known as Calicut and it was once most prominent place in Malabar region. Zamorins made it their capital to rule the region. It was a significant center for trade and commerce in those days and still it handles a major part of international as well as domestic trade. This place is a nodal point for the trade of pepper, coffee, lemon grass oil, coconut and rubber. All these natural products are from Kozhikode and the other surrounding places of Malappuram, Kannur and Wayanad districts.
With the peaceful and pleasant background of placid Arabian Sea and mountains of Wayanad hills the Kozhikode district with the luxuriant green landscapes, historic monuments and beaches are the sightseeing spots of the tourists. People come in folks to spend their budget holidays here. From the prehistoric period it has been charming the travelers with its mesmerizing scenic beauty and natural treasure.
Kozhikode District - Attractions
Kappad beach: This is where Vasco Da Gama landed on 27th May, 1498. Visitors have a great time here.
Dolphin's Point: This beach is 2 km away from Calicut town and popular for the view of dolphins in the early hours. Lions Club Park and Light House are the attractions to the tourists.
Pazhassirajah Museum:This museum houses fresco art works of ancient days, very old and traditional bronzes and replica of olden temples and the like. This museum is managed by the Archaeological Department of the Kerala state.
Art Gallery: It is beside the Pazhassirajah Museum and houses the paintings of famous Raja Ravi Varma.
Krishna Menon Museum:This museum was dedicated and named after the popular political leader V.K. Krishna Menon. All of his relics are displayed in this museum.
Mananchira: this is located in the center of the city with town hall, public library and some more such institutions. The Commonwealth Trust Office is located here and a large park with pool adds beauty to this place.
Kallai: It was Asia’s largest trading center in olden days. This place is very famous for timber trade.
Beypore: This place is just 11 km away from Kozhikode. This costal town, once famous as a ship building center and stands for local crafts known as “Uru” made by Khalasis, shipbuilders of those days.
Badagara: It is famous center for martial arts and birth place of the historical hero Thacholi Othenan. This place is 48 km away from Calicut.
TRANSPORT
Kozhikode is accessible through four ways of air, train, bus and boat. The shuttle services are available from Mumbai, Middle East and Bangalore. The nearest airport to Kozhikode is Karipu airport 23 km away from Kozhikode. Apart from this, Kochi international airport and Thiruvananthapuram airport are the other nearby airports.
Train and bus facilities are available from all the cities of India. And this is also accessible by boat from Vadakara, Kadalundi, Elathur and Badagara.
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