Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a city in the Indian state of Kerala. Located on the Malabar Coast, it is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and delicious cuisine. It was a significant spice trade center and is close to Kappad Beach, where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed in 1498. If you are planning a trip to Kozhikode, here are some of the best places to visit:
Kozhikode Beach
Kozhikode beach is situated along the Arabian Sea and is a popular tourist destination. The beach is a long, wide stretch of sand, with a promenade running along it. The promenade is a popular place for locals and tourists to take a leisurely walk and enjoy the sea breeze. The beach is also home to a number of landmarks, including the Lion’s Club and the Marine Water Aquarium, which is a popular attraction for families with children. There are several restaurants and cafes in the area where you can grab a bite to eat or relax with a drink, as well as small stalls selling souvenirs and other items. The beach is a great place to spend a day relaxing, enjoying the scenery, and participating in water sports such as swimming and surfing.
Kozhikode Water Museum and Biopark – Calicut
The Water Heritage Museum and Biopark at Kunnamangalam in Kozhikode is an effort to honor and appreciate this abundant natural resource. The initiative is taken by the Centre for Water Resources Development and Management (CWRDM), which showcases its concepts through pictures, statues, and still lifes. The CWRDM staff has collaborated with artists such as painters, sculptors, and others to bring their ideas to life, utilizing materials such as wax, clay, plastic, hay, and even waste material.
Visitors are welcomed to the Water Heritage Museum and Biopark at Kunnamangalam by a Padipura, a unique, multi-functional gateway commonly found in traditional, aristocratic households. A display of a Kerala woman drawing water from a well located near the kitchen can be seen. The placement of the water wells in the northeastern corner of the house is believed to bring wealth, divine grace, and happiness to the household, and the religious significance of water is also emphasized.
The museum highlights the importance of water in Kerala, including the Canoli Canal, which played a role in the state’s commercial progress, and the Idukki Hydroelectric Project. It also showcases various aspects of Kerala’s relationship with water, such as the lifestyle and activities in the waterlogged region of Kuttanad, the backwaters of Vembanad, and the Kole Wetlands.
Working Hours: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
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Kappad Beach
Kappad Beach is a beach located in the Kozhikode district of Kerala, India. It is situated about 16 kilometers northwest of Kozhikode city. The beach is known for its historical significance as it was the landing place of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498 when he arrived in India. There is a stone monument on the beach marking the spot where Vasco da Gama is believed to have landed. The beach is popular with tourists and locals alike, and there are several restaurants and cafes in the area where you can grab a bite to eat or relax with a drink. There are also a number of small stalls selling souvenirs and other items. The beach is a great place to spend a leisurely day, soaking up the sun and enjoying the beauty of the Arabian Sea.
Mananchira Square
Mananchira Square is a public park and square located in Kozhikode. The park is named after the man-made pond, Mananchira, which is located in the center of the square. The square is a popular tourist destination and is known for its beautiful landscaped gardens, fountains, and sculptures. There are also several historical landmarks located in the square, including the Thali Temple and the old Kozhikode Corporation building. The square is a popular place for locals and tourists to relax, take a leisurely walk, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes in the area where you can grab a bite to eat or relax with a drink. Mananchira Square is a great place to visit if you want to learn about the history and culture of Kozhikode and enjoy the beauty of the city.
Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery
The Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery is a museum and art gallery located in Kozhikode. The museum is named after Pazhassiraja, a famous 18th-century Kerala king who was known for his contributions to the arts and culture of the region. The museum and art gallery are housed in a beautiful old building and feature a wide range of exhibits on the history, culture, and art of Kerala. The museum has a large collection of ancient artifacts, including coins, manuscripts, and sculptures. The art gallery features a wide range of paintings and sculptures by famous artists from Kerala and other parts of India. The museum and art gallery are a great place to visit if you want to learn about the history and culture of Kozhikode and Kerala and appreciate the beauty of art. The museum showcases a collection of artifacts and artworks from the region, including old coins, sculptures, and ancient manuscripts. The gallery also regularly hosts exhibitions and cultural events.
Thikkoti Lighthouse
The Thikkoti Lighthouse is located on the outskirts of Kozhikode. Built in 1847, this lighthouse offers beautiful views of the sea and the surrounding area. The lighthouse is situated on Kozhikode beach and is a popular tourist attraction. The lighthouse was built in the 19th century and is a tall, white tower with a red band around the middle. It is an important navigational aid for ships and boats sailing along the Arabian Sea. The lighthouse is open to the public and visitors can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the beach and the sea. The lighthouse is a great place to visit if you want to learn about the history of Kozhikode and enjoy the beautiful views from the top of the tower.
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Thali Temple
The Thali Temple, also known as the Tali Temple, is a Hindu temple located in Kozhikode. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is an important place of worship for Hindus. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and is a popular tourist attraction in Kozhikode. The temple is surrounded by lush gardens and is a peaceful and serene place to visit. The temple is a great place to learn about the Hindu religion and culture and to experience the spiritual atmosphere of the temple. The temple is open to visitors of all religions and is a great place to visit if you want to learn about the history and culture of Kozhikode and Kerala.
S.M. Street – Muttayi Therivu
S.M. Street is a popular shopping street in the city of Kozhikode in Kerala, India. It is located in the heart of the city and is known for its bustling markets and shopping centers, where visitors can find a wide variety of items ranging from traditional handicrafts and textiles to modern clothing and accessories.
The street is also home to a number of restaurants and food stalls, offering a range of local and international cuisine. Many tourists visit the street to try the famous Kozhikodan Halwa, a sweet made with flour and ghee that is a specialty of the region.
In addition to shopping and dining, the street is also a popular destination for cultural events and festivals, such as music performances and theater shows. Overall, SM Street is a vibrant and lively place that offers a unique blend of culture, shopping, and entertainment.
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is the history of Kozhikode?
Kozhikode has a long and rich history dating back to the 14th century. It was a major trade and commerce center during the medieval period and was known as the “City of Spices” due to its abundance of pepper and other spices. The city was also an important port on the Malabar Coast and was visited by many foreign traders, including the Portuguese, Dutch, and British. Kozhikode was a major center of the Indian independence movement and has a significant cultural and historical heritage.
What is the climate of Kozhikode?
Kozhikode has a tropical monsoon climate, with hot and humid weather throughout the year. The city experiences two main seasons: the rainy season, which lasts from June to November, and the dry season, which lasts from December to May. The average temperature in Kozhikode ranges from 25°C to 32°C, with high humidity levels throughout the year.
What are the main attractions in Kozhikode?
Kozhikode has a number of attractions for visitors, including the Kozhikode Beach, the Mananchira Square, the Thali Temple, the Panniyankara Palace, and the Sarovaram Bio Park. The city is also home to the famous Kozhikode Halwa, a sweet made from wheat, ghee, and sugar that is popular throughout the region.
What is the local cuisine of Kozhikode?
Kozhikode is known for its delicious and varied cuisine, which is influenced by both South Indian and Arabian flavors. Some popular dishes from Kozhikode include biryani, chicken curry, and Kozhikode halwa. The city is also home to a number of seafood restaurants that serve fresh seafood caught from the Arabian Sea.
How can I get to Kozhikode?
Kozhikode is well-connected by air, road, and rail. The city has an international airport, which is served by a number of major airlines. Kozhikode is also located along the National Highway 66, which connects the city to other major cities in the region. The city has a railway station that is served by trains from major cities across India.
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