Location : In the south Indian state
of Kerala.
Tourist Attractions : Pazhassirajah Museum, Art Gallery,
Kozhikode Beach, Religious points, Dolphin's Point, Fire Temple, the
Buddhist Vihar, Mishkal Masjid.
Best Hangout : Dolphin's Point, Kozhikode Beach,
Religious points.
Best Activity : Stroll along the beach side.
Nearest Tourist Destinations : Kochi, Kappad, Thrissur (Trichur).
When to Visit : September To May
About Calicut / Kozhikode
Calicut or Kozhikode is situated in the south Indian state of Kerala on the
southwest coast of the Arabian Sea. The busy coastal city of Kozhikode /
Calicut, holds an important place in the legend and history of Kerala. The
place is historically famous as the Portuguese led by Vasco da Gama first
landed in India, at Kappad near Kozhikode in 1498 AD. He was the first
European to reach India via the sea route, around the southern cape of
Africa. Later the Dutch, French and British came for trade to the shores of
Calicut. Kozhikode (Calicut) was the capital of the powerful Zamorins. This
ancient commercial town of Kerala still maintains its commercial traditions.
Major Tourist Attractions in Calicut / Kozhikode
Pazhassirajah Museum
This rich museum displays the historic past of Kozhikode. Located on the
East Hill, at a distance of 5 kms from the city, the museum is run by the
State Archeological Department. Ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes,
old coins, models of temples, and megalithic structures are on display here.
Art Gallery
Known for its treasured collection of paintings made by Raja Ravi Varma and
Raja Raja Varma, the gallery pulls in the art connoisseurs the most. This
gallery holds an important position in the Indian art circle because of its
association with Raja Ravi Varma, the first Indian painter to make use of
oil colours. The paintings of this great artist generally revolve around the
portrayal of mythological events, royal portraits and day-to-day life.
Kozhikode Beach
Located on the eastern part of the city, the beach at Calicut offers the
leisure-seekers a long stretch of endless sandy beach. The glorious
spectacle of the setting sun from this beach is most glorious to see. The
Lighthouse, the Lions Park (children's park) and the Aquarium (a good
collection of marine life and freshwater fish) are interesting spots to
visit on this beach.
Dolphin's Point
Dolphin's Point is the place where one can see dolphins playing in the sea
of an early morning. The long tree-lined beach, about 2 km away, is popular
with the local people because of the Lions Club Park, the lighthouse, and
two piers - and of course, the opportunity to soak in the evening breeze.
Thikkoti Lighthouse
The lighthouse which overlooks Velliyamkallu of Moodadi coast was built
after a shipwreck, the remains of which can still be seen here. The region
around the Velliyamkallu rock is the transit home to migratory birds.
Getting
There
Air : Kozhikode airport is located at a distance of about 25 km from
the center of the city. Kozhikode is well connected by air to Mumbai,
Bangalore, Coimbatore, Goa, Madurai and Chennai.
Rail : Calicut is connected to all the major cities of India through
rail link. The station is around 2 km south of Mananchira Square. The city
is well connected by train with important places like Mangalore, Ernakulam,
Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Coimbatore, Goa and Mumbai.
Road : Calicut is well linked with various destinations in Kerala
and beyond. National Highway-17 links Calicut with the rest of the cities in
Kerala and neighboring states.
Accommodation
You won't have any accommodation problem here, as there are plenty of them
at Calicut. The accommodation ranges between luxury and budget and you can
pick the one which best suites your requirement.
