Kozikode (Calicut ): Glory of the Past

Submitted by prasanna prabhu on Mon, 2006-12-25 08:49. Tourist_places

Kozhikode is also called the Cock Fort. According to the historian, K.V Krishnan Iyer, the term means koyil (Palace) Kodu (Fortified). Anyhow, it is a historical town with a ancient past. From time immemorial, the city attracted travellers, with its charming physical features and prosperity. Even today, the glory has not faded. The political history of Kozhikode is a story of unfaithful and ill-conceived conspiracies hatched by the Western powers.

Vasco De Gama landed at Kappad in May 1498, as the leaders of a trade mission from Portugal and was received by the Zamorin himself.

The history of Kozhikode district as an administrative unit begins from January 1957. When the states of the Indian Union were reorganised on linguistic basis on 1st November, 1956, the former Malabar district was separated from Madras state (Tamil Nadu) and added to the new unilingual state of Kerala. But Malabar district was found to be too unwieldy for administrative purposes. Consequently the state government ordered the formation of three districts with certain changes in the boundaries of some of the taluks. The Kozhikode district thus came into existence on 1st Jnauary 1957,orginally consisting of five taluks, Viz, Vadakara, Koyilandy, Kozhikode, Ernad & Tirur. With the formation of Malapuram district on 1st Jun 1969 & Wayandu on 1st November 1980, Kozhikode district now consist of one revenue division , three taluks, twelve blocks, 77 panchayats and 117 villages

Kozhikode district is bounded on North by Kannur district, East by Wayanad, South touches Malappuram district and West touches Arabian sea . Topographically the district has three distinct regions - the sandy, the rocky highlands formed by the hilly portion of the Western Ghats and lateritic midland. Of the total area of 2344 sq.kms., the sandy coastal belt is 362.85 sq.kms., later tic midlands 1343.50 sq.kms. And rocky highlands 637.65 sq.kms.All the three taluks are spreaded over the three regions. The district has a coastal length of about 80 kms. The highland region accounts for 26.80 per cent and the lowland region for 15.55 per cent of the total area of the district

The district has a humid climate with a very hot season extending from March to May. The most important rainy season is during the South West Monsoon which sets in the first week of June and extends up to September. The North-East Monsoon extends from the second half of October through November. The average annual rainfall is 3266 mm.

During December to March, practically no rain is received and from October onwards the temperature gradually increase to reach the maximum in May, which is the hottest month of the year. The highest maximum temperature recorded at Kozhikode was 39.40 C during the month of March 1975 and lowest temperature was 140 C recorded on 26th December 1975. Humidity is very high in the coastal region. Kozhikode has a close relation with this martial arts. Being the hub of Kalarippayattu trains a lot of students including foreigners every year. The famous CVN Kalari Sangam is an eminent institution which has produced hords of valiant fighters.They will arrange demonstration on request.

Kozhikode is also famous for its sweet which is known by its name Kozhikodehalwa alvailable in different colours. A Sweetmeat Street known as Mithai Theruvu is famous for ‘halwa’.

Mananchira Square: Mananchira the heart of the city is the site of important institutions like the Town Hall and the Public Library. One of Calicut's oldest buildings, the Commonwealth Trust Office is situated here. The large pond and the park are well known landmarks. In the centre of the square there is a tank, called Mananchira Tank. This tank was the private bath of Samuthiris. The tank has a music fountain. Nearby there is Mashkaal mosque in Kuttichira and the Kuttichira tank is famous as Muslims and Hindus consider it sacred. The Muchandi Palli (mosque) built in 13th century and the oldest in Kozhikode and the Jamaat Palli which can accommodate 1000 worshipers are also nearby. The palace tank of King Mana Vikrama is now turned into a traditional architectural splendour, with carpeted green grass, and surrounded by Kerala style buildings. The musical fountain within the maidan (open ground) has become a local favourite

Kozhikode Beach: Kozhikode Beach is a favourite haunt of sunset viewers and an ideal place to unload the strains and to idle away . The serene beaches, lush green countryside, historic sites, all combine to make this a popular tourist destination filled with a warm ambience. The beach has an old lighthouse and two crumbling piers running into the sea, each more than a hundred years old. The old bridge protruding to the sea offers an excellent view of the sea and often get chance to see dolphins.

Kappad Beach: The historical beach town is located 16 km from the town. On 27 th May 1498 Vasco da Gama landed here with 170 men in three vessels. The rock-studded beach is locally known as Kappakadavu. An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rock that protrudes into the sea. The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old.The beach is a spectacular picnic spot also aancient temple on a hillock, facing the deep sea is an added attraction

Payyoli Beach: It is located 30 km from the town. Former India’s sprint queen, P T Usha, hails from this village. She initiated her practice in the beach.

Pazhassirajah: It is located on East Hill, 6km from Kozhikode town. The Pazhassirajah Museum, run by the State Archaeological Department, displays ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes and old coins as well as models of temples, megalithic monuments. Adjacent to the museum is the Art Gallery, which exhibits an excellent collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Verma and Raja Raja Verma

Iringal: Iringal is historically important place for it was here the heroic captain of Zamorins’ Kunhali Marikar who was the naval captain of Samuthiris born. His heroic resistance kept the invading vessels of Portuguese at bay for a long time. Finding very hard to fight with him, Portuguese resorted to treachery and beheaded him in Goa. His head was brought back and exhibited on a pole as part of humiliating his courage The cannon ball and the sword he used are still in his house. His house is just 5 Km from the town.

Thusharagiri Water Falls: Thusharagiri means the snow capped mountains 48 km from Kozhikode. Thushargiri exhibits a unique relationship between the land and water. The area is very scenic with serene streams and hills. The three waterfalls on the backdrop of the Western Ghats provide an exhilarating and spellbinding sight to the visitor. The best time of the waterfalls can be enjoyed from September to November. The waterfall with its gentle spray is sure to soothe every eye. Two streams originating from the Western Ghats meet here to form the Chalippuzha River. The river diverges into three waterfalls creating a snowy spray, which gives the name, 'Thusharagiri'. Of the three, the highest waterfall is the Thenpara that falls from an altitude of 75 metres. Situated at Kodencherry, the plantation destination that abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spices is also a trekker's delight. The place offers challenging trekking and rock-climbing through river path and numerous waterfalls. Trekker's start early morning from the second waterfalls at the hills and climb up through the pristine dense evergreen forests teeming with exotic birds and animals to reach Vythiri and Waynad district by evening. There is a dam located around 45 km from Calicut. There is another dam at 60 km from Calicut. It is a place of beauty, calm, and serenity. The place has a crocodile farm run by the state forest department

Palayam Market: Palayam market is the large market in Kozhikode district. It has historical and contemporary importance. The vegetable market and the bus station are always crowded. The soldiers of Samuthiris had once occupied the market. The Mohiadeen Mosque nearby is a multi-storeyed mosque where closed circuit TV is put into service. CTV was the only solution to preach at a time to the congregation filled in different storeys. And this is the only mosque in Kerala having CVT facilities.

Valiangadi: Valiangadi meaning big bazaar, is the centre of fish trade in Kozhikode. Located between the beach and the town, the market always betrays chaotic scene. Trucks, mini-trucks, three-wheelers, hand-carts, bicycles and cycles create a mess, making it near impossible to move around in the market during peak hours. Centuries-old whole-sale and retail business of fresh and dried-fish thrive here.

Valayanad Devi Temple: Located at Govindapura, 3-km from the town, on Mankavu road. The shrine devoted to Parvathi was built by Samuthiris on a hill-top. The Samuthiris-period architecture is reflected on the nearby Thiruvannoor and Mankavu kovilakams. Their heavy wood-work and spacious airy rooms are a speciality.

Regional Science Centre: It is located on Indira Gandhi Road, opposite new Mofussil Bus Station. The Science Centre consists of a Planetarium, a Science Park and an Aquarium. There are about 50 exhibits in the Science Park. This includes big working models of bisects. The Park is a big lure for children. The Aquarium and Planetarium are equally crowd-pullers.

Kirtads: It is located at Chevayur, about 9-km from Kozhidode Kirtads is a abbreviation form of Kerala Institute of Research and Development of Scheduled Tribes and Castes. A library devoted to tribals’ literature and a museum dedicated to tribals life and a culture centre function here.

Kallai: Once Asia’s second largest timber trading center and is now the capital of timber trade in Kozhikode district, Kallai is now pushed to back stage. Though the prestigious trading position is lost still Kalli is a reckoned timber trading centre in Kerala. Kallai river originated from Western Ghats in the east embraces Arabian sea in the west plays a vital roll in the transportation of the logs. These timber logs tied together sent from Nilambur forests through the water floating and moving in the river present a mind-sticking experience A steel bridge built by the British over Kallai River is still in good health as a surprise. Because the transportation of logs from forest to the depot in Kozhikode is by water and not by vehicle the cost cost is bare minimum. So the timber in Kozhikode is cheaper compared to any other part in Kerala.

Thekkepuram: Thekkepuram, located near Valia Angadi, is distinct in many respects. This place is dominated by Muslim community. Thekkepuram Muslims have a unique wedlock social custom different from Muslims in other parts in Kerala. This social custom difference has reflected in the architecture of their ancient houses. As against the practice elsewhere, women continue living in their ancestral houses after the marriage. Their husbands visit them in the evening and leave next morning. For every marriage in the family, a room is added to the house. The new added room is called Maniyara (wedlock room). Devoid of family planning (in the past), size of the Muslim familities were generally large. Some houses here have more than six added rooms to accommodate the wedded. Koyas of Thekkepuram are high-cast Hindu converts, it is believed. The conversion process was during the reign of Samuthiris. The Muslims and Hindus were hand in glove. Hospitality and guest entertaining were aligned in their blood.

Vadakara: Vadakara is situated 48 km from Kozhikode. The town lies by the side of a river known by different names as Moorad river, Kuttiadi river or Kotakkal river. Due to its position with respect to the Kottakkal puzha which is in north side the name Vadakkekara came to extint Once a vibrant trade and commerce centre, Vadakara is the birth place of Thacholi Othenan, the legendary hero of the Vadakkanpattu (the ballads exclusively credited to North Malabar) and preserver of martial arts.

Kakkayam: Kakkayam town is located 36 km from Kozhikode town. Though the town has nothing specific to offer, it has a Reservoir, located 14 km from the town, set in the middle of forests with wildlife. The scenic beauty is mind sticking. For adventurers Kakkayam offers exciting experience in trekking and rock-climbing.

Lokanarkavu: This is situated 5 km. from Vatakara. Lokanarkavu, known for the famed Lokanarkavu temple of goddess Durga, is located 54 km from Kozhikode. In the vicinity of the temple, there are three rockcut caves. The candid murals and carvings here are of great fascination to the visitors. The main deity is Goddess Durga. The festival, locally called Pooram, is celebrated during March/April. It is believed that the temple is 1500 hundred years old. There are two temples adjacent to the Lokanarkavu with Vishnu and Shiva as deities. There are frequent buses from Kochi to Vatakara. From Vatakara there are frequent buses to Lokanarkavu.

Thikodi: Thikkodi is located 30 km from Kozhikode. There is a lighhouse here on permision one can visit the light house. The view from the light house is a breath-taking view of the sea on west and verdant plain and hills in the east the Lighthouse.

Bepore: Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar River in Kozhikode district, Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala was an important trade and maritime centre. Ancient Beypore was much sought after by merchants from Western Asia, for its ship building industry. The boat building yard here is famous for the construction of the Uru, the traditional Arabian trading vessel.The Beypore Beach has a bridge built nearly 2 kms into the sea. It is actually made up of huge stones piled together for nearly 2 kms making a pathway into the sea. The Uru is manufactured out of teak and jackwood. Almost all work is manual. To make an Uru sea-born it takes over one year with the involvement of over 50 craftsmen. West Asian countries are the customers for Urus.

Kadalundi: Kadalundi is located 25 km from Kozhikode. Kadalundi with estuary is a heaven for birds. The Bird Sanctuary here is overburdened with migratory birds from November to April. They come in November and leave in April, while for local species Kadalundi is their home for all the days. The migratory birds’ guest appearance for 5 to 6 months an year is routine.

Mishkal Masjid Kuttichira: It is one of the oldest mosque in the city. This four storied structure supported by wooden pillars proudly proclaims the architectural splendour of years. In 1510 the Portuguese burnt down some parts of it, but the charred portion still remain. The mosque is named after the rich trader who built it. The 14th century mosque, Jamaatpalli, with a prayer accommodation capacity for over 1000 people is the biggest in Kerala. The oldest mosque in Kozhikode, Mucchandipalli, with beautiful ceiling is also near the Square.
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