Tourist
Attractions in Kozhikode |
Tourist
Attractions in Kozhikode
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The various tourist attractions in Kozhikode are
Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery, Krishna Menon museum, Kirtads,
Beypore, Kappad, Kozhikode beach, Velliyamkallu, Kakkayam, Vadakara,
Peruvannamuzhi, Iringal, Kuttichitra,
Tali Temple, Mannur Temple and
Varakkal Devi Temple. |
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Pazhassiraja Museum and Art
Gallery
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Pazhassiraja
Museum and Art Gallery is located about 5 km from Kozhikode. The
copies of ancient murals, antique bronzes, old coins, excavated
earthenware, models of temples, megalithic monuments like
dolmonoid cysts, umbrella stones etc are displayed in this
museum. The Art Gallery is located adjacent to the museum and
exhibits an excellent collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma
and Raja Raja Varma. |
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Kirtads
The Kirtads is the
unique museum that houses the tools and devices used by the
ancient tribal communities of Kerala. A good library with books
on Anthropology and Sociology is another attraction of the
museum.
Krishna Menon Museum
The Krishna Menon museum has an
exclusive wing dedicated to the late VK Krishna Menon, renowned
statesman. His personal belongings and souvenirs are displayed
here. |
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Tali Temple
Tali Temple was built in the 14th century by Swamy
Thirumulpad, the Zamorin. Revathy Pattathanam, the annual
cultural and intellectual festival is held in this temple. The
Tali Temple is a fine example of the total integration that
existed between wood and laterite, which is a remarkable feature
of the Kerala style of architecture.
Kakkayam
The Kakkayam is the
picturesque dam site, teeming with exotic wildlife. This place
offers excellent trekking and rock climbing opportunities. The
best time to visit this place is between November and April.
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Velliyamkallu
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Velliyamkallu is the massive
rock, much dreaded by navigators. It was once a vantage point
for the Marakkars to attack the invading Portuguese. An entire
crew of a Portuguese ship was killed here. The beautiful natural
engravings on the rock are the best exploring place here.
Payyoli is the
beautiful stretch of
golden sands with shallow waters that border Velliyamkallu. The
Thikkoti lighthouse which overlooks Veliyamkallu off Moodadi
coast was built after a shipwreck, the remains of which can
still be seen here. |
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Beypore
Beypore is located
at the mouth of the Chaliyar River. Beypore was one of the
prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala and an
important trade and maritime centre. The ancient Beypore was
visited by the merchants from Western Asia, for its shipbuilding
industry. The boat building yard here is famous for the
construction of the Uru (the Arabian trading vessel), that was
built almost 1500 years back.
Vadakara
Vadakara is the birth place of Thacholi Othenan, the legendary
hero of the Vadakkanpattu (ballads of North Malabar). Vadakara
has a great martial tradition and was a flourishing trade and
commerce centre in ancient times. Thacholi Manikkoth, the Kalari
where Thacholi Othenan practiced his martial feats and spent
long days in deep meditation before every poythu (duel), is a
worth visiting place in Vadakara.
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Peruvannamuzhi
The Peruvannamuzhi, a beautiful picnic spot is set amidst hills.
The reservoir here provides facilities for speed and row boat
cruises during which one can see the Smarakathottam, a garden
built in memory of the freedom fighters of the region.
Uninhabited islands, the bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm
also adds to the charm of the place.
Iringal
Iringal is the birth place of Kunjali Marakkar, who commanded
the Zamorin’s fleet and held the Portuguese vessels at bay for a
long period. This birth place is located on the southern bank of
the Moorad River and preserved by the Department of Archaeology.
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Kappad |
Kappad is the
historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th
May 1498, with 170 men in three vessels. There is a monument on
the beach that reflects about this historic event. 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. |
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Kozhikode Beach
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The Kozhikode beach is the perfect place for the sunset viewers.
The old lighthouse and the two crumbling piers, each more than
hundred years old, that runs into the sea add charm to the
natural beauty of this beach. Entertainment facilities such as
the Lions Park for children and the marine water aquarium are
the other attractions in this beach. |
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CVN
Kalari Centre |
Kalaripayattu, the martial art of Kerala is performed here.
Special demonstrations can be arranged on request. Closed on Sundays. |
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Kozhikode Beach |
The Beautiful beach has an old light house and
two crumbling piers. It is a fine sunset point. The lions Park and the Marine Water Aquarium provides entertainment
facilities on the beach. |
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Manachira Square (Maidan) |
The historic maidan has been converted into an arcadia with
beautiful trees and plants, artificial hills, sculptures, an open air theatre
and a musical fountain. |
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Tali Temple |
The 14th century shrine was built by Swamy
Thirumulpad, the Zamorin, within his palace complex. It is a fine example of
Kerala architecture. |
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Kuttichitra |
The stone inscriptions found in the Muccunti Mosque at
Kuttichitra reveals an interesting aspect in the history of the
Zamorins of Kozhikode and their patronage of Islam in Kerala.
The architecture of this mosque and other old mosques bears
great resemblance to the typical Hindu temple complex with
pillars, ventilators and huge tanks, as well as decorative
features such as stylized floral carvings and geometric designs.
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Mannur Temple
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Mannur Temple was
built like the Siva Temple at Tiruvannur. This exquisitely
carved laterite structure is more than two centuries old. It is
believed that Sree Parashuraman begin his Siva Linga pratistha
at Tiruvannaur and completes it here every noon. The noon pujas
here are considered very special. The annual Sivaratri festival
is celebrated in a big way. |
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Varakkal Devi Temple |
The Varakkal Devi
Temple is considered to be the 108th and the last
Devi temple built by Sree Parasurama, the legendary founder of
Kerala. It is believed that Parasurama ploughed this area in
order to make the goddess appear. The Vavu Bali is the main
festival in the temple where thousands of people gather here to
perform the ancestral activities. On this day, the sea can be
seen as surprisingly calm as if facilitating the religious
observances. |
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