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Tourist Attractions in Kozhikode |
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Tourist Attractions in
Kozhikode
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.
Pazhassiraja Museum and Art
Gallery
Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery is located about 5 kms.
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 |
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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 exists between
wood and laterite, and 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.
Velliyamkallu
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. The region around
the Velliyamkallu rock is the transit home of migratory birds. |
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Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is situated about 25 kms. from
Kozhikode. The estuary at Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is a
heaven for migratory birds. Terns, gulls, herons,
sandpipers, whimbrels and other exotic birds flock into
this place in November and return home in April.
Beypore |
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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. |
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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.
Peruvannamuzhi
The Peruvannamuzhi, a beautiful picnic spot and damsite 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 |
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rock that protrudes into the sea.
The temple on the rock is believed to be 800 years old. |
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Kozhikode Beach
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.
Manachira Square (Maidan)
The palace tank of King Mana-Vikrama is an architectural
wonder. 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. The musical
fountain inside the maidan and the meticulously landscaped
lawns surrounded by the traditional buildings in the Kerala
style, fascinate tourists.
Kuttichira
The stone inscriptions found in the Muccunti Mosque at
Kuttichira 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.
Mannur Temple
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.
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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