Kerala - Tourism - Kozhikode @ whatisindia.com

KOZHIKODE
Kozhikode which literally means 'cock crowing' was once the capital of the powerful Zamorins, a prominent trade and commerce centre. In 1498 Vaso-da-Gama landed at this Port. Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in the days gone by. Today ancient monuments, lush green country sides, serene beaches, historic sites, rivers, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make Kozhikode a much sought after destination. Best time to visit is September to May.

Beypore (10 km south of Kozhikode)
Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar river, Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbors of ancient Kerala was an important trade and maritime centre. Ancient Beypore was much sought after by merchants from Western Asia, for its shipbuilding industry. The boat building yard here, famous for the construction of the Uru (the Arabian trading vessel), boasts a tradition of almost 1500 years.

Kappad (16 km from Kozhikode):
This is the historic beach where Vasco da Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498. A monument on the beach commemorates 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.

Kozhikode Beach
This beach is a favorite haunt of sunset viewers. The old world charm retained in the old lighthouse and the two crumbling piers, each more than a hundred years old, that run into the sea is adding to its natural beauty.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary (25 km from Kozhikode)
The estuary at Kadalundi 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.

Kakkayam (45 km from Kozhikode)
This picturesque damsite, teeming with exotic wildlife, offers excellent trekking and rock climbing opportunities. The best time to visit is between November and April.

Tusharagiri (50 km from Kozhikode)
Tusharagiri is located near Vythiri in Wayanad and is famous for its trekking tracks. Trekkers start early morning from the second waterfall and climb uphill through the pristine, dense evergreen forests populated with exotic birds and wildlife to reach Vythiri by evening.

Peruvannamuzhi (60 km from Kozhikode)
The Peruvannamuzhi damsite set amid hills is a beautiful picnic spot. 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 add to the charm of the place.

Wayanad Ghats
The green ghats enroute to Wayanad has nine hairpin bends, each turn taking one to a higher altitude offering a better view of the picturesque plains below.

Mananchira Maidan
The palace tank of King Mana-Vikrama is an architectural wonder. The musical fountain inside the maidan and the meticulously landscaped lawns surrounded by traditional buildings in the Kerala style, fascinate visitors.

Museums and Art Galleries
Pazhassirajah Museum
Situated 5 km from Kozhikode. Here exhibits of copies of ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes, old coins and models of temples and megalithic monuments are seen. The next door to the museum is the Art Gallery and Krishna Museum which has an excellent collection of paintings by Indian artists and wood and ivory carvings. Open from 9.30 am - 12.30 pm, 2.30 pm - 5.30 pm, closed on Mondays.

Krishna Menon Museum
This museum is dedicated to late V K Krishna Menon, the former president of India. His personal belongings and souvenirs are displayed here.

Kirtads (7 km from Kozhikode)
This unique museum houses the tools and devices used by the ancient tribal communities of Kerala. A good library with books on Anthropology and Sociology is an added attraction.

References:
http://india-tourism.com/

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