A mighty seaport where Arab, Chinese and East African traders once converged , Kozhikode was previously the most important region of the Malabar Coast.Vasc da Gama landed on its shores in 1498,catapulating the region to global fame.Once the capital of the powerful Zamorins and a prominent trade and commerce centre, the winds of change have swept over this charming coastal land from time to time.The whiff of history continues to permeate the lanes , bazaars and business hubs of this great port of yesteryears. Lush green countryside , serene beaches ,historic sites,wild life sanctuaries,rivers and hills make Kozhikode a popular destination .Also adding to the legacy of this region is a unique culture and a warm friendly people.
Kappad
(16 km from Kozhikode) this is the historic beach where Vascoda Gama landed on the 27th of May 1498, with 170 men in three vessels.Locally known a Kappakadavu, a monument on the beach commemories this historic event.An interesting feature of the landscape is the sprawling rocky headland that protrudes into the sea on which rests an 800-year-old temple.
Beypore
(10 km south of Kozhikode closed on public holidays) Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar River ,Beypore was one of the prominent ports and maritime trading centre of ancient Kerala.Old time Beypore was much sought after by merchants from Western Asia for its shipbuilding Industry.The boat building yard here ,famous for the constuction of the Uru (Arabian trading vessel),boats a tradition of almost 1500 years.You can pick up toy boats and exquisite models of boats inside bottles from the many shops on the approach road, as well as from the Kairali Emporium.
Thusharagiri Waterfall
(50 km from Kozhikode) Famous for its trekking tracks .Thusharagiri is located near Vyrhiri in Wayanad.Waterfalls and streams abound in this hilly region. Trekkers have to start early morning from the second waterfalls and climb uphill through the pristine, dense evergreen forests populated with exotic birds and wildlife to reach Vythiri by evening.The place also abounds in rubber,arecanut,pepper,ginger and spice plantations.
Manachira Square
(Open 1500-2000 hrs.on all days)Located in the heart of the city, this square is wrapped around the Manachira Tank which is fed by a natural spring.Built by ManaVikrama, the last ZmorinKing, it has been preserved almost in its original form and continues to supply water. The sprawling estate adjoining the tank is now partly converted into a park.The musical fountain inside the maidan and the meticulously landscaped lawns surrounded by traditional building in the Kerala style are fascinating.The public Library is situated here.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
(19km from Kozhikode and 7 km from Beypore Port) The sanctuary is spread over a cluster of islands in ascenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea.