[edit] Mananchira Square
In the centre of the square stands the Mananchira Tank. This tank was the private bath of the Samuthiris, the erstwhile rulers of Kozhikode. The musical fountain in the tank is of special interest.The Mashkaal mosque in Kuttichira and the Kuttichira tank are famous. Both Muslims and Hindus consider them sacred. The Muchandi Palli (mosque) built in the 13th century and the oldest in Kozhikode and the Jamaat Palli which can accommodate 1000 prayers are also nearby.
Mithai Theruvu (Sweetmeat Street): This street is famous for ‘halwa’ – a local delicay available in different colours and in various flavours.
Kozhikode Beach: Kozhikode Beach which is close to the city, has an old world charm.The beach provides a grandstand view of the fabulous sunset.The old light house and two ancient piers extending into the sea are reminders of the historical importance of the beach. In the morning dolphins romping in the sea attract many visitors to the beach.The park near the beach is popular with the children and the Marine Aquarium is worth a visit.
CVN Kalari Sangam: Kalaripayattu is the ancient martial art form of Kerala .CVN Kalari Sangam near Nadakavu is one of the oldest kalari training centers in Kozhikode. Demonstrations will be arranged on request
Kappad Beach: 16 km from the town. Vasco da Gama landed here. A moss-covered monument silently proclaims the arrival of Gama. The beach is a spectacular picnic spot. ....Click here to see more
Payyoli Beach: 30 km from the town, India’s sprint queen, P T Usha, hails from this village. Payyoli Beach is a long wide sandy beach; it is ideal for water sports and lounging in the sun throughout the year.
Kunhali Marikar’s Residence: 5 km from Payyoli. Kunhali Marikar was the naval captain of the Samuthiris. He fought valiantly against the Portuguese. It was impossible to beat him in battle, so the Portuguese resorted to treachery to annihilate him. He was taken captive and beheaded in Goa. His head was brought back and exhibited on a pole. The cannon ball and the sword he used are still in his house.
Thusharagiri Water Falls: 48 km from Kozhikode,Tusharagiri is located near Vythiri in Wayanad The area is very scenic with serene streams and hills. The cascading waters set amidst the verdant green ghat mountains is an awesome sight.The plantations here have crops as diverse as rubber, aracanut, coconut, pepper, ginger, and spices. This is an ideal terrain for trekking and rock climbing. waterfalls
Palayam Market: Palayam market is the largest market in Kozhikode district. It has historical and contemporary importance. The vegetable market and the bus station are always crowded. The soldiers of the Samuthiris had once occupied the market. The Mohiadeen Mosque nearby is a multi-storeyed mosque where closed circuit TV is in use. This was the only solution to preach to the congregation in the many storied building. This is the only mosque in Kerala with a CTV facility.
Valiangadi: Valiangadi meaning big bazaar, is the centre of the fish trade in Kozhikode. Located between the beach and the town, the market always betrays chaotic scenes. Trucks, mini-trucks, three-wheelers, hand-carts, bicycles and cycles create traffic blocks, making it near impossible to move around in the market during peak hours. Centuries-old whole-sale and retail businesses of fresh and dried-fish thrive here.
Thali Temple: The temple, built by the Samuthiris, attract devotees in large numbers. The temple also has historical importance. The famed Revathi Pattathanam function was held here during the reign of the Samuthiris. Exponents of different arts used to display their talents in the court of the Samuthiris. The adjoining Samuthiri School was formerly known as the Samuthiris’ Kovilakam.
Valayanad Devi Temple: Located at Govindapura, 3-km from the town, on Mankavu road. The shrine devoted to Parvathi was built on a hill top, by the Samuthiris . The Samuthiris period architecture is reflected in the nearby Thiruvannoor and Mankavu kovilakams. The heavy wood-work and spacious airy rooms are typical of the architecture of that time.
Regional Science Centre: Located on Indira Gandhi Road, opposite the new Mofussil Bus Station. The Science Center consists of a Planetarium, a Science Park and an Aquarium. There are about 50 exhibits in the Science Park. This includes big working models. The Park is a major attraction for children. The Aquarium and Planetarium are also equally popular.
Pazhassi Raja Museum & V K Krishna Menon Art Gallery: ( Tues-Sun 9am - 4.30pm) and Art gallery (10am -5pm) Located on East Hill, 6-km from Kozhikode town. Set amidst palm groves and a landscaped gardens it offers respite from the heat of the day. The Museum has on display, antique handicrafts, temple models, wall paintings, old coins, megalithic dolmonoid cysts and umbrella stones.
The Gallery displays paintings of the world famous artist, Ravi Varma apart from teh memorabilia associated with the left-wing Kerala politician V K Krishnamenon among other works. The museum is housed in the erstwhile Collector's residence of Colonial Calicut.
Kirtads: Kirtads refers to the Kerala Institute of Research and Development of Scheduled Tribes and Castes. It is located at Chevayur, about 9-km from Kozhikode. Besides a library devoted to tribal’ literature, a museum dedicated to tribal life and a culture center also function here.
Kallai: Kallai river originates from the Western Ghats and flows into the Arabian sea in the west. Kallai is the capital of the timber trade in Kozhikode district. There are many sawmills on the banks of the river. Huge logs of timber from the dense forests in Nilambur, are tied together and rolled into the river. These logs float through the river to reach their destination - the timber depots downstream. Timber is cheaper in Kozhikode compared to other places in Kerala because of this low cost method of transportation, from the forest to the depot. The iron bridge built by the British across the river provides a panoramic view of the river draining into the sea.
Elathur: Located 20 kms north of Kappad, Elathur is the point of confluence of the Arabian Sea and the Korapuzha. A sail along the river on a country-boat gives a taste of the rural landscape. Mussel and shellfish abound in this area. ...Click here to see more
Pisharikavu Temple: Located 28 km away from Kozhikode town and 2km north of Koilandi. The centuries old temple is famed for its murals. The annual festival during Malayalam month Medam (April-May) attracts devotees from all over.
Thekkepuram: Thekkepuram is located inside Kozhikode city . Some of the largest and oldest joint family houses called 'tharavadu' houses of the Thekkepuram Koyas can be seen here. It is believed that the Koyas of Thekkepuram are Hindu converts. They are renowned for their hospitality.Thekkepuram Muslims still preserve their family traditions. Their trading skills are well honed and they almost have a monopoly in the big bazaar of Calicut. More than 20% of the Thekkepuram population is working abroad and this brings a lot of forex to the state. Thekkepuram Muslims differ from Muslims in other parts in Kerala with regard to marriage customs. After marriage the bride continues to live in her ancestral home.She is visited by her husband (puthiyapla) in the evening. This social custom is reflected in the architecture of their ancient houses. Everytime a daughter in the family gets married a new room (maniyara -bridal room) is added to the house to accommodate the newly weds. Since family planning did not exist earlier, the Muslim families were large in number.
1100 year old macchandipalli Masjid at the Southern end of the lane leading to Kuttichira tank is a must- see. Ceilings are covered in beautiful stucco and intricate Quranic scripts.
Juma Masjid, dating from the eleventh century has elaborate carvings and a large prayer hall, which can accommodate over 1200 worshippers at a time.
However, the most magnificient mosque in the lot is Mithqalpalli Masjid hidden behind the Kuttichira tank. Resting on 24 wooden pillars, its four tier roof and turquoise exterior were built over 700 years ago.
Govindapuram: is famous for the Valayanad Devi temple situated here. It is 3 km from Kozhikode town on Mankavu Road. The hilltop temple dedicated to goddess Parvathi was built by the Samuthiris. The Thiruvannoor Kovilakams and Samuthiri’s Mankavu are heritage landmarks
East Hill: East Hill, the location of Pazhassi Raja Museum and V K Krishna Menon Art Gallery, is situated 6 km from Kozhikode town. The Museum displays antique handicrafts, old coins, wall paintings, models of temples, megalithic dolmonoid cysts, umbrella stones etc.The Art Gallery houses paintings of Raja Ravi Varma among other collections.
Chevayur: This place is located 9 km from Kozhikode. Chevayur got its prominence due to the Kerala Institute of Research and Development of Scheduled Tribes and Castes (shortened to Kirtads). This institute is a tribal study centre with a library dedicated to tribal literature and a tribal museum.
Vadakara: Vadakara is situated 48 km from Kozhikode. 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.
Peruvannamuzhi: is situated 50 km from Kozhikode. The region offers immense scope for picnicking. The reservoir here provides facilities for speedboat and rowboat cruises. Uninhabited islands, a bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place.
