Destination Kerala - Calicut (Kozhikode)
Calicut is situated 225 Km. North of Cochin on the Arabian sea coast. Calicut has a long and chequered history. It was the capital of the powerful Zamorins. Vasco de Gama, the first European, landed in India at Kappad near Calicut in 1498 A.D. Later the Dutch, the French and the British dominated the area. British rule was established in 1792. Calicut was one of the great ports on the west coast, now a centre of timber industry. There are a number of temples, mosques and churches, some of which have historical importance.
Transport
Air : The airport is situated 23 Km. away from Calicut town. The Indian Air lines (Ph. 766243) operates domestic flights to various centres of the country. Air India (Ph.766669) and Jet Airways (Ph.740052) have also got their offices in Calicut. There are also flights to Gulf countries.
Rail : Calicut is linked with major cities by an extensive railway net work.
There are frequent buses from Private bus stand (Ph : 722823) to Cannanore, Guruvayoor, Kottayam, Kasargod, Mannarghat and Palghat. Buses to Mangalore are at 05.45, 09.30, 20.30, 21,30, 22.30; to Mysore at 06.00, 08.30 and Manipal at 20.30. Cloak room facility is available here.
Private Luxury Buses to Bombay, Bangalore, Madurai, Pollachi and Coimbatore
Tourist office
At the Calicut railway station, there is a tourist information counter (Ph : 702606) of the Department of Tourism, Kerala. It is open from 10 am to 5 pm on all days except sundays and public holidays. The District Tourism Promotion Council has an office at the collectorate (Ph: 371062).
Travel Agents
Kerala Travels (Ph:360602), Kerala Tourism & Travels
( Ph:766329), Central Tours (Ph:721098 ). Pioneer Travels
( Ph:724366).
Post & Telegraph Office
The post office is situated at Mananchira, one kilometre away from the railway station and bus stand. The central telegraph office is situated near the South Beach, 2 kms away from central bus stand.
Bank
Banking facilities for foreign nationals are available at the State Bank of India at Bank road branch and the Palayam branch.
PlaceS of Interest
Beypore: Beypore town is situated 10 Km. south of Calicut, at the mouth of the Chaliyar river. It was one of the chief ports of Kerala and important trade and maritime centre. The boat building yard here is famous for its country crafts. It is also a major fishing harbour.
Museum & Art Gallery
Pazhassi Raja Museum & Art Gallery and Krishna Menon Museum ( Ph:381253): These Museums arev located at East Hill, 5 kms. away from Calicut. They are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on all days except Mondays and national holidays. Copies of ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes and old coins are on display. Models of temples, megalithic monuments like domonoid cysts, umbrella stones etc. are also exhibited in the Pazhassi Raja Museum. Krishnamenon Museum, adjacently located has a collection of paintings of Raja Raja Varma and Raja Ravi Varma. The museum has a section dedicated to the personal belongings of late Sree. V.K. Krishna Menon.
Lokanarkavu Temple : This is situated 5 Km. away from Badagara. This temple is associated with the heroes and heroins of Vadakkanpattu. In the vicinity of the temple, there are three rockcut paths. The candid murals and carvings here are of great fascination to the visitors. The main deity is Goddess Durga. The festival, locally called Pooram, is celebrated during March/April. It is believed that the temple is 1500 years old. There are two temples adjacent to the Lokanarkavu with Vishnu and Siva as deities. There are frequent buses from Calicut to Badagara. From Badagara there are frequent buses to Lokanarkavu.
Kappad : The historic beach of Kappad is situated 16 Km. away from Calicut. Vasco de Gama, the Portuguese navigator landed here on 20th May, 1498 with 170 sailors. A pillar with the inscription “Vasco De Gama landed here, Kappakkadavau in the year 1498” stands on the beach. The beach here is very calm with a stretch of rocks projecting into the sea. The memorial pillar is 4 Km. away from Thiruvangoor on the Calicut - Badagara route. There are frequent buses from Calicut to Badagara and Tellicherry which passes through Thiruvangoor.
Kappad Beach Resort Ph : 0496-683760
A/c DoubleRs. 1650
Peruvannamuzhi Dam : This dam is situated 60 Kms. away from Calicut. There is a crocodile farm and a bird sanctuary. Boating facilities are provided. There are buses from Calicut and it takes an hour for the journey.
CVN Kalari centre (Ph: 701849) : Kalaripayattu, Kerala’s martial art is performed at this centre. It arranges special demonstrations from 6 am. to 9 am. and from 5 pm. to 7 pm. on request. The centre is situated 2 Km. away from the railway station and is closed on Sudays.
Backwater Tours : Malabar Houseboats, Calicut (Ph : 452045) operates houseboat cruises in the backwaters, 12 kms away from the town.Tariff Rs. 6000.for two persons.
The other places of interest in Calicut are Thikkoti light House, Urukkuzhi Waterfalls near Kakkayam, Chaliyam beach, Kunjali Marakkar’s house at Kottakkal and Thali temple. There is a swimming pool run by the Lions Club at Cherooty Nagar.
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