Kozhikode

Quick Facts

Popularly Known As: Calicut
Major Attractions: Kappad, Kozhikode Beach, Beypore, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Suitable Time to Visit: September to February

Previously known as Calicut, Kozhikode is a beautiful town in Kerala State. Kozhikode is typically a coastal town sandwiched between the districts of Kannur and Malappuram. Set along the cool blue Arabian Sea, the town is renowned for important historic sites, serene beaches, beautiful hills, tranquil backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries and many other attractions. Kozhikode is easily accessible by air, rail and road transport. For accommodation there are budget, luxury and star category hotels.

Major Attractions in Kozhikode
Kozhikode Beach: A fun beach Kozhikode Beach is home to a number of attractions that include amusement parks, lighthouse and two very old piers. Also enjoy the astonishing sunset view from the beach.

Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery: The museum has a great collection of arts and antiquities. You can see exhibits like ancient murals, ancient bronze articles, coins, models of temples and some megalithic monuments.

Kozhikode Planetarium: The panetarium is located at Jaffarkhan colony. The planetarium reveals the mysteries of the universe, the planets and the galaxies. Daily shows are hosted at the place, at 12 o'clock, 02 p.m., 04 p.m. and 06 p.m.

Velliyamkallu: The massive rock on the shores is considered as dangerous place that navigators were often afraid of. The rock used to be employed by the Marakkars as a vantage point against the invading Portuguese.

Kalipoika: Just 2 km from Kozhikode, Kalipoika offers unique boating experience. Some other attractions located nearby include Thikkoti Lighthouse, Kirtads, , Payyoli, Kakkayam, Varakkal Devi Temple, Tusharagiri, St. Mary's Church, Buddha Vihar, Peruvannamuzhi, Vellari Mala, Wayanad Ghats, Kuttiyadi, Iringal, Mananchira Maidan, Kuttichira, Mishkal Masjid, Pishakarikavu, Lokanarkavu Temple, Mannur Temple, Ponmeri, etc.

Beypore Harbour: Beypore Harbour is situated on Chaliyar River, around10 km south of Kozhikode. The old port is a popular attraction and features a community that has been building vessels for more than one and a half millennia.

Kappad Beach: Set approximately 16 km away from Kozhikode, the beautiful beach is popular as the place where Vasco De Gama landed on 27th May 1498. A monument had been established on the beach that commemorates the event. From the beach you can enjoy great view of the stretched out sea. Also visit the temple built on the rocks that reach out for the sea.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: Situated 25 km away from Kozhikode, the bird sanctuary homes hundreds of bird species including terns, sea gulls, herons, sandpipers, etc.

God’s own country, Kerala celebrates Onam

God’s own country, Kerala is known all over the world for its unparalleled beauty. With its internationally renowned beaches, tranquil backwaters, picturesque hill stations, rich and varied wildlife and historic monuments, Kerala draws visitors from every nook and corner of the globe. Besides, the South Indian state is equally famous for its colourful festivals and traditional snake boat races. Among the festivals, Onam is the most important and the biggest festival of Kerala. In fact, due to popularity of Onam, the Government of India announced it as a national festival of Kerala in the year 1961.

An annual harvest festival, Onam begins today (September 12) with traditional gaiety and enthusiasm. People of all ages from children to elders celebrate the festival in the traditional way. Onam is one of the most important festivals for Malayalese community, celebrated in the month of Chingam, the first month of Malayalam calendar, generally falls in August - September. Usually the weather seems very pleasant and soothing during Onam and whole Kerala looks green. Leaving behind the religious boundaries the highly spirited Keralan people come outside their houses to celebrate the harvest festival. Farmers also fell very delighted looking at their yield and they express their happiness in their own way.

Legend has it the Onam festival marks the arrival of legendary King Mahabali in the state. It is believed during the rule of demon King Mahabali, the region of Kerala witnessed a golden era. At that time, everybody in the region was happy and prosperous, and they had deep respect and affection for King Mahabali. However, egoism was one of the major drawbacks of the King Mahabali that eventually ended his reign. Later, for all his good deeds, God granted King Mahabali a boon that he could annually visit his people. Hence, traditionally people of Kerala make all efforts to welcome their dear King and celebrate the festival in a grand way to impress him as well.

According to tradition festivities of Onam lasts for ten days and during this period best of Kerala’s culture and tradition can be observed. Ten days of Onam carnival have been named as Atham (Day 1), Chithira (Day 2), Chodhi (Day 3), Visakam (Day 4), Anizham (Day 5), Thriketa (Day 6), Moolam (Day 7), Pooradam (Day 8), Utharadam (Day 9) and Thiruvonam (Day 10).

Of the ten days, first day Atham and the tenth day Thiruvonam are considered the most important. But in some part of Kerala, ninth day Utharadam is also regarded important from the celebrations point of view. Each day of the Onam is celebrated according to set rituals and traditions by the people of the state.

During the Onam carnival Keralan people remain in complete funny mood and they don’t wish to miss single minute of merriment. Some of the major highlights of Onam include exquisitely decorated Pookalam (Rangoli) with flowers and colours, ambrosial Onasadya, extraordinary Kaikottikali dance and entertaining Snake Boat Race.

Onasadya is the most exciting part of Onam celebrations, which is prepared on Thiruvonam, the tenth day of carnival. The grand feast, Onasady is a nine course meal comprised of 11 to 13 essential dishes. After preparation Onadadya is served on banana leaves and people sit on a mat laid on the ground to enjoy the delectable meal.

Snake Boat Race is another thrilling feature of Onam, which takes place on the river Pampa. Numerous colourfully decorated boats competing with each other in the boat race and enthral the crowd.