The Noteworthy Attractions of Calicut

The Noteworthy Attractions of Calicut

  • 28 Apr 2016
  • Fathima AbdulKader
  • Features

Calicut or Kozhikode as it was known before is a unique combination of old school Malabari charm and new age luxuries. If you are new to Calicut and want to visit the iconic spots in Calicut, keep reading.

Beaches:

  • Kozhikode Beach

    One of the longest beach shore lines in the state, Kozhikode beach extends to nearly 15km. There are old crumbling piers and an unused lighthouse still visible on the shore. The sunset at this beach is of breathtaking beauty. 

 

  • Beypore Beach:

    Beypore is one of the most prominent ports of Kerala after Kochi. It is located 10km from Calicut and has a gorgeous beach and a beautiful lighthouse. Beypore beach has a walk way which extends into the sea. Boats to Lakshadweep and Chaliyam are available from here as well. The view from atop the lighthouse extends till Calicut city and surrounding areas.

 

  • Kappad Beach

    Kappad beach is of historical significance to Malabaris and Keralites in general. It was the spot where Vasco Da Gama first stepped on to Kerala 500+ years ago. But the only reminder of the historic significance of Kappad beach is an 800-year-old temple atop nearby rocks. Currently, Kappad beach is known for its uncrowded and unspoilt charm and laidback picturesque experiences.

 

Temples/Mosques:

  • Tali Siva Temple

    Tali temple is located in the heart of the city of Calicut and the prosperity of the city is closely linked to the sanctity of this temple. It has a history that dates back to the 14th century. Legend claims it was the temple where Parasurama, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu worshipped Shiva.   Revathi Pattathanam is the main festival of the which honours culture and intellect in honour of the Namboothiris to whom the temple initially belonged.

 

  • Thiruvannur Siva Temple

    This temple was initially constructed as a Jain Temple, later converted to a Shiva temple. The architecture of the inner parts is typical of the Jain temples, while the outer portions are those that resemble of 11th century AD South Indian architecture.

 

  • Mishkal Mosque

    Mishkal mosque lies in Kuttichira of Calicut and was constructed in 14th century AD by the Arab Nakhooda Mishkal. It was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1510, but was reconstructed. It is made of large amount of timber and do not have minarets or cupolas like most mosques.

 

Iconic Streets/Buildings/In-city locations:

  • Veliyangadi

    Veliyangadi is a street with a 600-year history and is still the commercial centre of the city. It is cramped and humid, but it is a rare place where Muslim, Jain, Hindu Seths, Gujarati and Marwari moneylenders, and Tamil and Andhra Chettis still do their business as they did centuries ago.

 

  • SM Street

    SM Street or Sweet Meat Street or commonly known to Malayalis as Mittayi Theruvu is another commercial street in Calicut. This street is also nearly 600 years old and houses many Gujarathis and Malayalis who reside there and sell sweets too. An abandoned Parsi cemetery called Anjuman built in the 17th century is also there.

 

  • Manachira Square

    Manachira Square is the centre of Calicut city. There is a clear pool of water at the centre, bound by stone steps. The park around it is kept beautifully with manicured lawns. It also contains a number of sculptures, an open theatre and a musical fountain. 

 

  • HiLite Mall

    The second biggest mall in Kerala as well one of the biggest in India, HiLite mall houses over 200 brands as well as an 8 screen multiplex. It is located on the NH 66 and is constructed to be a part of HiLite City. They contain brands such Lifestyle, Mark & Spenser, Max, Colour Plus, French collections and more.

 

  • Museums/Parks
  • Regional Science Centre and Jawahar Lal Nehru Planeterium

    Located near Jaffar Khan Colony in Kozhikode, the planetarium and the 3D theatre are the main attractions of this spot. The planetarium houses a Zeiss projector, can hold around 250 audience and show timings are 12.00p.m., 2.00p.m.,4.0p.m., 6.00 p.m. They also have a 3D theatre where wildlife, underwater life, space exploration and more can be seen and experienced at 11.00 am, 1.00pm, 3.00pm, and 5.00pm.

 

  • Sarovaram Bio Park

    Sarovaram Bio Park is a rare park preserving mangrove forests and wetlands. It is located in the heart of Calicut city, just 6kms from the railway station. The attractions here include canal walkway, boating, otter park, butterfly park, bird sanctuary, open air theatre and more.

 

  • KIRTADS

    The Kerala Institute for Research Training and Development Studies of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is located Chevarambalam near Calicut. It displays tools,devices, musical instruments by tribal communities of Kerala. They also have an extensive library of books on anthropology and sociology.

 

Scenic Locations:

  • Sulthan Bathery

    Located 100km from Calicut city, Sulthan Bathery or Sultan’s Battery is the best hill station of the Malabar area. The main attraction is the Jain temple, perhaps the only Jain temple in Kerala. It was destroyed in 18th century by Tipu Sultan to be made into his armoury (battery). It is currently protected by the Archeological Survey of India.

 

  • Thusharagiri Water Falls

    Located near Chembukadavu, Thusharagiri falls are an excellent place for trekking, rock climbing and wild life visits. It is 50km from Kozhikode. The nearest towns are Kodanchery, Tamarassery, and Thiruvambady.

Words: Fathima AbdulKader

Photo: Various Sources

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