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General Information
Kozhikode (Calicut), the most important
region of Malabar in yesteryears, was the capital of the
powerful Zamorins and also a prominent trade and commerce
center. Kozhikode District found a place in the World History
with the discovery of Sea Route to India in 1498 by the
Portuguese Navigator Vasco Da Gama. Vasco Da Gama landed at the
Kappad sea shore with three vessels and 170 men. A monument is
constructed here to commemorate the historical landing.
Kozhikode city continues to be a centre of flourishing domestic
and international trade. Its contribution to all round
development of the district in trade, commerce and economic
development over the years is spectacular. Kozhikode city is the
marketing centre for commodities like pepper coconut, coffee,
rubber, lemon grass oil etc., produced in Kozhikode and the
neighboring districts of Wayanad, Malappuram and Kannur.
Basking in the idyllic setting of the serene Arabian Sea on the
west and the proud peaks of the Wayanad hills on the east, this
district with the serene beaches, lush green countryside,
historic sites, all combine to make Kozhikode a popular tourist
destination filled with a warm ambience to fascinate a visitor
Names of Kozhikode
Kozhikode had a high order of cosmopolitanism and cultural
variety and so, not surprisingly, it has many names such as
Kalicut and Calicut. Some have even given it the peculiar name —
The Cock Fort. It is said that the name Calicut is derived from
the Malayalam word Koyil Kotta, 'a fortified place'. While
others think Kalicut is an Arabic version of Kozhikode, which
the colonisers morphed to Calicut, which in turn gave the name
Calico to the hand-woven cloth that originated here
Topography
Topographically the district has three distinct regions-the
sandy coastal beelt, the rocky highlands formed by the hilly
portion of the Western Ghats and lateritic midland. Of the total
area of 23444 sq.kms, the sandy coastal belt is 362.85 sq.kms.,
lateritic midlands 1343.50 sq.kms. and rocky highlands 637.65
sq.kms.
All the three taluks are spread over the three regions. The
district has a coastal length about 80 kms. Kozhikode district
is stimulated on the south-west coast of India. The district is
bounded on the north by Kannur district, on the east by Wayanad
district, on the south by Malappuram district and on the west by
the Arabian Sea. It is situated between North latitudes 11008’
and 11050’ and East longitudes 75030’ and 76008’.
Basking in the idyllic setting of the serene Arabian Sea on the
west and the proud peaks of the Wayanad hills on the east, this
district has all the elements that fascinate a visitor. The
highland region accounts for 26.80 per cent and the lowland
region for 15.55 per cent of the total area of the district.
Climate
The district has a humid climate with a very hot season
extending from March to May. The most important rainy season is
during the South – West Monsoon which sets in the first week of
June and extends up to September. The North-East Monsoon extends
from the second half of October through November. The average
annual rainfall is 3266 m.m.
During December to March, practically no rain is received and
from October onwards, the temperature gradually increase to
reach the maximum in May, which is the hottest month of the
year. The maximum temperature in the month of May comes to 360C.
The highest maximum temperature recorded at Kozhikode was 39.40C
during the month of March 1975 and the lowest temperature was
140C recorded on 26th December 1975. Humidity is very high in
the coastal region.
Religion and Customs
Hindus constitute the majority of the population and next come
the Muslim and the Christina communities respectively.
The Hindu community is organized on the basis of caste and sub
castes as elsewhere in the State. They worship all the major
Gods and Goddesses of the Hindu pantheon as well as several
minor deities. Vishnu and Siva are the major Gods worshipped.
The temples are in many respects different from those of the
East Coast. Elaborate rules prescribed by the Sastras are
followed in their construction. The Kavu dedicated to the
Bhadrakali is a typical example. They have their own oracles
called Velichappad. There are also temples devoted to such
deities as Ayyappan, Hanuman and Garuda. Serpent worship has
been widely prevalent here. Ancestor worship also practiced by
the Hindus.
The Muslims of the district are known as Mappilas. A great
majority of them are sunnis following the Shafi school of
thought. They are noted for their piety. Though Christianity is
believed to have been introduced in Kerala in 52 A.D, not much
progress was made by the Christians of this district before the
advent of the Portuguese towards the close of the 15th century.
Almost all different sections of Christians are represented
here. Christians of Travancore and Cochin have migrated to the
hilly regions and have settled there.
Art and Culture
The temple and mosques of this district contain sculptures and
inscriptions which are of considerable interest to the students
of art. Kozhikode town itself has many temples, the most
important of which are the Tali temple, the Tiruvannur temple,
Azhakodi temple, Varakkal temple, Bilathikulam temple and
Bhairagimadom temple. Some of these temples contain sculptures
and paintings of very high artistic order. The Thiruvilangad
temple contains many ancient sculptures. Its gateway is
interesting because it is built in the same style as the Jain
Bastis.
At Meppayur, 16.09 kms. southeast of Vadakara, is the Elavattara
temple of Durga, in the grove attached to which are some
sculptured images. Southeast of Vadakara by 4.92 kms. is the
Lokanarkav, in the vicinity of which there are rock-cut caves.
There is an art gallery and Krishna Menon Museum at East hill in
Kozhikode city. Lalithakala Academy also has an art gallery
adjacent to town hall, Kozhikode.
In the field of Malayalam Language and Literature, Kozhikode has
made most significant contributions. The district is famous for
folk songs or ballads known as Vadakkam Pattukal. The most
popular folk songs among them are those which celebrate the
exploits of Tacholi Meppayil Kunju Othenan, ‘the Robinhood of
North Malabar’.
During temple festivals and important social functions
entertainments like Koothu, Kathakali, Ottanthullal and
Kaikottikali are performed. There are also ritual dances such as
Thira and Theyyam.
One of the favorite pastimes of the Muslims of the district is
the singing of the Mappilapattu and Oppana. These songs are sung
in a distinctive tune and cover a wide range of themes. The
songs are composed in a composite language of Arabic and
Malayalam.
Festivals
The important festivals in the district are held at Arakkal
temple, Madappalli, Vadakara (pooram Festival, march/April),
Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi temple, Memunda, Vadakara (two festivals
– (1) March/April (2) November/December), Kadappally Kumbhom
Thira Puduppanam, Vadakara Shri Pisharikavu Bhagavathi temple,
Viyyur, Thikkody (Kaliatta Mahotsavam in March), Vettakkorumakan
pattu in the Balussery Fort, Koyilandy, Sreekanteswara temple
festival, Kozhikode (Sivarathri Festival for seven days in
February/March), Thacholi Manikkoth Temple Festival (February),
and Appavanibha Nercha at Idiyangara Sheik Masjid.
Revathy Pattathanam
The famous intellectual debate for vedic scholars to win the
coveted position of pattathana takes place at Thali temple
during the month of Thulam. It is said that this unique
intellectual gathering commenced during the fag end of 13th
century. Many stories are attributed to the beginning of the
Pattathanam. The seven-day debate starts on Revathi day and
concludes on Thiruvathira day of the Malayalam month of Thulam.
Places of Interest
Art Gallery and Krishna Menon Museum
Situated adjacent to the Pazhassi Raja Museum, the art gallery
houses paintings of Raja Ravi Varma among other collections. The
museum has a section dedicated to V.K. Krishna Menon. The
personal belonging of the late leader are exhibited here.
Vadakara
This ancient place is now the headquarters of the taluk as well
as the municipality of that name. There is a ruined fort in the
town. Vadakara was the scene of many exploits of Tacholi Othenan,
the hero of the ballads of north Malabar (Vadakkan Pattukal).
Five kms. South-East of Vadakara in Memunda amsom, is the
Lokanarkavu which has three rock-cut caves in its vicinity.
Annual ceremonies are conducted in memory of Othenan, whose
birth place is Manikkoth near Meppayil.Vadakara (Vadakkekara) is
so called because of its location just north (Vadakku) of Kotta
river. The Orkattery cattle fair is held between 25th January
and 2nd February at Orkattery 6.45 kms. from Vadakara.
Beypore
Beypore town is about 9.65 kms. from Kozhikode, at the mouth of
the Beypore river. The place was formerly known as Vaypura and
Vadaparappanad. Tippu Sultan named the town “Sultan Pattanam”.
It is one of the important ports of Kerala and naturally, an
important trading centre.
Beypore is famous for its boat building yard where mammoth
country crafts known as Urus are being built. It is major
fishing harbour of Kerala. There are two man made extensions to
the sea to facilitate easy access for fishing boats. This is an
ideal place for an outing.
Chaliyam
An island in Kadalundi amsom formed by the Beypore and kadalundi
rivers, Chaliyam was formerly the terminus of the Madras
Railway. The bridge at Feroke which extended the railway upto
Kozhikode in 1888, reduced the importance of Chaliyam.
Cheruvannur
Cheruvannur and Feroke are predominant industrial areas. A
number of tile factories, match factories etc. are located here,
providing employment to thousands of workers. The Steel Complex
is also located here.
Kozhikode Beach
The beauty and serenity of Kozhikode beach is not yet exploited
to develop it into a tourist centre. Still people from all
around gather here to enjoy the sunset and it is a popular
retreat for local people. Two sea piers almost 125 years old
extending well inside the sea are a speciality. Lion’s club,
children’s park make evening pleasant for visiting families.
Fishermen with their small rowing boats entering the sea,
fighting the waves and returning with varieties of fish is worth
watching.
Feroke
Feroke is the cradle of the tile industry in Kerala. The rapid
rivers from the Western Ghats after passing through forests
carry the clay which is the raw-material for tiles, pottery and
ceramic wares. There are more than a dozen tile factories in
Feroke alone.
Ghat Section
This is a thick dense forest and is called the “Chirapunchi” of
Kerala because of the high availability of heavy rains. It is
about 44 kms. from Kozhikode and is the boundary to Wayanad
ditrict. A journey through this Ghat section is an enjoyable
experience. It is 14 kms. long with nine hairpin curves amidst a
number of hills and thick forests. A view from the top will be a
breath taking experience.
Kappad
On 27th May 1498, Vasco Da Gama landed here with three vessels
and 170 men. If you travel 16 kms. north of Kozhikode by Kannur
road, a small road near Tiruvangoor Health Centre will guide you
to this beach of historical importance. A monument is here to
commemorate the historical landing. An ancient temple on a
hillock, facing the deep sea, is an added attraction.
Kallai
Kallai was known as the world’s best timber trading centre. Even
now, it is the place for timber trade in Malabar.
Kadalundi
Thousands of migratory birds from all over the world gather here
during the season which starts from November.
Kuttiadi
Twenty nine kms. from Vadakara, Kuttiadi acknowledged the
supremacy of the Kottayam Raja, whose fortified palace stands on
a hill. During the Pazhassi rebellion, Kuttiadi, which commanded
one of the chief passes to Wayanad was of great strategic
importance. In 1957, the shafts of two golden swords supposed to
have been used by Pazhassi Raja were unearthed. Overlooking
Kuttiadi and other regions is the 1758 m. height Banasura peak,
named after the giant demon Banasura, who is supposed to have
built a fort on the summit. Now the name of Kuttiadi connected
with the Hydro-Electric project in Kuttiadi river basin.
Mananchira Square
A new attraction in the heart of the city, Mananchira Maithan,
is the sublimation of the concept of a planned modern city. The
historic maithan, adjacent to Manachira has been converted into
an arcadia with beautiful trees and plants, artificial hill,
shrubs, sculpture, an open air theatre and above all, a musical
fountain. No doubt, locals and tourists seekings leisure and
relief from the mad rush outside, find shelter here. Mananchira
Maithan is managed by the Corporation of Kozhikode.
Nadapuram
Nadapuram is second only to Ponnani from the point of view of
Islamic culture. It is located 18 kms. North-East of Vadakara,
Pazhassi Raja Museum
Pazhassi Raja Museum is located at East Hill, 5 kms. from
Kozhikode. Copies of ancient mural paintings, antiques, bronzes,
old coins, models of temples, megalithic monuments like
dolmonoid cysts, umbrella stones etc. are displayed here.
Panthalayini-Kollam
Ibu-Btuta described Kollam as a beautiful and large place,
abounding with gardens and markets. Portugese attacks were
strongly rebuffed by the garrison on mayyat Kannu. In 1550,
Panthalayani was burnt by the Portugese.
The Dasara Festival is celebrated with great pomp in the month
of Kanni. The Zamorin had a palace here.
Science Centre and Planetarium
Regional Science Centre and Planetarium are at the city’s
Jaffarkhan Colony offers extensive insight into the mysteries of
the universe, the planets and the galaxies. There are daily
shows at 12.00, 14.00, 16.00 and 18.00 hrs.
S.M. Street
Sweat Meat street, popularly known as S.M. Street with its cross
roads, is the busiest shopping spot of Kozhikode. Old bakery
shops here are known for the famous Kozhikode halwa and banana
chips.
Thusharagiri
Thusharagiri is 48 kms. from Kozhikode and is one of the
recently identified tourist centers. The waterfalls and streams
amidst the hilly regions are really a feast to eyes. |
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