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Trivanduram |
Kovalam |
Varkala |
Kollam |
Alleppey |
Kottayam |
Kumarakom |
Idukki |
Munnar |
Periyar |
Eranakulam(Cochin)
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Thrissur
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Guruvayur |
Kozhikode(Calicut)
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Wayanad |
Kannur |
Kerala
Backwaters |
Kerala
Houseboats |
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Area : 2345
sq.km
Altitude : Sea level
The landing of Vasco da Gama near Kozhikode in 1498 heralded the
period of Portuguese colonization in India. The Portuguese attended
to conquer Kozhikode and the local rulers the Zamorins but their
attacks in 1509 and 1510 were repulsed. Tipu sultan took control of
the whole region in 1789 with British rule established in 1792.Once
the capital of the powerful Zamorins a prominent trade and commerce
centre Kozhikode was the most important region of Malabar in the
days gone by.
The modern city is a typically busy Indian metropolis with few
imprints of its long history but the network of rivers and lagoons
nearby offers a much less touristy backwater experience than the
Kollam-Alappuzha backwaters. Today lush green countryside serene
beaches historic sites wildlife sanctuaries rivers, hills a unique
culture and a warm friendly ambience make Kozhikode a popular
destination.
Backwaters:-
Kozhikode:
Unexplored unspoilt the backwaters of an Kozhikode hold great
promises of enchanting holiday option.Elathur the Canoli Canal and
the Kakkai River are favourite places for boating.Kadalundi with its
beautiful bird sanctuary is a charming site.Korapuzha the venue of
the Korapuzha Jalotsavam ( water fiesta ) is fast becoming a popular
water sport destination.
Beaches:-
Beypore (10 kms.south of Kozhikode):
An important trade and maritime centre it was located at the mouth
of the Chaliyar it was also one of the prominent ports and fishing
harbours of ancient Kerala.Ancient Beypore was much sought after by
merchants from Western Asia for its ship building industry.The boat
buildings yard here is famous for the constructions of the Uru or
country craft.
Kappad ( 16 kms.from Kozhikode):
This is the historic beach where Vaco da Gama landed on the 27th of
May 1498 with 170 men in three vessels.The rock studded beach is
locally known as Kappakadavu.An interesting feature of the landscape
is the sprawling rock that protrudes into the sea.The temple on the
rock is believed to the 800 years old.
Thikkoti Lighthouse :
The lighthouse which overlooks Velliyamkallu-the rock much dreaded
by marines-off Moodadi coast was built after a shipwreck. The
remains of which can still be seen here. The region around the
Velliyamkallu rock is the transit home of migratory birds.
Manachira Square was the former courtyard of the Zamorins. Temples
mosques and churches illustrace the region’s aquaintance with the
major belief systems. Of note are the Kuttichira Mosque and the
Church of South India. The impressive Manachira Library reflects the
significance Kozhikode places of literature.
Hill Stations:-
Tusharagiri ( 50 kms. from Kozhikode) :
Famous for its trekking tracks Tusharagiri is located near Vythiri
in Wayanad.Trekkers start early in the morning from the second
waterfall at Tusharagiri and climb uphill through the Pristine dense
evergreen forests populated with exotic birds and wildlife to reach
Vythiri by evening.
Peruvannamuzhi (60 kms.from Kozhikode) :
The Peruvannamuzhi amidst rolling hills is a beautiful picnic
spot.The reservoir provides facilities for speedboat and rowboat
cruises.Uninhabited islands a bird sanctuary and crocodile farm add
to the charm of the place.
Museums and Pilgrimage Centres Pazhassiraja Museum and Art
Gallery :
(5 kms. from Kozhikode)
At East Hill archaeological displays at this museum which include
copies of ancient murals antique bronzes old coins models of temples
megalithic monuments-the earliest monuments of Kerala like dolmonoid
cysts umbrella stones etc.Adjacent to the museum is the Art Gallery
which exhibits an excellent collection of Paintings by Raja Ravi
Varma and Raja Raja Varma.
Krishna Menon Museum :
This museum has an exclusive wing dedicated to this great political
leader of India.His personal belongings and souvenirs are displayed
here. This museum is named after the Kerala Politician who became a
leading left-wing figure in Indian’s post-Independence Congress
Government. Excellent collection of paintings by Indian artists,
also wood and ivory carvings. A section of the museum is dedicated
to VK.Krishna Menon.
Art Gallery:
It has paintings by Raja Ravi Varma an internationally recognized
artist.
Kirtads:
This unique museum houses the tools and devices used by the ancient
tribal communities of Kerala.
Vadakara (48 kms. from Kozhikode):
This is the birth place of Thacholi Othenan-the legendary hero of
the Vadakkanpattu (ballads of North Malabar).Vadakara boasts a great
martial tradition and was a flourishing trade and commerce centre in
ancient times.
Thali Temple:
Dating back to the 14th century the temple is a fine example of the
total integration that can exist between wood and laterite.
Kallai: This was once the second largest timber-trading
centre in Asia. A steel bridge built by the British here is still
intact.
Velliyamkallu:
This massive rock much dreaded by navigators was once a vantage
point for the Marakkars to attack the invading Portuguese. An entire
crew of a Portuguese ship was killed here.The beautiful natural
engravings on the rock are worth exploring.
Wildlife Sanctuary:-
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary :
The estuary at Kadalundi is a haven for migratory birds.Terns gulls
herons sandpipers whimbrels and other exotic birds flock into this
place in November and return home in April. |
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