Kozhikode found its place in the world map when in 1498, Vasco Da Gama, the Portuguese explorer landed here on the Kappad Beach. Also know...
A lush green countryside with serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers and hills make Kozhikode a popular destination. The district has three distinct regions - the sandy, the rocky highlands formed by the hilly portion of the Western Ghats and the Lateritic midlands.
Of the total area of 2344 sq.kms., the sandy coastal belt comprises 362.85 sq.kms., the lateritic midlands occupy 1343.50 sq.kms and the rocky highlands cover 637.65 sq.kms. The district has a coastal length of about 80 kms. The highland region accounts for 26.80 per cent and the lowland region covers 15.55 per cent of the total area of the district.
| Area | 2345 sq kms |
| Population | 28,78,498 |
| Best time to visit: | September to March |
| Temperature | 23 – 33 Degree Celsius |
| STD Code | 0495 |
Places to See
Kozhikode Beach Road
A tract of 3 km across the beach, this avenue remains deserted and quiet during the day. The aquarium at the North end of the road draws visitors occasionally. The place comes alive in the evening when people venture out for a stroll across the beach. Vendors selling peanuts, snacks and ice creams can be seen. You can also take a walk across the beach road course to the Dolphin's Point during dawn to get a glimpse of the leaping dolphins.
Mitthayi Theruvu
The street selling an assortment of sweets is aptly named. Mitthayi Theruvu meaning the Sweet Meat Street, is the place to be if you are in a mood to indulge your sweet tooth. A chock-a-block, with shops selling everything from sweets to snacks, Mitthayi Theruvu is specially known for its Halwa, a glutinous sweet dish.
Mishkal Mosque
The mosque reminiscent of Kerala's Temple Architecture is a grand affair built out of wood, supported on 24 carved pillars. The mosque with 47 doors has intricately carved ceilings, Gopuram style arches and unlike other mosques, does not have minarets. The 700 year old mosque was constructed by Nakhooda Mishkal, a rich Arab businessman and ship owner.
Mother of God Cathedral
The 18th century Gothic Cathedral, believed to have been designed by Italian architects, has a 200 year old portrait of St Mary. The cemetery adjoining the church holds old gravestones such as that of the first Catholic missionary of Kozhikode, Rev Pedro de Covilhany, who arrived here on May 20, 1498.
Muchundipalli
Built in the 13th century, Muchundipalli is the oldest mosque in the city. It has a stone slab installed in the inscribed in the ancient Vattezhuthu script. The structure stands on a plinth, 1.5 m tall and has a double tiered roof with a decorated gable. The ceiling has intricate wooden carvings on it.
Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery
Earlier known as the East Hill Bungalow, the Pazhassiraja Museum was built in 181. The museum has on display, a rare collection of murals, earthenware, models of temples, coins, umbrella stones, burial urns and crypts. The art gallery nearby, exhibits paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and his uncle Raja Rama Varma.
Tali Temple
A 14th century temple built by the Zamorin King, Manavikraman, this site is located about one and a half kilometers east of Manachira Square. The annual cultural event, Revathi Pattathanam draws a number of pilgrims to the temple. Elaborate wooden carvings on the roof and intricate bas relief on the walls of the sanctorum are proof to the artistic abilities of our artisans.
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