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Nomenclature and History:
It is believed that two Arab aristocrats sailed the world over in search of an honest clan to establish trade with. Wherever they harbored their r royal vessel, the princes left behind 3 jars of date pickles for safe keeping. Hidden deftly in the dates were golden coins. Only disappointment met them as at all other places their gold was stolen and only the pickle left behind. Only at the Indian harbor of Kozhikode did they find their wealth intact. They committed to a flourishing trade at this port and called it Kozhikode, the "harbor of honesty".
The History of this place is as colorful as this legend too. Kozhikode was the capital city of a princely state (also called Calicut or Kozhikode) ruled by the wise and shrewd Samoothirippadu or Samuthiri (Zamorins in English). Known for their simplicity statecraft and foresight, the Zamorins turned the city, a natural harbor into a major trade hub with active links to the Romans, Chinese and Arabs. This port was once part of the famed silk route and a known export center of silk, spices and condiments. It is also near Kozhikode on the Kappad Beach that the Portuguese explorer and sailor Vasco Da Gama dropped anchor on 27th May 1498.
Connectivity:
Air: Karipur Airport (26 km away) is about 45 min from Kozhikode and provides daily flights to cities such as Bangalore, Delhi,
Kochi, Goa, Mumbai, Chennai, Trichi, Trivadrum, Coimbatore And Madurai. International Flights to destinations such as Sharjah also connect to Kozhikode city through this airport.
Rail: The Kozhikode railway station is located in the heart of the city. Regular and frequent direct trains are available to Mangalore, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram. Other cities like Coimbatore, Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi are connected via Kozhikode Junction.
Road: The KSRTC buses ply regularly to Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, Ooty, Madurai, Coimbatore, Pondicherry,
Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur Alappuzha, Kochi and
Kottayam. NH 17 connects Kozhikode to Kannur, Kasaraod, Mangalore, Panjim and Mumbai. Tourists prefer taking the bus route to Ooty and Mysore due to the breathtaking views presented as the bus ascends the Western Ghats.
Places Of Interest In Kozhikode:
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The city of Kozhikode has grown around the Manachira Square (Manavikraman Chira) the fort and residence of the erstwhile rulers the Samuthiris. This square itself was built around the Manachira Tank, private bath to the Samuthiri household. The recently renovated square houses the Commonwealth Trust Factory (Comtrust), The Town hall, The Public Library, The CSI Church, the Pattalam Mosque and the Lalithkala Academy Hall. Beautiful gardens enhance the aesthetics of the square. Close by is Kuttichera, a settlement of the Mapilla community and hence some of the nearby mosques are famous. The Mishkaal mosque, the Jama'atpalli mosque and the Mucchandipalli mosque are such examples.
- From the Manahira Square you could proceed down Mithai Theruvu, the famed "sweetmeat street" of the city. The ever popular Kozhikodan halwa is sold in virtually every shop here. Another delicacy to try out is the raw banana chips, hot from the pan.
- The Palayam Market is the thoroughfare of the town housing the famous Mohiudeen mosque.
Thali temple, built by the Zamorins, is famed as the venue of the Revathi Pattathinam function. These rulers also built the beautifully carved Valayanad Devi Temple dedicated to Goddess Parvathy.
- Kozhikode Beach is a beautiful stretch of sandy shore. The panoramic view of the sunset as seen from the beach is renowned. The two piers and a tall lighthouse complete the dreamy scene.
- The Pazhassirajah Museum, 5 km from Kozhikode town, is houses a spectacular numismatology collection, fine specimens of bronze sculptures, authentic old paintings and fragments of murals.
- There is the Art Gallery located nextdoor which is famous for its exhibition of original oil paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and his brother Raja Raja Varma.
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