In front of a temple in Calicut
Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, is a busy commercial town in the northern part of Kerala. It was the capital of the kingdom of Zamorins, whose rule brought prosperity to the land. Calicut is where Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese traveller who discovered the sea route to India landed his ship.
Right in the centre of the city is the Manamchira Tank, the Town Hall and the Public Library- all examples of traditional architecture. It also has many mosques such as the Mishqal Palli that has a beautiful five-tiered tiled roof. The attractions for the traveller in Calicut are Kappad, the Science Planetarium, the Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery in East hill, Beypore, Sweetmeats Street and the beach.
Kappad was where Vasco da Gama landed in 1498. On the beach, there is a memorial monument of this historical event that marked the beginning of colonization in India. The Science Planetarium has shows on the beginning of the Universe, the stars, planets and the Solar System.
The Pazhassiraja Museum, located in East hill, offers you beautiful works of art such as wood and metal sculptures, miniature temples and miniature people from different parts of India, coins and ancient murals. The Art gallery situated next to the Museum contains paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, the great nineteenth century artist from the Travancore royal family.
Beypore is a village in Calicut that finds reference in old Greek and Roman texts. It is famous for its traditional shipbuilding centre, where dhows are made in the traditional methods that are passed from generation to generation. The Sweetmeats Street sells the famous Calicut halwa, spices such as cloves, cardamom, pepper, turmeric and coffee.
The beach in Calicut is long stretch of sand that offers you with beautiful views at sunset. The traveller can enjoy the evening at the Lighthouse, the Lions Park for children and the Aquarium.
