TOURIST DESTINATIONS IN KERALA

Important Tourist Destinations in Kerala.

India's Most Idealic State Kerala, Situated on the south western edgeof the the Indian Subcontient.With the Arabian Sea in the west, The werstern Ghats "Sahyadri" towering 500-2700 m in the east and networked by the forty four rivers , Kerala enjoys Unique geographical features that have made it one of the most sought after tourist destinations in Asia.

CALICUT

Kozhikode is also known as Calicut, is famous in history as the capital of the Zamrin Raja's.Vasco-da-Gama landed in 1498 at Kappad near Calicut. It waas one of the great ports on the west coast and is a port of call for cargo streamers even today.A big centre of the timber industry , has busy boat-building yards. There are a number of Temples.mosques and important churches, some of which has historical importants.In the Idyllic setting of the serence Arbian Sea on the west and the proud peaks of the Waynad hills the on the East, this district has all the elements that facinate a visitor.

Krishna Menon Museum

Krishna Menon Museum situated at East Hill is five km by bus from the Railway station / city bus station. Lying adjacent to pazhassi raja Museum, a store house of knowledge.

Beach

1.5 Km from the city. A place to spend your evening. The sea piers almost 125 years old extending well inside the sea are specialty. The Lions Club Childrens Park along with the nearby ice-cream parlours make evenings 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.

Beypore

Situated 11 Km from the city, off Kallayi road. City buses ply form the city bus station and Palayam terminals. The hall mark of Beypore is its traditional ship building yard where the world famous "URU" is build, which has been a mode of transportation on the high seas for ages.

Kappad

Situated 16 km from the city. Buses are readily available from city bus station(New Bus Stand) you have to get down at Thiruvangure three KM away from beach, a stroll along the stretch takes you to the beach where, Vasco Da Gama the famous Portughese traveller alighted four centuries back, in search of the land of fantasy - India. Beach accommodation at Kappad Beach Resort.

Peruvannamuzhi

Situated 60 KM from Calicut city. Buses are available from the central bus station. Places of interest are the dam site, Crocodile farm, bird sanctuary and facility for boating.

Kakkayam

78 km from calicut city. The oorakuzhi water falls and dam site are places of interest. Direct buses limited from calicut city. no accommodation facility available.
Thusharagiri water falls
68 km from calicut city via kodancheri brilliant for the famous eye catching water falls which exhilarates you. Accommodation not available. Buses to kodancheri are available from calicut bus station.

Kakkadam Poyil

Well known for its serene water falls and nearby lush streams. you have to catch a bus from calicut to valanthod or koyilpara.

Dolphin's Point

Here one can see in the early hours of the morning dolphins playing in the sea. The beach, 2 km from Calicut town centre is along stretch of tree lined sand popular with the local people because of the Lions Club park, the Light House and the two piers - and, of course, the opportunity to enjoy in the evening breeze.

Science Planetarium

Kozhikode wins a place in the planetarium map of the world. Situate within city at Jaffarkhan Colony. It reveals the mysteries of universe and enlightens about the planets and stars. Shows are at 12.00, 2.00, 4.00 & 6.00 pm.

Kalipoika
A recreational boating centre within the heart of city can be seen at Arayadathupalam. Boating in pedal boats and row boats are facilitated here. Timing 8.00 am - 7.00 pm

Malabar House Boats
For luxury boating and exploring pristine back waters of Kozhikode, House Boats can be availed. The novel concept and excellent hospitality in this floating palace is worth enjoying, with family and friends. These are the first fully newly built House Boats of Kerala. These are stationed at Purakkattiri, close to Purakkattiri Bridge on Ullery - Perambra road. 10 kms. from Kozhikode.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

The sanctuary at Kadalundi is a Haven for migratory birds. Terns, Gulls, Herons, Sand pipers, Whimbrels and other such migratory birds flock from the month of November and returns only by the end of April. It is 25 kms. from Kozhikode. The ideal season to visit is from December to April in the early hours of the day. BEYPORE It is one of the important ports and fishing harbor. Ancient Beypore had been the centre of ship building industry where merchants from West Asia and Middle East regularly placed orders for huge wooden crafts, locally called as URU's. This art is a mnemonic tradition of almost 1500 yrs old. It is 15 kms. from Kozhikode, City buses are available.

Lokanarkavu Temple:

The Lokanarkavu Temple is 5km from vbatakara, 20km south of Mahe. This serene temple complex has three temples; one to Durga-the main diety, one to Siva and the other to Vishnu. All the temples are open to Hindus only. The Siva Temple contains vivid paintings, which are replicated wooden carvings at the entrance.
Pishakarikavu: This temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagavathy. The special attraction of this temple is the elephant procession during the festival season (March/April).

Mannur Temple: This temple is 12 km away from Kozhikode. The exquisitely carved Gajaprathista styled laterite structure is more than two centuries old. It is believed that Sree Parashuraman starts his Siva Linga prathista at Tiruvannur and completes it here every noon. The noon pujas here are therefore considered very special.
Ponmeri: The Sree Krishna Temple at Karatt and the Shiva Temple at Ponmeri have flamboyant paintings depicting Palazhimathanam (the story of the churning of the ocean of milk) from the Puranas.
Jain Temple: The two temples in this compound at Trikkovil lane have exquisitely painted interiors and elaborately carved porticoes.

Parsi Anju Amman Baug: It is a Fire Temple on S M Street dates back to the period when the Parsis, settled in Kozhikode about 200 years ago.

Thali Temple

The Kozhikkode Thali temple is an ancient one, dating back to the days of the Zamorin rule. The term Thali refers to a Shiva temple; however, the temple complex also houses a shrine to Krishna. Legend has it that Parasurama, associated with several temples in Kerala, worshipped Shiva here. Several legends associated with feudal rivalry, curses and relief from curses are associated with this temple. In its glorious days, this temple celebrated the Revathi Pattattaanam festival for seven days in the malayala month of Tulaa where learning and scholarship was celebrated with feasting and awards. The composer of Narayaneeyam (Guruvayur) is said to have been a recepient of awards at this festival. The Zamorin is also asociated with the pomp and splendor of the now extinct Mahamakam festival at Tirunavayi. This temple suffered destruction at the hands of Tippu Sultan and Hyder Ali and was renovated in the 18th century. The current structure dates back to the period of the ruler Manavikraman. The two storeyed sanctum has works of art in terms of stone sculptures and wood work with scenes from the puranas. In front of the sanctum is a chamber with intricate woodwork.There are also shrines to Ganapati, Narasimha and Saasta.

In the north east segment of the temple complex is the Krishna shrine with its own set of mandapams and a flagstaff. The 7 day long annual festival commences on the Malayala new year. Five worship services are offered each day.