About Calicut The city of Calicut (now, Kozhikode), on the Northern coast of Kerala, is redolent of the days when the Portuguese held sway over this part of the state. 'Kozhikode', is Kozhikode is derived from the Malyalam expression "Koyil Kodu”, meaning "Palace fortified", which was later anglicised to Calicut. The town was once one of India’s finest and busiest ports, and an integral part of the international spice trade. Even today, Calicut plays an important role in the international spice trade, as vast quantities of pepper and other spices are shipped from the port city. Many rivers pass through Calicut and numerous temples dot the cityscape. Within the city, many places like Pazhassirajah Museum, Art Gallery, Planetarium, Kalipoika, a recreational boat centre, and Malabar House Boats are worth visiting. Visitors can also wander around Calicut’s famous Sweet Meat Street and feast on a wide range of sweet delicacies. Location & Attractions Velliyamkallu This is a massive rock situated 13 km off Payyoli Beach. The rock is associated with the bravery of a local legend, Kunhali Marakkar. Velleri Mala is a beautiful trekking location, close to the city. Kappad Beach This is the place where Vasco-da-Gama set foot in India, on 27 May 1498 A.D, opening doors to trade with the Western world. This landing has been commemorated by a small stone monument at the beach. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary Located 25 km from Kozhikode, the Kalaundi Bird Sanctuary is a haven for migratory birds. Terns, Gulls, Herons, Sand pipers and other such migratory birds flock here November onwards and return only around the end of April. The ideal time to go bird watching in the sanctuary is in the early hours of the day, from December to April. Beypore Beypore, one of the area's important ports and fishing harbours, is located 15 km from Kozhikode. The town has been renowned for ship-building for over 1500 years. Over the centuries, the shipyards at Beypore supplied innumerable large wooden craft to merchants from West Asia and the Middle East. Mananchira The palace tank of King Mana Vikrama has now been graced with traditional architectural splendour. There is a carpet of green grass, surrounded by Kerala style buildings. The musical fountain within the maidan (open ground) has become a local favourite. Kallai Located 6 km from Calicut, Kallai was once the bustling centre of city's timber trade. Although the timber trade still continues, it is a far cry from the days when the town was said to have been the largest timber trading centre in Asia. Kozhikode Beach The beach is easily accessible from city and affords pleasant views of the sunset. Two crumbling jetties, more than hundred years old, jut into the sea a reminder of the glorious trade this beach witnessed in its heyday. Dolphin's Point Dolphin’s point is a beach, 2 km from the centre of Calicut, where dolphins frolic in the sea in the wee-hours of the morn. Lions Club Park, the Light House, Aquarium and the two tree-lined are the perfect place to spend a pleasant evening. Festivals The famous 7-day debate starts on Revathi day and concludes on Thiruvathira day.