Kozhikode is a historical town with a hoary past. From time immemorial, the city attracted travellers, with its charming physical features and prosperity. Even today , the glory of Kozhikode(Calicut) has not faded.

Kozhikode was the capital of Malabar during the time of Zamorins who where ruling before the British Rule in India. It was trading in spices like black pepper and cardamom with the Jews, Arabs, Phoenicians, Chinese , Dutch and Portuguese more than 500 years ago.

Vasco being received by the ZamorinThe political history of Kozhikode is a story of treacherous and ill conceived conspiracies hatched by the Western powers. Vasco De Gama landed at Kappad in May 1498, as the leaders of a trade mission from Portugal and was received by the Zamorin himself.

As Kozhikode offered full freedom & security, the Arab & the Chinese merchants preferred it to all other ports.

The globe-trotter Ibn Batuta (A.D. 1342-47) quotes :
The history of Kozhikode district as an administrative unit begins from January 1957. When the states of the Indian Union were reorganised on linguistic basis on 1st November, 1956, the erstwhile Malabar district was separated from Madras state (Tamil Nadu) and added to the new unilingual state of Kerala. But malabar district was found to be too uniwieldy for administrative purposes. Consequently the state government ordered the formation of three districts with certain changes in the boundaries of some of the taluks. The Kozhikode district thus came into existence on 1st Jnauary 1957,orginally consisting of five taluks, Viz, Vadakara, Koyilandy, Kozhikode, Ernad & Tirur. With the formation of malapuram district on 1st june 1969 & Wayandu on 1st November 1980, kozhikode district now consist of one revenue division , three taluks, twelve blocks, 77 panchayats and 117 villages.

The Zamorins :
The Udaiyavar of Ernad, whose headquarters was at Nediyiruppu wanted an outlet to the sea and after fighting with the Polatthiri King for 48 long years conquered the area around Ponniankara and build a fort at a place called Velapuram. Thus the city of Calicut came into existence sometime in the 13th Century AD.

With the accession of Calicut, the status of Nediyirippu increased and he come to be known as Swami Nambiyathiri Thirumulpad, which gradually became Samuri or Samuthiri over the years. The Europeans called him Zamorin.

Vasco De Gamma :
Vasco Da Gama arrived in 1498 and obtained permission to carry out trade from Calicut. The Arabs sensing the threat posed by Portuguese to their commercial supremacy, opposed the Europeans. Bitter fights started between Portuguese and Arabs. The Portuguese went to Cochin for trade and the Raja of Cochin had an alliance with the Portuguese with aim of attaining sovereignty from Zamorin.

Kunajali :
Kunajali II, the greatest of Zamorin's Admirals, fought bravely and captured the Portuguese ships and massacred the crew members. Kunjali III built a fort at Kottakkal and enjoyed all the privileges enjoyed by the Nair chiefs. This caused heavy damages to the Portuguese shipping and trade but with the defeats in 1528 and 1538 they lost their glory.

Prime Sight:

Mithai Theruvu (Sweetmeat Street):
This street is famous for ‘halwa’ – a local delicay available in different colours and in various flavours.

Kozhikode Beach:
Kozhikode Beach which is close to the city, has an old world charm.The beach provides a grandstand view of the fabulous sunset.The old light house and two ancient piers extending into the sea are reminders of the historical importance of the beach. In the morning dolphins romping in the sea attract many visitors to the beach.The park near the beach is popular with the children and the Marine Aquarium is worth a visit.

CVN Kalari Sangam:
Kalaripayattu is the ancient martial art form of Kerala .CVN Kalari Sangam near Nadakavu is one of the oldest kalari training centers in Kozhikode. Demonstrations will be arranged on request

Payyoli Beach:
30 km from the town, India’s sprint queen, P T Usha, hails from this village. Payyoli Beach is a long wide sandy beach; it is ideal for water sports and lounging in the sun throughout the year.

Kunhali Marikar’s Residence:
5 km from Payyoli. Kunhali Marikar was the naval captain of the Samuthiris. He fought valiantly against the Portuguese. It was impossible to beat him in battle, so the Portuguese resorted to treachery to annihilate him. He was taken captive and beheaded in Goa. His head was brought back and exhibited on a pole. The cannon ball and the sword he used are still in his house.

Thusharagiri Water Falls:
48 km from Kozhikode,Tusharagiri is located near Vythiri in Wayanad The area is very scenic with serene streams and hills. The cascading waters set amidst the verdant green ghat mountains is an awesome sight.The plantations here have crops as diverse as rubber, aracanut, coconut, pepper, ginger, and spices. This is an ideal terrain for trekking and rock climbing. waterfalls

Palayam Market:
Palayam market is the largest market in Kozhikode district. It has historical and contemporary importance. The vegetable market and the bus station are always crowded. The soldiers of the Samuthiris had once occupied the market. The Mohiadeen Mosque nearby is a multi-storeyed mosque where closed circuit TV is in use. This was the only solution to preach to the congregation in the many storied building. This is the only mosque in Kerala with a CTV facility.

Valiangadi:
Valiangadi meaning big bazaar, is the centre of the fish trade in Kozhikode. Located between the beach and the town, the market always betrays chaotic scenes. Trucks, mini-trucks, three-wheelers, hand-carts, bicycles and cycles create traffic blocks, making it near impossible to move around in the market during peak hours. Centuries-old whole-sale and retail businesses of fresh and dried-fish thrive here.

Thali Temple:
The temple, built by the Samuthiris, attract devotees in large numbers. The temple also has historical importance. The famed Revathi Pattathanam function was held here during the reign of the Samuthiris. Exponents of different arts used to display their talents in the court of the Samuthiris. The adjoining Samuthiri School was formerly known as the Samuthiris’ Kovilakam.