Kozhikode, the splendor explored!
The feeling of being loved and belonged is something I long as I board Jan Satabdi express from Kochi. I needn’t reach home to be in that comfort zone. Just the sight of the railway platform and the yellow board with KOZHIKODE written in black is enough for the Kozhikodian in me to rise up to the spirits.
I remember my first visit back home, after I joined college. My friends were constantly messaging and calling me, not to know about my well being, but reminding me of their demands — halwas and chips!
The Biryani, the Halwa, the Chips, the Sarbats…..well goes on!
You will never regret the decision of ordering biryani from Hotel Rahmath, Paragon, Deewar or let’s say, anywhere from Calicut. And never miss the taste of Bhaskarettan’s sarbat outside Paragon restaurant, Calicut!
The flour, the sugar, the flavours! The multi coloured halwas are enough to water anyone’s mouth. With different flavours like mango, pineapple, watermelon, grapes, the most famous of them all is the black halwa which tastes distinctly different! The sweet tender bananas cut into tiny slices and deep fried in the oil is something people will always remember!
And how can one not talk about Kozhikode’s own ice orathi!
Do you know what else is amazing in South India? It is Dosa and here is why!
The ever buzzing S.M. Street
The Sweet Meat Street is best known to us by its sweet name Mittaitheruvu. Deriving its name from the special kind of sweet, according to Europeans, we lovingly call Halwa (or haluva), SM Street is undoubtedly one of the most famous and busiest shopping centre of the city.
The vibrant Valiyangadi
History says that first secretary of the Zamorin, Mangat Achan, after a long penance had the goddess of wealth Lakshmi appear before him. He made her promise to wait until he returned but went home and committed suicide.
A narrow lane with unimaginable crowd, rush, heat and noise, Valiyangadi is clearly not a tourist spot. But not many streets can boast a 600 year old history!
Still one of the main commercial centres of the city, Valiyangadi still stands high making anyone believe in the myth, that unable to break her promise, Lakshmi still stays there.
Myth of Mananchira
The centuries old rectangular shaped pond, which was built as a bathing pool in the 14th century, and now used exclusively for drinking purposes, lies at the centre of Kozhikode city. Attracting tourists from all over, the Mananchira ground next to it is one of the many parks one can relax in the evening.
Tali Mahakshetram (Tali Shiva Temple)
One of the oldest temples, situated in the heart of the city, Tali Shivakshetram is said to be linked to the founding and prosperity of Kozhikode.
It is believed that the lingam in the sanctum of the Temple was installed towards the end of Dwaparayuga by Parasurama. The posture in the sanctum is that of Umamaheswara.
Mishkal Mosque
Located at Kuttichira, Mishkal mosque got its name from the arab merchant who built it, Nakhooda Mishkal.
With a history of Portugese attack in 1510, in which it was partially burnt, Mishkal mosque is an important cultural, architectural and historical monument in Kerala.
47 doors, 24 carved pillars and a big prayer hall that can accommodate 400 people; it stands out as one the oldest mosques in Malabar.
Thusharagiri Falls
Endless scopes of trekking, rock climbing and wildlife sanctuaries, Thusharagiri falls is a waterfall in Chembukadavu, around 50km from the city.
The Beaches
Kozhikode Beach is loved by all sunset lovers! A walk to the Dolphin’s point at dusk might reward you with the sight of dolphins. An evening with the waves with delicacies like sweet or salted mangoes and pineapples, and the sight of piers that run into the sea will warm anyone’s heart.
The calm Kappad Beach (known, locally, as Kappadavu) has a quiet shore surrounded by palm groves around a small peaceful village.
With Vasco Da Gama’s footprints on its shore, the memorial erected on the land speaks out the legacy of Kappad.
Buzzing Beypore
One of the important ports of Kerala, Beypore has been a major trading centre for centuries. Beypore is noted for building wooden ships, knows as urus. The 2 km seawalk made of stone is a major attraction other than the Beypore lighthouse.
From welcoming Vasco Da Gama in 1498 to banishing Nipah from its walls in 2018, Kozhikode (or Calicut) still stands high with its streets carrying the aroma of halwa and dum biryani.
There are many things that Kozhikode is famous about. The biryani, the beaches, the famous mittai theruvu….but what makes it more beautiful? Some would say the broken bridges at the beach! Some would point at the famous Paragon! I would say…people!
With the best autowalas greeting you with a smile and Kozhikode’s own ice oruthi sweetening everyone’s mind, one wouldn’t leave the place without packets of sweets and chips!
Do you where else you can experience such amazement? At our beloved Kochi!
I hope my Kozhikode, the happy and vibrant city, leaves you joyful and craving a re-visit, all to relive the wondrous and peaceful bliss it gifts. Do join in the celebration and emotion that we live by!
