Kerala Tradition & Fascinating Destinations 2014 Kerala Tradition & Destinations 2014 | Page 304

Beypore: (10 km South of Kozhikode) Located at the mouth of the Chaliyar
River, Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient
Kerala was an important trade and maritime centre. Ancient Beypore was
much sought after by merchants from Western Asia, for its ship building
industry. The boat building yard here, famous for the construction of the
Uru (the Arabian trading vessel), boasts a tradition of almost 1500 years.
Arabs still get down here for larger boats.
SM Street: Sweet Meat Street is the busiest street in Kozhikode and derives its name from the times when the street was lined with sweet
meat stalls.
Kirtads: (7km from Kozhikode) This unique museum houses the tools and
devices used by the ancient tribal communities of Kerala. A good library
with books on Anthropology and Sociology is an added attraction.
Velliyamkallu: This massive rock, much dreaded by navigators, was once a
vantage point for the Marakkars to attack the invading Portuguese. An
entire crew of a Portuguese ship was killed here. The beautiful natural
engravings on the rock are worth exploring.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: (25 km from Kozhikode) The estuary at Kadalundi
is a heaven for migratory birds. Terns, gulls, herons, sand pipers, whimbrels
and other exotic birds flock into this place in November and return home
in April. Over a hundred varieties of native birds and over 60 varieties of
migratory birds flock here in large numbers.
Thikkoti Light House: The light house which overlooks Velliyamkallu was
built after a shipwreck, the remains of which can still be seen here. The
region around the Velliyamkallu rock is the transit home of migratory birds.
Payyoli: This is yet another beautiful stretch of golden sands with shallow
waters that border Velliyamkallu.
Planetarium: (Shows - 1200, 1400, 1600, 1800 hrs) The Kozhikode planetarium
at the city’s Jaffarkhan colony offers extensive insight into the mysteries
of the universe, the planets and the galaxies. Ph: 0495 2770571
Wayanad Ghats: The Green Ghats enroute to Wayanad has nine hairpin bends.
Each turn, taking to a higher altitude, offers a better view of the picturesque
plains below. The journey through this way is breathtaking and an unforgettable experience.
Regional Science Centre: Situated on the same compound of the planetarium,
the Regional Science Centre is an eye opener into the amazing and exciting
dimensions of Science.
Kakkayam: (45 km from Kozhikode) This picturesque damsite, teeming
with exotic wildlife, offers excellent trekking and rock climbing opportunities. The best time to visit is between November and April.
302

KOZHIKODE|TRADITION AND DESTINATIONS