Once upon a time, two Arab princes from Muskeeyat set out in search of a port to serve their trade interests. At each port where they anchored along the way, they left behind three jars of date pickle for safekeeping, saying they would collect it on their way back. While returning they went back to each port to reclaim what they had left behind. All the jars remained full of the pickle, but the gold coins that they had hidden in one of the three jars at each port were gone.
Eventually, they reached the rather remote port they had visited early on in their travels. Here, they were surprised to find the gold coins untouched. Impressed by the honesty of the inhabitants, the two Arab prince dropped anchor here. That port, which came to be known across the seas as the Harbour of Honesty, was Kozhikode.
Whether or not this story is true about Kozhikode, with its aroma of sweetmeats in Mittayi Theruvu, and the playful dolphins in the sea off Dolphin Point, the city is just as fascinating as ever. It offers thousands of flavours to sample, not the least the delectable Kozhikodan halwa, many heady fragrances to inhale, and memories to create.
History, with established facts and figures, is too powerful to ignore here. The beach at Kozhikode has lived through the adventures of Vasco da Gama. At the end of his famous voyage from Lisbon, he reached Kappad in 1498, and met with the Zamorins (or the Samuthiri, the rulers of Kozhikode). Vasco da Gama was surprised to discover that the unquestionably rich king was a simple man, dressed only in a mundu and shawl, rather different from the explorer himself, resplendent in an admiral’s uniform. This touch of simplicity remains an inherent part of Kozhikode even today. The shopping complexes, gleaming concrete houses and the gigantic hoardings of movies mask the port’s former glory, which the old red-roofed homes only hint at. There is very little to suggest that this land was once a major trading centre, that the scent of its spices drew people from across the globe, including the great chroniclers of that time: Al-Barouni, Abdur Razaq and Ibn Batuta. Their records say that in the ‘Kulifa’ or ‘Kalikoot’ of yore, as many as 200 yachts could be found moored in the harbour at any given time. With the coming of the Portuguese, and the violent sea battle between the Zamorins and the Kochi Rajas, which was supported by the European traders, everything changed.
Then came the Dutch, the French and the British, all of whom fought over the port. Now, the only invaders here are those hoping to catch a glimpse of Kozhikode’s past, often found only juxtaposed against the somewhat chaotic present. The ancient bridge standing dilapidated and somewhat forlorn next to the sea is, in some ways, a motif of the destiny of the ancient trading node. Yet, while there are no dazzling yachts moored in the harbour anymore, the pretty fishing boats bobbing in the waves and the casual, soothing aura of the town do not indicate that anything is missing, as such. Perhaps the peace of the present, however understated, suits this port.
ORIENTATION
The port of Kozhikode was built with the Zamorins’ residence and fort, the Manavikraman Chira, now known as the Mananchira Square, at the centre. Most of Kozhikode’s attractions, such as the Mishkaal Mosque and the Thali Temple, can be found near the square. Remnants of the old trading centre are to be found in the Palayam Market, the Mittayi Theruvu (the Sweet Meat Street) and in the markets adjacent to the Thali Temple. Kozhikode is bound by the Kallai River in the south, famous for timber business. The hills of Wayanad loom on the eastern horizon; all rivers that flow through Kozhikode, the Korapuzha, the Kallai and Ferokepuzha, spring from these hills.
THINGS TO SEE AND DO
Mananchira Square
Located in the heart of the city, this square is wrapped around the Mananchira Tank, originally the private bath of the Zamorins. Along with two adjoining gardens, it was recently renovated to include a musical fountain that makes quite a pretty picture. The Commonwealth Trust Factory (or Comtrust), the Town Hall and the Public Library were set up around the tank in later years. The square is dotted with important landmarks, such as the Lalithakala Academy Hall, which hosts many art exhibitions by artists from Kozhikode, the CSI Church, the renovated Pattalam Mosque and the 500-year-old Commonwealth Spinning Mill. Kuttichera, an old Mapilla settlement where the Mishkaal Mosque is located, is also nearby. The Kuttichera Tank is considered sacred by both Muslims and Hindus.
A 14th century mosque, Jama’atpalli, which has the largest floor area of all the mosques in Kerala, and Mucchandipalli, the oldest mosque in Kozhikode, built on land donated by the Zamorin Raja in the 13th century with a beautiful ceiling, are also near the Mananchira Square.
Timings 4.00–8.00pm
Sweet Meat Street
The famous Mittayi Theruvu Street, or Sweet Meat Street, starts from the Mananchira Square. The street is named after the Kozhikodan Halwa, for which Kozhikode is famous, and which is available here in red, yellow, green and black. Kozhikodan banana chips are also sold here.
The Palayam Market
Once occupied by the armed forces of the Zamorins, today, the Palayam Market is a very busy place with throngs of people crowding the local bus stand and vegetable market. The Mohiuddin Mosque which is close to the market has the distinction of being the only mosque in Kerala with a closed circuit television that enables the Imam to preach to the entire congregation, spread out over different storeys of the mosque, at the same time.
Valiya Angadi
The Valya Angadi, or the ‘big bazaar’, is located between the beach and the town. Here, visitors can witness the centuries-old fish trade of Kozhikode. The whole place is usually a picture of chaos and confusion with hand-pulled carts, trucks, lorries and vehicles of all shapes and dimensions vying with each other for docking place to load and unload tonnes of fish. This is the best place in town to buy fresh, salted and preserved fish, at wholesale rates.
Thali Temple
Built by the Zamorins, this temple was the venue for the famous Revathi Pattathanam, an annual exhibition of artists and scholars, who would display their talents for the royalty. The temple is still a thriving place of worship. Adjoining the temple is the old kovilakam of the Zamorins, known now as the Samuthiri School.
Timings 4:30–11:00am, 5:00– 8:30pm Main Festival 8-day Utsavam in April Cell 9847232310
TIP Only Hindus may enter. Men must wear mundus and women must wear saris or salwar kameez
Valayanad Devi Temple
This hilltop temple, dedicated to the Goddess Parvathi, was also built by the Zamorins. The architecture of the period is reflected by the Zamorin Mankavu and Thiruvannoor kovilakams, with a central courtyard and heavy woodwork.
Location Govindapuram, 3km from Kozhikode on Mankavu Road Timings 5:00am–12:00pm, 5:30–8:00pm Main Festival 3-day Utsavam in January Tel 0495-2741083
TIP Only Hindus may enter. Men must wear mundus and women must wear saris or salwar kameez
Kozhikode Beach
Walking along the Kozhikode Beach, while munching on seafood delicacies such as kallumakaya (mussels), available at numerous stalls along the beach, with a gentle sea breeze bringing wafts of salty air from the ocean, is quite a special experience. The beach also has a number of local attractions, such as the Lion’s Park, an amusement park with several rides located next to the lighthouse, and the marine aquarium, run by the Calicut Research Centre of CMFRI, which has a unique collection of around 150 marine species as well as special marine ornaments from the Malabar Coast. Visitors may stand at Dolphin Point, the tip of the old bridge over the breaking waves, to spot a dolphin far out in the sea. The old bridge, the lighthouse and the piers running into the sea are all over a 100 years old at least.
Park Timings 3:00–9:00pm; Aquarium Entry Adults ₹20, Children ₹10 Timings 10:00am–5:00pm
Regional Science Centre
The Regional Science Centre complex at Kozhikode houses a planetarium as well as a science park, which has on display around 35 fun, educational exhibits, including huge working models of bisects – a huge hit with children. The aquarium here is also quite popular. In addition to this, the centre has a HD 3D Fantasy Theatre, which offers a number of 20-minute shows. There are also a number of comfortable, well-shaded spots where adults can relax while the children explore the complex.
Location Opposite the New Mofussil Bus Stand on Indira Gandhi (Mavoor) Road Entry ₹20 Timings 10.30am–6.30pm Planetarium Entry ₹40 Planetarium Show Timings 12.00pm, 2.00pm, 4.00pm and 6.00pm HD 3D Fantasy Theatre Show Timings 11.00am, 1.00pm, 3.00pm and 5.00pm Tel 04952770571 W rscpcalicut.org Email rscpcalicut@dataone.in
Pazhassi Raja Museum and V.K. Krishna Menon Art Gallery
The Pazhassi Raja Museum houses a number of wall paintings, antique handicrafts, old coins, models of temples, megalithic dolmenoid cists and kodakallu (umbrella stones). The artwork of the talented painter Ravi Varma is on display at the V.K. Krishna Menon Art Gallery nearby.
Location East Hill, 6km from Kozhikode Entry Adults ₹5, Children ₹2 Photography ₹10 Timings 9.00am–1.00pm, 2.00–4.30pm, Closed Mondays and public holidays Tel 0495-2384382
KIRTADS
KIRTADS, or the Kerala Institute of Research and Development of Scheduled Tribes and Castes, is a tribal research centre in Chevayur, around 10km from Kozhikode. The centre was founded to promote the development of Scheduled Castes and Tribes in Kerala. It has a library which houses a large amount of literature on tribal studies, as well as a museum.
Location 1.5km from Chevayur, on NH212 towards Kalpetta Timings 10.00am–5.00pm Closed Sundays, second Saturdays and public holidays Tel 0495-2356805 W kirtads.kerala.gov.in Emailkirtads@ gmail.com, dirkirtads@gmail.com
CVN Kalari Sangam
Kerala’s ancient martial art form, Kalaripayattu has close links with Kozhikode. In addition to the numerous Kalari centres in its vicinity, Kozhikode is also connected with the brave hero of the Vadakkan Veera Gatha (Folktales of the North), Thacholi Othenan, who is said to have been born in Vadakara, around 45 km from the city. Amongst the Kalari centres, CVN Kalari Sangam has an imminent position in the realm of martials arts in Kerala, largely because of the numerous, remarkable Kalari fighters who have been trained here. The centre will arrange stage shows, choreography, workshops and even holiday packages on request. They also offer special massage treatments.
Location Nadakkavu Timings 8:30am–6:00pm Closed Sundays Tel 0495-2769114/8214 W cvnkalari.com Email sunilkalari@yahoo.com
River Kallai
Originating from the Western Ghats and ending in the Arabian Sea, River Kallai is famous for timber production and trade. A number of sawmills are located on its banks and logs are often spotted tied together like rafts, meandering down the river, sent down from the forests of Nilambur. This means of transport contributes in no small measure to the flourishing timber trade. Visitors can stand on the bridge across the Kallai, on the Edapally-Panvel Highway, to take in views of the river meeting the Arabian Sea. Sunsets here are beautiful.
Kappad Beach
Kappad Beach, best known for being the place where Vasco da Gama landed in India on 18 May, 1498, is famously marked by a moss-covered monument that commemorates his arrival. It is said that da Gama’s envoy was astonished when he was addressed in Castilian by a man from Seville, who had become a Kozhikodan muslim. When the latter asked the envoy what exactly the Portuguese were doing in this area, he famously replied: “We seek Christians and spices.”
Luxurious hotels and Ayurvedic retreats make this legendary beach an ideal retreat, far from the hustle-bustle of the main town.
Location 16km from Kozhikode, off NH17
Elathur
To the north of Kappad Beach, where the Korapuzha river meets the Arabian Sea, lies Elathus, a small coastal town. Tourists can hire a country boat here for a ride along the river. Shellfish and kallumakaya can be found in abundance on the rocks along the seaside. The town is also known for the Connolly Canal, which connects the Korapuzha and Kallai rivers, as well as the Madhunathagaswamy Temple.
Location 20km from Kozhikode, just north of Kappad Temple Timings 6.00am–12.00pm, 3.00–9.00pm
SHOPPING
The famous Kozhikodan halwa, extremely sweet, seasoned with dry fruits and prepared in pure coconut oil, is a highly sought-after specialty that visitors must carry home, along with delicious Kozhikode banana chips. Most bakeries stock both, particularly on the Mittayi Theruvu Street, but many small carts scattered all over the town also dish these out, straight from the pan. The spice market at Court Road and the Chembotti Theruvu market, known for bell metal artefacts, are also worth a visit. Models of urus, or teak yachts, can be bought at Beypore. Kozhikode was also known for its muslin and handloom cloth; today, you can pick up clothes fashioned out of these fabrics. Traditional mundus are usually priced between ₹100–200.
WHERE TO STAY
In Kozhikode, hotel accommodation is available for all budgets. At the upper end is the Taj Gateway Hotel (Tel: 0495-6613000; Tariff: ₹7,500– 12,500), facing the beach on PT Usha Road, with a highly reputed Ayurvedic centre. Malabar Palace (Tel: 2721511, 2720212; Tariff: ₹3,200–6,250), Hyson Heritage (Tel: 2766423/ 726; Tariff: ₹3,000–6,000), and Kerala Tourism’s Malabar Mansion (Tel: 2721593), currently under renovation, situated in the centre of the city, are other high-end hotels providing excellent accommodation and great food. West Way Hotel (Tel: 2768888; Tariff: ₹4,200–5,500) is another good hotel which has a restaurant with Kerala cuisine. An excellent option for genuine Ayurvedic treatment is Harivihar (Tel: 2765865, Cell: 09847072203; Tariff: ₹7,500), a hotel set in the 150-year old ancestral home of the Kadanathu royal family, now owned by Dr Srikumar and Dr Neeta.
Hotel Beach Heritage Inn (Tel: 2762055-57; Tariff: ₹3,200–3,500) on Beach Road is a historic hotel. It was built in 1890 as a burra sahib watering hole. Fifty years later, it was converted into a hotel, and has hosted Somerset Maugham, Chester Bowles, Zakir Hussain and Jawaharlal Nehru among others. Close to Beypore Beach is Tasara Centre for Creative Weaving (Tel: 2414233/ 832, Cell: 09446468832 Tariff: ₹7,395, with meals), which offers weaving, dyeing and printing courses apart from accommodation. Their Weaver Bird Package for five days and four nights inclusive of meals, costs ₹18,500 per person. This centre was set up by the Vadakkiniyedath family in 1979 to preserve this lesser-known craft heritage of Beypore.
Stay in Renai Kappad Beach House (Tel: 0496-2688777, 268919192; Tariff: ₹3,500–5,000) at Kappad Beach, and wake up to the sound of the sea lapping against the shore. Its rooftop dining area offers particularly stunning views. Reliable mid-range options are Asma Tower (Tel: 2723560, 4088000; Tariff: ₹2,800– 4,800) on Mavoor Road; Calicut Tower (Tel: 272302; Tariff: ₹1,700– 3,600) in the Markaz Complex on Indira Gandhi Road; Hotel Marina Residency (Tel: 4062222; Tariff: ₹2,600–4,400) on YMCA Cross Road; Hotel Maharani (Tel: 2723101; Tariff: ₹990–4,200) and Hotel Alkapuri (Tel: 2723451; Tariff: ₹2,120–2,800). WelcomHotel Raviz Kadavu (Tel: 2411111; Tariff: ₹10,500–25,000) is beautifully located by the green banks of the Chaliyar river, 19km from Kozikode. The hotel boasts of a Green Leaf-certified Ayurveda centre.
WHERE TO EAT
Kozhikode, at the heart of the Malabar Coast, offers exquisite, authentic samples of one of India’s best known regional cuisines. Kerala’s food represents the truly multicultural heritage of the state. Just as Kerala’s spices travelled across the world, traders from overseas brought their own indelible influences on local kitchens. The Arab influence is particularly of note in Kozhikodan food.
Kozhikode itself offers many different kinds of dishes, ranging from simple vegetarian fare to meat-heavy, spicy gastronomic adventures. Local specialties include kallumakaya porichathu (mussels fry, eaten with rice) and pathal (a ring-shaped rice pathiri). Malabar biryani is, of course, is best known of the local specialties. Only in Malabar is biryani served during Onam. Almost all non-vegetarian restaurants in Kozhikode offer Kozhikodan chicken or mutton biryani. For more luxurious dining, head to the Taj Gateway and the Hyson Heritage, which offer special dishes such as neriya pathiri, tissue paper-like rice chappatis and all types of biryanis. Westway Hotel has a restaurant called Tharavad, which offers many Keralite dishes such as kanji (ricesoup), kappa varuthathu (fried tapioca), meen molakittathu (hot fish curry), and a splendid Kerala lunch meal with more than 18 dishes served on a banana leaf. Sagar Restaurant, near the KSRTC Bus Stand, offers proper Malabar-style chicken and mutton biryani, and Kerala style beef fry with Malabar porotta. They have another branch a little further down the road, which is somewhat more spacious and comfortable. Bombay Hotel, near St Joseph’s Boys High School, and Hotel Alakapuri are old establishments, also known for their biryani and chicken fry. To truly enjoy Kozhikodan-style food, however, visitors must head to Zains, on Convent Road, a restaurant run by a Kuttichera Muslim lady. Zains offers unique Kozhikodan dishes such as puttu with local fish stew, wheat pathiri, kozhi nirthiporichathu (chicken fry with egg) and kada fry. Kuttichira ghee rice is also quite famous, and can be enjoyed with a mellow beef stew prepared in coconut milk. Zains also offers the Kozhikodan pazham nirachathu (banana fry with coconut) and sweet coconut samosa or bayakkada (made of banana). Sweetmeats, typically prepared by Muslim families in Kozhikode, such as chattippathiri, mutta marichathu, muttappathiri, muttamala, mutta surkka, are all offered here as well. All these are prepared with eggs.
Rahmath Hotel on KP Kesava Menon Road is famous for beef varattiyathu with porotta. Paragon Restaurant, near the Head Post Office, is the best choice for all kinds of seafood, especially prawn curry accom-panied by vellapam. For tiffin, try Woodlands Restaurant on Kallai Road, Dakshin the Veg on Indira Gandhi Road near the KSRTC Bus Stand, and Vasantha Bhavan on Court Road.
AROUND KOZHIKODE
Pisharikavu Temple (28km)
Situated to the north of Koyilandy, the Pisharikavu Temple attracts devotees of the Goddess Porkali, who is worshipped in the form of a sword, known as Nandhakam. The temple is famous for its annual Utsavam, celebrated in the month of Medam (April–May). Its true claim to fame, however, are the murals on the walls, which are amongst the oldest temple frescoes in Kerala.
Location 2km north of Koyilandy on NH17 Timings 5.00–11.00am, 4.00–8.00pm
Thikkodi Lighthouse (35km)
Built in 1847, the lighthouse at Thikkodi, a small coastal town located north of Kozhikode, is a beacon for seafarers. Visible from Kappad Beach, the lighthouse can be seen silhouetted against the eastern skyline. Visitors need to get permission beforehand for climbing up the winding stairs, for a breathtaking view of the Arabian Sea as well as Velliyamkallu, a massive rock formation, which is home to migrant birds.
Tel 0496-2691064
Urus of Beypore
For centuries, the coastal town of Beypore has been a famous ship-building centre. Large sailing boats, urus, crafted by traditional shipbuilders called the Khalasis, attract many buyers from across the Arabian Sea.
Beypore can be reached by road from Kozhikode. Visitors can walk past skeletons of huge boats and junk shops selling rusted, ancient anchors, to reach the harbour at the mouth of the Chaliyar river where urus are crafted, some upto 65-m long, weighing around 700 tonnes. Almost all the work is done manually. It can take 50 Khalasis over one year to carve and shape an uru out of teak and jackfruit timber, which is then towed to West Asian ports to be fitted with a diesel engine.
It is best to check before going if boats are being built, since activity comes to a halt during the monsoon and when business is dull. But the town’s toy boat maker, who puts little ships of the most intricate designs into bottles, is always in business. Model boats can also be bought from the Kairali Emporium in Kozhikode. Those made from teak can cost up to ₹15,000, while those made from coconut cost around ₹500.
KG Kumar
Ladies First in Thekkepuram
Near the Valiya Angadi lies the old quarter of Thekkepuram, an area dominated by Kozhikode Muslims who follow unique matrilocal social customs, which have dramatically influenced the architecture of the older homes. Within this community, women continue to live in their ancestral house after marriage, while their husbands (putbiyapila) visit them in the evening, leaving again in the morning. With every new marriage, houses are extended to accommodate the newcomer; a new ara is thus created for the newlyweds, called the maniyara. Some houses in the area have over seven families living under one roof. The Thekkepuram Muslims are known for their hospitality and their social functions are sumptuous affairs.
It is said that the Koyas of Thekkepuram were high caste Hindus who converted to Islam under Zamorin rule. The 500-year-old Mishkaal Masjid, built by Arab scholar Mishkaal Huda, and the famous Muchunni Mosque, built in the traditional Hindu architectural style, are indicative of an era of peaceful coexistence and harmony. Within the 4-km stretch at the very heart of Kozhikode, Thekkepuram preserves its unique social structure, undisturbed by the passage of time.
Payyoli Beach
Just north of Thikkodi, the Payyoli Beach is synonymous with PT Usha, India’s famous sportswoman, who hails from this tiny town. Apart from this, Payyoli also shot to fame internationally because of conservation efforts to protect marine turtles.
Kunhali Marikar’s Fort (45km)
On the way to Vadakara, at Kottakal, is the Erringal Rock, where Kunhali Marrakar’s fort once stood. The naval captain of the Zamorins fought valiantly against the Portuguese and led many naval forays from this fort. Unable to defeat him in battle, he was captured and beheaded in Goa by the Portuguese. His head was brought back and displayed here on a pole. Kunhali Marikar’s sword and the cannonball can be seen at his residence.
Location 5km from Payyoli, off NH17 Timings 10.00am–5.00pm
Lokanarkavu Temple (54km)
Built by Aryan Vaishya Brahmins, Lokanarkavu Temple is featured in the Vadakkan Pattukal (Ballads of the North), in songs about legendary fighters such as Aromal Chekavar, Unniyarcha and Thacholi Othenan. The chief deity at this temple is of Goddess Durga, who is honoured by the magnificent murals and intricate carvings on the walls. The temple complex also has temples dedicated to the the gods, Shiva and Vishnu.
Location 2km from Vadakara town Timings 4.00–9.00am, 5.00–7.00pm
Thusharagiri Waterfalls (50km)
The waterfalls and the streams in this hilly region are a real feast for the eyes. The Thusharagiri Falls, comprising three waterfalls that produce a snowy spray, are gorgeous and a trekker’s paradise. One way of experiencing these falls is to go through the Thushara International Resort, located nearby. The resort provides easy access to the area. It is also possible to trek from Thusharagiri across the hills to Vythiri in Wayanad. To get to the waterfalls by road, visitors can take NH212 towards Wayanad, and turn left at Thamarassery to Kodencherry.
Peruvannamuzhi and Kakkayam Dams (50km)
The Peruvannamuzhi Dam is a picnic spot set amidst green mountains. Visitors can go boating in the reservoir, though there is only one boat here and one may have to wait their turn. There is also a bird sanctuary with around 90 species of birds and a crocodile farrm, which is home to 20 of these magnificent reptiles.
Location 9km from Kuttiyadi on SH38 (Kozhikode-Perambra Road) Entry ₹5 Timings 10.00am–5.00pm Boating ₹50 per hour Photography ₹10 Videography ₹30 Irrigation Department Tel 0495-2370672
Kakkayam Dam nearby is teeming with wildlife, and offers excellent trekking and rock-climbing facilities for the more adventurous traveller. The best time to visit is November–April.
Location 14km from Kakkayam Town, 60km from Kozhikode
FAST FACTS |
When to go September to February is the most comfortable time to visit, as Kozhikode is battered by the monsoons otherwise. However, it is best to come during the monsoons for Ayurvedic treatments or during the month of Ramzan for an unforgettable culinary experience. While April–May (the Malayalam month of Medam) is terribly hot, most temple festivals occur during this period |
Tourist Offices |
District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC) |
Directorate of Tourism |
GETTING THERE |
District Kozhikode Location Kozhikode, the greatest port along the Malabar Coast, lies between the backwaters of the Kallai and Beypore rivers in north Kerala, 224 km S of Mangalore and 210 km W of Mysore Distance 223km N of Kochi Route from Kochi NH47 to Edapally; NH17 to Kozhikode via Kodungalloor, Ponnani and Feroke Air Nearest Airport: Karipur Airport (26km/ 45min) is connected by daily flights to Coimbatore, Delhi, Kochi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai. Prepaid taxis into Kozhikode will cost around ₹800 to the city centre |
Rail Nearest Railhead: Calicut Station is connected by several daily trains to Ernakulam and Trivandrum by the Cannanore, Netravati and Parashuram Expresses, to Chennai by the Man-galore Mail, and to Mumbai by the Netravati and Mangla Lakshadweep Expresses. Kozhikode is also connected to Delhi by the daily Mangala Lakshadweep, thrice a week Trivandrum Rajdhani and twice a week by Kerala Sampark Kranti |
Road Kozhikode is connected to Kannur (86km), Kasargod (175km), Mangalore (224km), Panjim (619km) and Mumbai (1,212km) by NH17. It is a 223km, 4.5hr-drive northwards from Kochi. Take NH47 to Edapally and proceed onto NH15 to Kozhikode via Kodungalloor, Chavakad, Ponnani and Feroke. Kozhikode is also 350km, 8hrs away from Bengaluru along SH17 to Gundlupet via Mandya, Mysore and Nanjangud, and NH212 to Kozhikode via Sulthan Bathery, Kalpetta, Vythiri, Thamarasseri and Kunnamangalam |
Bus Kozhikode’s KSRTC Bus Stand (Tel: 0495-2390350) on Mavoor Road is plied with buses from Kochi, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur and Perinthalmanna within Kerala, as well as Bangalore, Mangalore, Coimbatore and Madurai |