The busy coastal city of Kozhikode, located to the north of Kerala and 225 kms from Kochi holds an important postion in the legend and history of Kerala.

The place is historically famous as the Portuguese led by Vasco da Gama first landed in India, at Kappad near Kozhikode in 1498 AD. He was the first European to reach India via the sea route, around the southern cape of Africa. Later the Dutch, French and British came to its shores.

Thus, began a period of conflict of foreign powers for domination of trade in Malabar. Kozhikode (Calicut) was the capital of the powerful Zamorins. This age-old town still maintains its commercial traditions.

Pookot Lake
Pookot Lake, a natural fresh water lake surrounded by evergreen forests and rolling hills is located 3 kms from south of Vythiri town.

Pookot Lake, about 13 kms from Kalpetta, is undoubtedly the most beautiful tourist spot in the whole of Wayanad. The lake nestles in the lap of mountains surrounding it.

Boating in the Pookot Lake is a memorable experience. Tall trees and dense forests that line along the pathway around the lake provide a visual treat. A freshwater acquarium with a large variety of fish is an added attraction.

Tourists can also avail of boating facilities, to enjoy the serene waters of the enchanting lake. A children park and a shopping centre for handicrafts and spices are some of the few attractions of the region, providing recreational facilities to the visitors.

Ettumanoor Temple
Located 12 kms north of Kottayam town, at Ettumanoor is an ancient Shiva temple, which was built in the 16th century.

The temple, a specimen of the indigenous Kerala style of architecture, attracts many Hindu devotees from all over the state.The copper plated conical roof of the central shrine, is in itself a majestic structure.

The shrine is inlaid with beautiful carvings of scenes from the Ramayana, Bhagavatha and Krishna Leela. The temple is also endowed with an exquisite collection of Mural paintings and sculptures, depicting scenes from the Hindu mythology.

The Mural Art Centre, near the temple is preserved by the Archaeological Department of the state. The ten-day annual festival, `Ezharaponnaana Ezhunallathu` falls in February/ March. The last day `Arathi` falls on the day of Thiruvathira.

Krishna Menon Museum
The Krishna Menon Museum houses a good collection of Paintings by Raja Raja Varma and Raja Ravi Varma. A section is devoted to the Memorabilia of the late V.K. Krishna Menon, former Indian Defence Minister and national leader.

The section in honour of the great Indian leader V.K Krishna Menon has on display the collection of personal belongings and souvenirs gifted by this world leader.

Tusharagiri
Snuggled cosily in the Western Ghats, are the gurgling waterfalls of Thusharagiri. Meaning the snow capped mountains; Thushargiri exhibits a unique kinship between the land and water.

The three waterfalls on the backdrop of the Western Ghats provide an exhilarating and spellbinding sight to the visitor.

The best roar of the waterfalls can be enjoyed from September to November. The waterfall with its gentle spray is sure to soothe every eye. The cascading waters of the waterfall slides past with surfy smiles.

Two streams originating from the Western Ghats meet here to form the Chalippuzha River. The river diverges into three waterfalls creating a snowy spray, which gives the name, `Thusharagiri`.

Of the three, the highest waterfall is the Thenpara that falls from an altitude of 75 metres. Situated at Kodencherry in Kozhikode district, the plantation destination that abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spices is also a trekker`s delight.

Trekker`s start early morning from the second waterfalls at the hills and climb up through the pristine dense evergreen forests teeming with exotic birds and animals to reach Vythiri and Waynad district by evening. There is a dam located around 45 km from Calicut.

The place offers challenging trekking and rock-climbing through river path and numerous waterfalls. There is another dam at 60 km from Calicut. It is a place of beauty, calm, and serenity. The place has a crocodile farm run by the state forest department.

Getting There
By Air
Kozhikode (Calicut) has an airport at Karipur.

By Rail
Kozhikode is served by a handful of costal expresses and several passenger trains.

By Road
A well-built network of roads connects Kozhikode (Calicut) to the other parts of the state.

Local Transport
Auto Rickshaws, Deluxe Buses.