Kozhikode Backwaters

Kozhikode lies on the Malabar Coast, southwest of Bangalore. It was the site of Vasco da Gama's first visit to India in 1498 and was later occupied by Portuguese, British, French, and Danish trading colonies.

For a deep appreciation of Kozhikode Backwaters, visitors should surpass the traditional brochure attractions of the region - the bird sanctuary, water sports at Korapuzha, the collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma at an art gallery, and copies of antique mural paintings, bronzes, and old coins at Pazhassirajah Museum. This means not merely taking the road less traveled, but leaving the road altogether and navigating the backwaters.

Whether visitors hope to cover every inch of the pleasure-cruising waterways-or even if they have time only for a short two-day trip, the leisurely pace of a houseboat cruise allows plenty of scope for side trips to the region's other attractions. Visitors can spend one day at the helm of their houseboat navigating the backwaters or pulling out trout, and the next day hiking amid the lush countryside before participating in the 'Korapuzha Jalotsavam' - a water regatta staged every August.

The natives have known the joys of cruising for years. Until the recent past, the backwaters carried commercial traffic. Today, most commercial traffic has taken to road and rail, freeing the backwaters for aquatic explorers. Kozhikode backwaters are amongst the least congested waterways in Kerala-most traffic consists of rustic boats manned by fishermen or local farmers transporting turnips, onions, ginger, eggplants and rice to the mainland.

Houseboats of all sizes, classes, and specifications, in addition to narrow boats and canoes, are available for hire. There's good news for visitors who do not want their privacy invaded by a skipper and cook - no qualification is required to rent and pilot a houseboat. Navigating a houseboat is very simple. Moorings are a mile or so apart and visitors are always close to a dock equipped with provisions and repair services.

Kozhikode is a paradise for food lovers. A local vegetarian delicacy is the 'sadya' [rice, seven different curries and pappadum]. The non-vegetarian fare is a mix of Muslim and Christian cuisines. The specialty of the region is Ghee Rice with meat curry. Old bakery shops on Sweet Meat Street are renowned for their 'Kozhikode Halwa' and banana chips.

Kozhikode is on the railway route. The nearest airport is Karipur International Airport, 23 km from Kozhikode town.

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