Famous Pilgrimage Routes & Religious Sites in Calicut, Kerala, India
1. Biriyani Road Dargah
A famous Muslim pilgrimage site dedicated to Hazrat Sufi Saint Syed Haji Sayyid Adam Bin-e-Ibrahim Madani (R.A). It is known for its miraculous biriyani, prepared and distributed every Thursday.
- Miraculous Biriyani: The biriyani cooked here is believed to have magical properties.
- Thursday Gathering: Every Thursday, thousands gather here for the biriyani distribution and prayers.
- Historical Significance: The Dargah has been a significant religious and cultural hub in Calicut for centuries.
2. Thiruvannur Maha Vishnu Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, known for its unique 'Thrikkovil' architectural style. The temple is also a popular venue for the annual Theyyam performances.
- Thrikkovil Architecture: The temple architecture is a blend of Kerala and Tamil styles, making it unique.
- Theyyam Performances: During the annual festival, traditional Theyyam performances are held, showcasing local culture and spirituality.
- Ancient History: The temple is believed to be more than a thousand years old.
3. Kappad Beach
The landing site of Vasco da Gama in 1498, Kappad Beach is a serene and spiritual location with a small St. Francis Church nearby.
- Historic Landing Site: Kappad Beach is where the first Europeans set foot in India.
- St. Francis Church: The small church nearby commemorates St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of Portugal.
- Beautiful Coastal Views: The beach offers breathtaking sunsets and coastal landscapes.
4. Malik Deenar Juma Masjid
One of the oldest mosques in Kerala, built in 629 AD by Malik Ibn Dinar, a companion of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The mosque is known for its tranquil atmosphere and Islamic studies.
- Oldest Mosque: Malik Deenar Juma Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in Kerala.
- Islamic Studies Center: The mosque serves as a center for Islamic studies and spiritual learning.
- Historical Significance: The mosque has historical significance due to its association with Malik Ibn Dinar.
5. Thali Temple
A temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, located on a hillock in Thali. The temple is known for its annual festival and panoramic views of Calicut city.
- Annual Festival: The temple hosts a grand annual festival attracting thousands of devotees.
- Panoramic Views: The temple offers breathtaking views of Calicut city from its hilltop location.
- Sacred Ayyappan Temple: Thali Temple is one of the many sacred temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappan in Kerala.
6. Mazha Pilavar Kovil
A unique Hindu temple dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali. The temple is known for the 'Mazha Pilavar' or rice boiling ritual performed every Tuesday.
- Rice Boiling Ritual: Every Tuesday, a special ritual of boiling rice is performed here.
- Goddess Bhadrakali Temple: Mazha Pilavar Kovil is one of the few temples dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali in Kerala.
- Tuesday Gathering: Thousands gather every Tuesday for prayers and the rice boiling ritual.
7. Makthapalam Juma Masjid
A beautiful mosque built in the early 16th century by Arab traders. It is known for its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere.
- Early 16th Century Architecture: Makthapalam Juma Masjid showcases beautiful early 16th century architecture.
- Arab Trader History: The mosque was built by Arab traders who established a trading post in Calicut.
- Tranquil Atmosphere: The mosque offers a peaceful and tranquil environment for prayer and reflection.
8. Pallikara Church
An ancient Syrian Orthodox church built in the 9th century. It is known for its beautiful murals and historical significance.
- 9th Century History: Pallikara Church is one of the oldest churches in India, dating back to the 9th century.
- Beautiful Murals: The church boasts beautiful fresco murals depicting biblical scenes.
- Syrian Orthodox Faith: The church follows the Syrian Orthodox faith, a distinct branch of Christianity.
9. Parappanangadi Juma Masjid
A historic mosque built in the 14th century. It is known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
- 14th Century Architecture: Parappanangadi Juma Masjid showcases stunning 14th-century architecture.
- Historical Significance: The mosque has historical significance as it was built during the era of Zamorin rulers.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: The mosque offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere for prayer and reflection.
10. Kottakunnu Juma Masjid
A beautiful mosque built in the early 16th century by Arab traders. It is known for its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere.
- Early 16th Century Architecture: Kottakunnu Juma Masjid showcases beautiful early 16th century architecture.
- Arab Trader History: The mosque was built by Arab traders who established a trading post in Calicut.
- Tranquil Atmosphere: The mosque offers a peaceful and tranquil environment for prayer and reflection.
11. Thottada St. Sebastian's Church
A beautiful Roman Catholic church built in the 19th century. It is known for its Gothic architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
- 19th Century History: Thottada St. Sebastian's Church was built in the 19th century.
- Gothic Architecture: The church boasts beautiful Gothic architecture.
- Peaceful Atmosphere: The church offers a serene and peaceful environment for prayer and reflection.
12. Tali Temple
A temple dedicated to Lord Ayyappan, located on a hillock in Tali. The temple is known for its annual festival and panoramic views of Calicut city.
- Annual Festival: The temple hosts a grand annual festival attracting thousands of devotees.
- Panoramic Views: The temple offers breathtaking views of Calicut city from its hilltop location.
- Sacred Ayyappan Temple: Tali Temple is one of the many sacred temples dedicated to Lord Ayyappan in Kerala.
13. Thiruvangad Sree Ramaswamy Temple
An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Rama, known for its unique 'Gaja Prishta' architectural style. The temple is also a popular venue for the annual Thiruvathira Kaliyattam performances.
- Gaja Prishta Architecture: The temple architecture is a blend of Kerala and Tamil styles, making it unique.
- Thiruvathira Kaliyattam Performances: During the annual festival, traditional Thiruvathira Kaliyattam performances are held, showcasing local culture and spirituality.
- Ancient History: The temple is believed to be more than a thousand years old.
14. Payyoli Koyil
A famous Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is known for its unique architectural style and daily rituals.
- Unique Architecture: Payyoli Koyil showcases a unique blend of Kerala, Tamil, and Dravidian architecture.
- Daily Rituals: The temple performs daily rituals that are open to the public.
- Lord Ganesha Temple: Payyoli Koyil is one of the many temples dedicated to Lord Ganesha in Kerala.
15. North Paravur St. Mary's Church
A beautiful Roman Catholic church built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers. It is known for its beautiful architecture and historical significance.
- 16th Century History: North Paravur St. Mary's Church was built in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers.
- Portuguese Architecture: The church boasts beautiful Portuguese architecture.
- Historical Significance: The church has historical significance due to its association with Portuguese explorers.