In northern Kerala lies the area which the legendary traveller Marco Polo described in 1320 A.D. as the ''Great province of Malabar.'' Much of this richness today lies buried in the glory of a past grandeur, a past replete with the trading visits of European voyagers calling on the ancient port of Calicut on their regular journeys of commerce, lured by timber, ivory, pepper, ginger, cinnamon and other spices. The great traveller lbn Batuta, who visited Calicut (known as Kozhikode in Malayalam) at least six times in the mid-13th century, wrote of the prosperity he saw: ''The greater part of the Mohammedan merchants of this place are so wealthy that one of them can purchase the whole freightage of such vessels put in here and fit out others like them.'' After the 13th century Kozhikode grew in importance as a port and the capital of the powerful kingdom of the Samoothiris or the Zamorins, as they were called by the Portuguese. In fact, some historian's say Kozhikode derives its name from the fortified palace ('koyil Kotta') built by a Samoothiri ruler. Kozhikode's commercial glory was also praised by the Arab Traveller Abdur Razzak in 1443 A.D.: ''Kozhikode is a perfectly secured harbour, which, like that of Ormuz, brings together merchants from every city and from every country.'' Interestingly, Kozhikode has also lent its name to 'calico', the fine variety of handwoven cotton clothe said to have originated in this place. Kozhikode was also Vasco da Gama's first stop in India. He set foot on the sands of Kappad beach, north of today's city, on 27 May 1498 A.D., a landing commemorated by a small stone monument at the beach. This event marked the beginning of a new epoch in world history and specifically in the history of Kerala. against the backdrop of bitter rivalries between local rulers began a period of unbroken strife among foreign powers for the domination of trade in Malabar. Today, Kozhikode is an important trading centre for timber and tiles and the shopping ground for that famous delicacy among sweets, 'Kozhikode Halwa.'
 

Tusharagiri: 
Famous for its trekking tracks, it is located, near Vythiri in Wayanad. Trekkers start early morning from the second waterfall and climb uphill through the pristine, evergreen dense forests populated with exotic birds and wild animals to reach Vythiri by evening.

Tali Temple: 
Built in the 14th century by Swami Thirumulpad, the Zamorian, within his palace complex, this temple was the venue of Revathy Pattathanam the annual culture and intellectual event at eh Zamorin's court.

Kozhikode Beach: 
This beach is a favourite haunt of sunset viewers. Adding to its natural beauty is the old world charm retained in the old lighthouse and the two crumbling piers, each more than a hundred years old, that run into the sea. Entertainment facilities such as Lions Park for children and the marine water aquarium are added attractions.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: 
The estuary at Kadalundi is a haven for migratory birds. Terns, gulls, herons, sandpipers,whimbrels and other exotic birds flock into this place in November and return home in April.

Planetarium: 
The Kozhikode Planetarium at the city's Jaffarkhan colony offers extensive insight into the mysteries of the universe, the planets and he galaxies.