Introduction
The tranquil waters of the Beautiful backwaters and the palm fringed emerald canals are fast gaining momentum as one of the most popular tourist destinations in India. Kozhikode formerly and famously known as Calicut was the capital of Malabar during the rule of the Zamorins.
Calicut was a port of international repute and abounded in the trade of spices like black pepper and cardamom, which were much sought after by the Arab, Phoenician, Chinese, Dutch and Portugese traders since early 19th century. The importance of Calicut can be fathomed from the journals of Ibn Batuta where he says, "We came next to Kalikut, one of the great ports of the district of Malabar, and in which merchants of all parts are found."
The Kappad beach in Kozhikode is the place where the first European to sail directly to India - Vasco Da Gama landed.
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