Up north in Kerela, the cool backwaters of Calicut (Kozhikode) lie waiting to be discovered. With a bewitching beauty of its own. Unspoilt. Uncommon. Unknown.

North east of the city, Elathur offers an ideal jump-off base into the Canoly canal - a name taken after its British builder and administrator. The canal links itself to the Kallai river which unhurriedly threads through the city and offer its shores to Calicut's historic timber trade. The produce of which is believed to have even adorned the courts of King Solomon and Queen Sheba a few millennia ago

Further south lies Kadalundi with its charming bird sanctuary - haven to an amazing assortment of delightful water birds.

Another river of the region - Korapuzha - is fast gaining popularity as the venue of the water sports festival - the Korapuzha Jalotsavam - staged every August.

Sidelights

• Kappad: A short hop on the Korapuzha river brings you to the famed, enchanting Kappad beach, where vasco-da-gama set foot 500 years ago.

• Beypore: This small costal town 11 kms south of Calicut has built up a worldwide reputation through centuries as a ship-building centre. Large wooden vessels called "Urus" built here, were used by the naval commanders of England in their victorious battles against Napoleon.

• Pazhassirajah Museum: Located at east hill, the Pazhassirajah Museum displays ancient murals, antique bronze and rare coins as well as models of temples and megalithic monuments.

Getting there

Access into Calicut is easy with flights operating daily from Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai, and from Madurai on all days except Mondays. Well established rail connections exit between Calicut and all major Indian cities. By road or rail Calicut is 5 hrs away from Cochin.