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Kozhikode (Calicut) - The Land Of Hues And Histories/ 2023

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Kozhikode, also known by the name Calicut, is a northern district located on India’s south-west coastal belt. The headquarters of this district is also known by the same name i.e. the city of Calicut. Surrounded by the Arabian Sea in the west, this region was the glorious centre of trade and commerce in the bygone era.

According to modern day historians, Calicut was best known for its spices and silk - a reason why it had successfully established trade links with many countries in the Indian Ocean. Strong commercial links with many African, Asian and Middle East countries made Calicut a buzzing economic hub in its golden days.

Calicut came under the British East India Company during the colonial times and was administered under Madras Presidency. Calicut has its share in the world history for it was in Kappad (18 km away from Calicut) Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese navigator, landed in the year 1498. This historical moment was honoured by constructing a monument at that place which is a popular tourist attraction in Calicut.

Spectacular Culture, Splendid Cuisines

Of all the things Calicut is famed for, its culture and cuisines stand out demanding the attention of travellers and historians alike. This region is the birthplace of the world famous folk songs known by the name Vadakkan Pattukal.

Calicut thrives with rich Islamic art forms which contributed to the uniqueness of the cultural history of the region. Oppana (a Muslim dance form) and Mappilapattukal (Muslim Songs) and Gazals are the most popular Islamic art forms of this place.

The city is home to many progressive literary movements which gave birth to several renowned regional writers. Apart from cultural forms, the people of Calicut are well known for their love for football and hospitality.

Being a potpourri of many traditions such as Arabic and Chinese, Calicut enjoys an exceptionally outstanding culinary culture. The city is best associated with Kozhikodan Halwa (a flour-based confectionery which comes in many flavours) and no traveller should miss tasting this heavenly delight.

Another food that made Calicut famous around the globe is its Malabar Biriyani which is served in almost all the restaurants of the district. Sea foods, pathiri, banana chips and ghee rice are some other delights no traveller would want to miss.

Famous Tourist Places In And Around Kozhikode

Calicut will serve as a true paradise for those who want to explore the place on foot. The churches, temples, streets and monuments of this district invite travellers with their hues and histories. Beypore and Kappad Beach lure the visitors with scenic beauty and coastal merriment.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary will kindle the interest of birdwatchers, it being home to a wide variety of bird species. Thusharagiri Waterfalls and Peruvannamuzhi Dam are perfect spots for family picnics and one day trips.

Another must-see attraction of Calicut is the Mithai Theruvu (more popularly known as SM Street) which is a chief commercial centre of the city and an ideal place to go shopping. Other popular attractions of Calicut include Thikkoti Lighthouse, Manachira Square, Pazhassiraja Museum, Kalipoyika, Lion's Park, Tali Temple, Kakkayam, Krishna Menon Museum and planetarium.

An Ideal Idyllic Location

The perfect way to end a hectic day is to spend evenings in Calicut beach enjoying the breeze and watching the sun set. Calicut is home to a number of world-class restaurants where travellers can indulge in the tastes of Malabar. The city, with a good number of non-expensive hotels, offers economic accommodation.

How To Reach Kozhikode

Calicut enjoys remarkable connectivity by air, rail and road. The city is connected to all major cities in India and is highly accessible.

Best Time To Visit Kozhikode

The weather of the region is pleasant and traveller-friendly. With its historical monuments, long stretches of beaches, heavenly cuisines, buzzing streets, vibrant culture and good natured inhabitants, Calicut offers travellers everything they expect and even more than that.

Kozhikode is Famous for

Kozhikode Weather

Best Season / Best Time to Visit Kozhikode

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How to Reach Kozhikode

  • By Road
    Calicut enjoys good connectivity by road as NH 17 passes through the district. Calicut city has a major bus station known as the Mofussil Bus Stand which has bus services to a number of towns such as Kannur, Thalassery, Palakkad and Ernakulam. The Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) bus station is located close to the Mofussil Bus Stand from where regular services are available to Bangalore, Mysore and Wayanad. Luxury bus services are also available from Calicut to all major cities such as Bangalore, Mangalore, Chennai and Thiruvananthapuram.
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  • By Train
    Calicut has a railway station which enjoys remarkable connectivity to all the other cities in Kerala as well as in India. There are frequent trains running to cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Palakkad and Kannur. Auto Rickshaws, taxis and buses are available from the railway station.
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  • By Air
    Calicut International Airport, also known as Karipur International Airport, is situated at a distance of about 25 km from the city of Calicut. Calicut Airport is connected to almost all major cities of India and some of the cities in the Middle East. Those who arrive by air can hire taxi services from the airport to reach Calicut city.
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