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About Kozhikode

Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a city located in the state of Kerala, India. It is a historically significant city with a rich cultural heritage and a prominent place in the history of South India. Here are some key aspects of Kozhikode.

Being a part of the most beautiful state in India, Kozhikode has been ranked the second best city in India to reside in. Also known as Calicut, this beautiful city boasts of beautiful beaches, parks, temples, churches, sanctuaries, hillocks, museums, wildlife, sculptures, rivers and lots more. It is the prominent trade and commerce center in Kerala. 

Vasco Da Gama first set foot here in 1498 after which it became one of the most important ports in the Malabar region for the trade of spices, silk and other goods between European countries and India. The nature of land in Kozhikode is marshy. 

is the reason why the world also knows Kozhikode as Chullikkad, which means a ‘shrubby jungle’. The friendly nature of the people of Kozhikode, along with their love for traditional values is heart touching.

About Kozhikode

Erstwhile Malabar District of British India became a part of the newly formed Kerala on November 1 1956 and a new revenue district named Kozhikode was formed on January 1, 1957.

Kozhikode is known to the world as the Center of Malabar, the land of spices and festivals. It attracts traders from all over the globe with its magnificent spices and other commodities. Kozhikode attained a position of pre-eminence in the trade of pepper and other spices since 13th century which made it an ‘Indian Emporium’ of International trade. 

From time immemorial, the city has been attracting travelers. Its charming physical features and the prosperity is what makes it stand out way above any other city.

The economy of Kozhikode mainly depends on agriculture and fisheries but it is not just limited to them. The timber industry is very powerful in Kozhikode and it is also the main center for the export of tea, coffee and coconuts.

Brief History of Kozhikode

Kozhikode was an important trade and commerce center during the medieval period. It played a crucial role in the spice trade and was the first place where Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer, landed in 1498, opening up a sea route to India.

It is a historical town with a hoary past. For more than 500 years, it has been in trade with the Arabs, the Jews and the Chinese by trading spices like black pepper and cardamom. The history of Kozhikode district as an administrative unit begins from January 1957. Read more

The city boasts several historical and cultural landmarks, including the historic Mananchira Square, Kozhikode Beach, and the S.M. Street, a popular shopping district. Beypore, a nearby coastal village, is known for its shipbuilding heritage.

Geography of Kozhikode

Situated on the southwest coast of India, along the Arabian Sea. It is known for its picturesque beaches, such as Kozhikode Beach, and a lush, green landscape. The Midland is lateritic and the whole belt along the coast is sandy. Read more

Climate

The North-East monsoon makes the city receive significant precipitation in October and November. The weather gets mild from December till the end of February with clear skies and crispy air. The average annual rainfall is 3266 mm. Read more

Tourism in Kozhikode

Kozhikode attracts tourists with its natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural attractions. It serves as a gateway to explore the scenic Malabar region and the Wayanad district, known for its wildlife and trekking opportunities.

It is not just the spices and the sculptures that make Kozhikode what it is today. The historical significance and the modern living amenities make Kozhikode a famous tourist destination. Read more

Shopping in Kozhikode

In Kozhikode, interestingly, there are many options for tourists to indulge themselves in shopping. The Sweet Meat Street, also known in short as the S.M. Street, is one of the busiest shopping areas in the city. Read more

Festivals in Kozhikode

Festivals in Kozhikode are celebrated with pomp, enthusiasm and fanfare. Though many festivals celebrated in Kozhikode are similar to those celebrate in the northern part of India, there are a few festivals which are only celebrated here or in the southern part of India. 

All the festivals celebrated in Kozhikode are Onam, Sabarimala festival, Thiruvathira, Ashtami Rohini, Thrikarthiaka, Mahashivratri, Navarathri, Miladi Sharif, Malabar Mahotsavam, Utsavam at Sreekanteswara Temple and Jalotsavam.

Cultural Diversity: The city is known for its religious and cultural diversity, with residents practicing various religions and celebrating a wide range of festivals.

Food in Kozhikode

The Malabar region, which includes Kozhikode, is famous for its cuisine. Kozhikode is known for its delectable Malabar dishes such as biryani, pathiri, and seafood specialties.

It also has a street food culture. However, the new generation of Kozhikode people are more inclined towards the Chinese and American food culture. In sea-food, mussels are a favorite. 

As a sweet, you should not miss the Calicut Halwa. Made out of flour and sugar, it is a sought after savory in Kozhikode. Different varieties are available in almost all bakeries in the city. Read More

How to Reach Kozhikode

Kozhikode can be easily reached by air, rail, road or boat. All major airlines have direct flights to Calicut. The airport is around 23 kilometres from the main city of Kozhikode. Indian railways help connect Kozhikode to all the major cities and tourist destinations in India. 

National Highway 212 connects Kozhikode in Kerala with Kollegal in Karnataka via Mysore. National Highway 213 connects Palakkad, Malappuram and Calicut district headquarters in Kerala.

Educational and Cultural Hub: Kozhikode is home to several educational institutions, including the prestigious National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC). It is also known for its cultural heritage, with various cultural events, art forms, and festivals like the Malabar Mahotsavam.

National Highway 17 connects Kozhikode to Mumbai via Mangalore, Udupi and Goa. By water, the coast line of the Kozhikode port extends from Elathur cape to the south bank of Kadalundi river and treads roughly in a straight line. The port of Kozhikode, Beypore and Badagara are open for foreign and coastal trade.

Quick facts about Kozhikode

Government in Kozhikode: Mayor
Area: Metropolis- 2345 sq km
Elevation- 1 m (3 ft)
Population as per the 2011 census
Metropolis- 3,086,293
Rank- 115th
Density- 1316 / km2 ( 817 /mi2)
Metro- 3,086,293
Metro rank- 115th
Time Zone- IST
Postal Index Number- 673001
STD Code- 0495
Offcial Languages: Malayalam, English, Hindi, Urdu

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