The Malabar coastal region and the third largest city in Kerala, Kozhikode formerly called Calicut, is situated on the northern part of the state. Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is the third largest city in Kerala and the headquarters of Kozhikode district. During the Middle Ages, Calicut was dubbed the “City of Spices” for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices.Having great cultural traditions and jargon of its own, the city is a major trading center for spices and tiles and sometimes known as the ‘land of spices’. The name Kozhikode is derived from the words Koyil (palace) and Kodu ( fortified). The city found its place in world history when Portuguese navigator Vasco De Gama discovered this as a sea route to India in 1498. Kozhikode is know by various names; Arabs called it Kalikat and Chinese Kalifo. During the conquest of Malabar, Tippu Sulthan tried to change the name of the city to Ferozabad. The city is popular for its Kozhikodan Halwas, a sweet dish made by flour and jaggery and the traditional Muslim food especially seafood cuisines made out of prawns, crabs, lobster and shell creature known as kallummekkaya or kadukka. Today, ancient monuments,Mananchira Square,serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make Kozhikode a much sought after destination.Basking in the idyllic setting of the serene Arabian Sea on the west and the proud peaks of the Wayanad hills on the east, this district with the serene beaches, lush green countryside, historic sites, all combine to make Kozhikode a popular tourist destination filled with a warm ambience to fascinate a visitorInnumerable versions of how Kozhikode acquired its name abound among the local populace. According to one such version, the place got its name from “Cock Fort” (the land where the cock crows). Another version says that Kozhikode derived its name from Koyil Kotu or Kotta, which means a fortified palace.Kozhikode has a population of 436,556 as per 2001 census, with an extended metropolitan population of about 0.9 million, making it the third largest urban agglomeration and the third largest city in Kerala. According to data compiled by economics research firm Indicus Analytics on residences, earnings and investments, Kozhikode ranked as the second best city in India to reside in. Indicus considered six parameters – health, education, environment, safety, public facilities and entertainment – for preparing their ‘reside-in’ index of liveability.Kozhikode city continues to be a centre of flourishing domestic and international trade. Its contribution to all round development of the district in trade, commerce and economic development over the years is spectacular. Kozhikode city is the marketing centre for commodities like pepper coconut, coffee, rubber, lemon grass oil etc., produced in Kozhikode and the neighbouring districts of Wayanad, Malappuram and Kannur.
Location info:
Kozhikode formerly called Calicut, is situated on the northern part of the state
Climate/Weather:
The district has a humid climate with a very hot season extending from March to May. The most important rainy season is during the South West Monsoon, which sets in the first week of June and extends up to September. The North East Monsoon extends from the second half of October through November. The average annual rainfall is 3266 mm
History of Kozhikode City(Calicut):
Kozhikode District found a place in the World History with the discovery of Sea Route to India in 1498 by the Portuguese Navigator Vasco Da Gama. Vasco Da Gama landed at the Kappad sea shore with three vessels and 170 men. A monument is constucted here to commemorate the historical landing.
Educational Institutions Kozhikode City(Calicut):
Calicut Medical College Canteen Calicut, Kozhikode, KeralaDental College SH 24, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala0495 2356781Govt. Law College NH 212, Vellimadukunnu, Calicut, Kozhikode, KeralaNirmala Hospital And Nursing College NH 212, Vellimadukunnu, Calicut, Kozhikode, KeralaMalabar Christian College Christian College Cross Road, Calicut, Kozhikode, KeralaGovernment Arts & Science CollegeMeenchanda 1 review Calicut, Kozhikode, KeralaMES Womens college Zilla Bungalow Road, Calicut, Kozhikode, KeralaGovernment Engineering College Kozhikode West Hill, Calicut, Kozhikode, KeralaGovt. Homeopathic Medical College Karapparambu, KOzhikode Balussery Road, Calicut, Kozhikode, KeralaGovt. Engineering College Temporary Block Valakkettunilam Road, West Hill, Calicut, Kozhikode, KeralaChrist Hall Jesuit Training College NH212, Calicut, Kozhikode, KeralaMed.College Campus GHSS Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala StateMedical College Helipad Calicut, Kozhikode, KeralaCalicut Medical College Calicut, Kozhikode, KeralaSt Joseph’s College Devagiri Kozhikode, Kerala State 6730080495 2355901Manappuram -Medical College SH 24, Kozhikode, Kerala 673008049 53224848Zamorin’s Guruvayurappan College 1 review Guruvayurappan College Road, Calicut, Kozhikode, KeralaKMCT College of Engineering Kozhikode, Kerala0495 2295395AWH Engineering College Kozhikode, KeralaJanatha Arts College AtholiKuttiyadi Road, Purakkattiri, Kozhikode, Kerala State
Langauge
The local language spoken here is Malayalam the mother tongue of the people of Kerala known as keralites or Malayalees
Culture:
In the field of Malayalam language and literature, Kozhikode has made many significant contributions. The district is famous for folk songs or ballads known as Vadakkan Pattukal. The most popular songs among them are those which celebrate the exploits of Thacholi Othenan and Unniyarcha. One of the favourite past times of the Muslims of the district is singing Mappila pattu and Oppana. The songs are composed in a composite language of Arabic and Malayalam. The famous intellectual debate for Vedic scholars to win the coveted position of Pattathanam takes place at Thali temple during the month of Thulam. Kozhikode also has strong associations with ghazals and football.Kozhikode offers fare to suit every palate. Vegetarian fare includes the sadya. The non-vegetarian food offered in the city is a unique mix of Muslim and Hindu preparations. Some popular dishes include the Biriyani, ghee rice with meat curry, seafood (prawns, mussels, mackerel) and paper-thin Pathiris to provide accompaniment to spicy gravy. Another well-known Kozhikode specialty is banana chips, which are made crisp and wafer-thin. The ‘Kozhikode Halwa’ is very popular, even overseas.
How to reach Kozhikode City(Calicut)?
Nearest Railway Station:Kozhikode is served by a handful of costal expresses and several passenger trains.
Nearest Airport: Kozhikode has an airport at Karipur.
Road Transport:The KSRTC buses ply regularly to Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, Ooty, Madurai, Coimbatore, Pondicherry, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur Alappuzha, Kochi and Kottayam. NH 17 connects Kozhikode to Kannur, Kasaraod, Mangalore, Panjim and Mumbai. Tourists prefer taking the bus route to Ooty and Mysore due to the breathtaking views presented as the bus ascends the Western Ghats.
Tourist Attraction of Kozhikode City(Calicut)
Krishna Menon Museum: Krishna Menon Museum situated at East Hill is five km by bus from the Railway station / city bus station. Lying adjacent to pazhassi raja Museum, a storehouse of knowledgeTusharagiri Waterfalls: As the name suggests, land and water have struck an extraordinary kinship at Thusharagiri (mist capped peaks). The plantation destination that abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spices, is also a trekker’s delight.Tali Temple: Built in the 14th century by Swamy Thirumulpad, the Zamorin, within his palace complex, this temple was the venue of Revathy Pattathanam, the annual cultural and intellectual event.Malabar Houseboats: For luxury boating and exploring pristine back waters of Calicut (Kozhikode), House Boats can be availed. The novel concept and excellent hospitality in this floating palace is worth enjoying, with family and friends.Pazhassiraja Museum: A veritable treasure trove for historians and connoisseurs of art, the Pazhassiraja Museum is located in Kozhikode – the land of spices, which lured navigators from time immemorial down to the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498.Kozhippara Water Falls Ideal location for trekking and swimming ,with river side forests ,situated in Kakkadampoyil on the Malappuram -Calicut District border,can reach there by road.Pazhassiraja Museum copies of ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes, coins, temple models and megalithic monuments.Vadakara A city on bank of Kuttiyadi river, famous 1500 year old Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi Temple, rock cut caves with murals and carvings.Dolphin point: Here one can see in the early hours of the morning dolphins playing in the sea. The beach, 2 km from Calicut (Kozhikode) town centre is along stretch of tree lined sand popular with the local people because of the Lions Club park, the Light House and the two piers – and, of course, the opportunity to enjoy in the evening breeze.Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: The sanctuary at Kadalundi is a Haven for migratory birds. Terns, Gulls, Herons, Sand pipers, Whim brels .Other such migratory birds flock from the month of November and returns only by the end of April. It is 25 kms. from Kozhikode.Tusharagiri Famous for trekking tracks, with waterfall, evergreen dense forests with exotic birds and wild animals on the way.Tali Temple 14th century temple build by Swami Thirumulpad, the Zamorian.Beypore: Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala, was an important trade and maritime centre Beypore was much sought after by merchants from Western Asia for its ship building industry.S M Street: Sweet Meat Street is the busiest street in Calicut (Kozhikode) and derives its name from the times when the street was lined with sweetmeat stalls. Kozhikode is famous for its ‘Halwa’ and Sweets.Kappad Beach: For the people of Calicut (Kozhikode), this pleasant stretch of rock studded beach is Kappakkadavu. To the tourist it is one of the most charming of Kerala’s beaches. Kappad finds mention in history and geography texts as the gateway to the Malabar Coast.
Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Kozhikode City(Calicut):
Fortune Hotel Calicut Rated 2.4 out of 5.0 47 Kannur Road, 673006 – 049 5276 8888Hotel Asma Tower NH 17, Kozhikode, Kerala 673004 – 09847611275The Gateway Hotel Beach Road Rated 3.4 out of 5.0 33 P.T.Usha Road Kerela, 673032 – 0495 2765354Hotel Kadavu Resort 25 NH 17 Calicut Bye Pass Road, Post Office Feroke College, Calicut, 673 632 – 0483 2830023Malabar Palace Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala – 0495 2721511Beach Hotel , Calicut, Kozhikode, KeralaTaj Residency Hotel PT Usha Rd, Kozhikode, Kerala 673032 – 0495 2765354Beach Heritage Inn Hotel Rated 3.2 out of 5.0 6 Beach Rd, Kozhikode, Kerala 673 032 – 0495 2365363Sagar Hotel NH 17, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala – 0495 2720152Hotel Alakapuri MM Ali Road, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala – 0495 2723451
