Kozhikode
The Pearl of Malabar
Kozhikode Tourism
Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is often called the spice capital of the nation. This North Malabar district of Kerala is famous for being the food and cultural capital of the region. With significant influences of Arabic, Jewish and Portuguese culture, Kozhikode had begun trading in spices like cardamom and black pepper more than 500 years ago. Vasco Da Gama, the first European person to land on Indian Shores had landed on the sands of the Kappad beach here in Kozhikode.
Before the British rule, Kozhikode was the capital of Malabar under the Samoothiris (also known as Zamorins). Largely a trading town, Kozhikode traded with the Arabs, Jews, Chinese, Phoenicians, Dutch and Portuguese in its prime. This is evident in the fact that Kozhikode still serves as the trade capital for the Malabar districts including Kannur, Wayanad and Malappuram. Today, Kozhikode is dotted with a number of luxury hotels, high-rises and malls while the city has been transforming to become the IT hub of the region.
Kozhikode is often seen as the epitome of the Malabar food scenario. The sheer number of items available in a typical Kozhikode restaurant is enough to set your mouths on fire. A number of festivals, including food festivals, are held here all year round to celebrate the diversity and pride of the Kozhikode people. This city is also very welcoming and is known for the warmth with which people embrace visitors. A visit to Kozhikode is sure to leave your senses, soul, and tummy satisfied.
The City of Artists
The culture and heritage of this beautiful city would take a number of pages to explain in detail. Kozhikode is seen as one of the most harmonious and peace-loving places in India. Being a trading and port city, Kozhikode offers a freedom that is inculcated in its long-standing tradition of trade and commerce. People of various culture, heritage and religion live here harmoniously and thus a visit to Kozhikode is sure to change your perception about Kerala and Malayalees.
Kozhikode had begun trading with the Arabs since the 7th Century as per many historians. This is quite evident in the Arabic influence obvious around the city. Traditional dance and song forms like Oppana and Mappila Pattu have to be enjoyed once in a lifetime. Kozhikode is also the preferred habitat of a number of literary and cultural icons in Kerala like Vaikom Muhammad Basheer and M. T. Vasudevan Nair, literary stalwarts who had spent most of their lives in the city. Kozhikode is also home to festivals like the Malabar Mahotsavam (a cultural festival) and Jalolsavam (celebratory festival as a part of Onam) are celebrated with pomp and glory.
Top things do in Kozhikode
1. Lion's Park
1 kilometres from city centre2. Kappad Beach
15 kilometres from city centre3. Kallai River
2 kilometres from city centre4. Kakkayam
34 kilometres from city centre5. Peruvannamuzhi Dam
38 kilometres from city centre6. Beypore
10 kilometres from city centre7. Mananchira Square
1 kilometres from city centre8. Vellari Mala
42 kilometres from city centre9. Mishkal Palli Mosque
2 kilometres from city centre10. Tali Temple
1 kilometres from city centre11. Matri Dei Cathedral
1 kilometres from city centre12. Juma Masjid
1 kilometres from city centre13. Thusharagiri Waterfall
38 kilometres from city centre14. Sweetmeat Street (Mithai Theravu)
1 kilometres from city centre15. Beypore Beach
11 kilometres from city centre16. Pazhassiraja Museum
4 kilometres from city centre17. Kozhippara Falls
37 kilometres from city centre18. Kozhikode Beach
1 kilometres from city centre19. Art Gallery
1 kilometres from city centre20. Backwaters
199 kilometres from city centre21. Thikkoti Light House
6 kilometres from city centre22. Krishna Menon Museum
4 kilometres from city centre23. Kadalundi bird sanctuary
16 kilometres from city centre24. KIRTADS
4 kilometres from city centre25. Canolly / Canoli Canal
3 kilometres from city centre
How to reach
Kozhikode is accessible by road, rail and flight.
How to Reach by Flight
Calicut International Airport, also known as Karipur Airport is just 23km away from the city. The city is connected to other cities and a number of international destinations by regular flights.
How to Reach by Train
Kozhikode Main(CLT) railway station connects the city to the rail network of the country. Passenger trains, as well as Superfast trains arrive at the station at regular intervals.
How to Reach by Bus
Kerala State Road Transport Corporation busses and numerous private buses are available.
How to Reach by Road
The road network is quite extensive in Kozhikode. National and State Highways connect the city to different parts of the country.
How to travel within
Kozhikode has an extensive local bus service that connects almost all parts of the district. Cabs and autos are abundantly available throughout the city.
Food and Dining
Food is one of the main attractions of this beautiful city. Often referred to as the food capital of the state, Kozhikode is quite generous with its offerings. With a distinct flavour, courtesy of the vibrant Musil community here, Kozhikode will cater to the hunger pangs of anyone and everyone. The Erachi pathiris (rice cakes filled with meat mixture), Kuzhi Mandis (Arabic style rice and meat dish), Arikadukka (rice cake cooked with mussels), and the wide varieties of other snacks are just the tip of the iceberg here in Kozhikode.
Kozhikode is also famous for a couple of speciality drinks like the Avil Milk (a shake with rice flakes and banana), Kulukki Sarbath (drinks, mostly flavoured lemonade, shaken together before service), Milk Sarbath and Sulaimani (spiced tea, often with a dash of lemon). The famous Malabar Biriyani also finds its roots here and is a speciality dish in most restaurants in Kozhikode. Kozhikode bakeries are also quite renowned and are among the first to bake cakes and biscuits in the country.
The food and dining scenario in Kozhikode has evolved to accommodate modern flavours and fine dining as well. Restaurants serving dishes from various cuisines like Chinese, Arabic, American and European can be seen dotted around the city. Paragon Restaurant and their biriyani enjoy celebrity status in the Kozhikode restaurant scenario.
Kozhikode Itinerary
Day 1
- Kappad Beach
- Krishna Menon Museum
- Pazhassiraja Museum
- Mananchira Square
- Sweet Street (Mithai Theravu)
- Mishkal Palli Mosque
- Beypore, Beypore Beach
Day 2
- Peruvannamuzhi Dam
- Kakkayam
- Kozhippara Falls
- Thusharagiri Waterfall
- Kakkadampoyil