Kozhikode Travel Essentials

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Ideal duration: 1-2 days

Best Time: October to March Read More

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Also Refered As:

Calicut

"A colonial city of trade and tourism"

Kozhikode Tourism

Formerly known as Calicut, Kozhikode is located in Kerala. It was the Capital of Malabar during the Zamorin rule 500 years ago and is famous for its centuries-old trade in cotton and spices with Jews, Arabs, Phoenicians and Chinese. 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.

Vasco da Gama had set his foot on the remote beach of Kappad in Kozhikode in 1498 and 'Discovered India' and established spice trade routes with the west. Kozhikode city is the marketing centre for commodities like pepper coconut, coffee, rubber, lemongrass oil etc., produced in Kozhikode and the neighbouring districts of Wayanad, Malappuram and Kannur.  Being the major trade centre in Malabar and major exporter to foreign countries, the international travellers christened this district as ‘the noble emporium of India’. 

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History of Kozhikode

Initially being part of Madras state (Tamil Nadu), Kozhikode was later added to Kerala based on linguistics. Physiography under the hegemonic rule of Zamorins or Samuthiris contributed to various socio-political changes in this region. The prosperity of Kozhikode was at its zenith under the administration of Zamorins. Located to the right bank of river Kallayi in the South-West coast of India this district is bounded by Nilgiris and Wayanad Hills in the East. Vikramapuram, the original name of Kozhikode was later changed to Kozhikode under the rule of Zamorins. There have been a lot of folk stories about this transition of the name of the district. But it is mostly believed to have got its name from the fortified palace of Zamorins- ‘Kozhikottu’. Later, Kozhikode was anglicised to Calicut, as the district is famous for its unique ‘Calicut cotton’ and Calico cloths. In the year 1498, Vasco da Gama arrived in the city of Kappad of Kozhikode, and this kindled the bilateral trade relationship with Portuguese. Kozhikode became the hot trade centre in Malabar in trading pepper and other spices with Arabs, Chinese and Portuguese. In the memoirs of foreign travellers, they used to state that merchants from all parts of the world are found in the ports of Kozhikode. Kozhikode was also the prime reason for the four Anglo-Mysore war 1766 between Hyder Ali of Mysore and the British.

The City of Spices

During the colonial and pre-colonial times, the city was top ranked in spice production and trade. A huge variety of premium quality spices is sold here even today. A mercantile city since the ancient times, Kozhikode is a metro with lots of shopping and dining options. The city also has a few beautiful places of worship and is located close to the stunning Tusharagiri waterfalls.

Restaurants and Local Food in Kozhikode

With a blend of Arab and Malabar cuisine, Kozhikode is famous for its meat dishes and desserts. A connoisseur of food should never miss, Erachi Pathiri (soft rice bread with meat fillings) and Erachi/Meat curry, Kuzhi Mandhi (prawns, mutton, chicken and fish), Kozhikode pav bhaji(special chicken gravy fillings) and Aradika (rice flour and mussel). If you are a vegetarian, you could always opt for the option of traditional Kerala Sadhya. A concoction of mussels in rice flour cooked in the shell called Arikadaka is equally special. Another thing that should make it to your list of desserts is Calicut Halwa available across many bakeries. Biryanis are cooked delicately, and Kozhikode famous for its Malabar style recipe. 

Aval milk(beaten rice, nuts, fruits and milk), Sulaimani( black tea with a punch of lemon) and kulukki sarbath(special lemonade with fruit flavour and khus khus) are the unique renowned drinks. Kozhikode is also famous for its snacks varieties like Adda(wheat or rice roll with coconut and sugar filling) and Pazham nirachathu( banana fry coconut filling), Mutta Mala and Mutta Surka (sweets made of egg) and chatti pathiri(soft rice bread with sweet nut fillings).
View Top Restaurants in Kozhikode

Suggested Itinerary for Kozhikode

Day 1 - Reach Kozhikode by morning. Sample an authentic Kerala style breakfast. Visit Kappad Beach and then the Tali temple. Check out the shopping areas in the evening.
Day 2 - Visit the Beypore beach. Make sure to check out Sargaalaya Handicrafts village. Then, visit the Tusharagiri Waterfalls. Wind up the trip with a bit of shopping at S.M street.

Best Time to Visit Kozhikode

How to Reach Kozhikode

How to Reach Overview

Kozhikode has its own airport 25 km away from the main city. There are trains and overnight buses from every major South Indian city. The state and national highway road network are very good. There are regular bus services operating from cities like Mangalore, Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Mumbai. It is also well connected to these cities by a good road network. 

How to reach Kozhikode by flight

Kozhikode is connected to many other major cities as there is an international airport located in the city. It is well connected to Mumbai via regular flights operated by Jet Airways and Air India. It is also connected to cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Coimbatore, Chennai and Bangalore through regular flights. It is also well connected to major Gulf countries.

How to reach Kozhikode by road

The state and national highway road network are very good. There are regular bus services operating from cities like Mangalore, Bangalore, Chennai, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Mumbai. It is also well connected to these cities by a good road network. 

How to reach Kozhikode by train

There are trains that ply daily between Kozhikode and many other places across the country. The reservations can be easily done through the IRCTC website. There are a handful of direct trains to Chennai and Mumbai from Kozhikode. The route between Mumbai and Kozhikode come under the Konkan Railways and has picturesque views. There are also multiple trains between Kozhikode, Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. 

Local transport in Kozhikode

Taxis and Autos are the easiest modes of transport available. Many places of tourist attractions are nearby and you can easily explore them on foot. Auto rickshaws are the cheapest mode of travel and the taxis are also available at good rates. However, taxis are not required unless you have to go somewhere out of the city. If you want to commute within the city, autos and buses are the best options. 

Most frequently searched routes to Kozhikode

Route Name Distance Time
Hyderabad to Kozhikode 933 km 15 hours 31 mins
Ernakulam to Kozhikode 174 km 4 hours 42 mins
Chennai to Kozhikode 683 km 11 hours 32 mins
Bangalore to Kozhikode 360 km 7 hours 51 mins
Wayanad to Kozhikode 85.7 km 2 hours 26 mins
Mumbai to Kozhikode 1,255 km 20 hours 30 mins

Kozhikode Photos

Kozhikode, Kerala
Kozhikode Beach
Kakkayam
Kadalundi bird sanctuary

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FAQs on Kozhikode

How much does a package cost for Kozhikode?

The packages for Kozhikode start at INR 16000 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

What are the places near Kozhikode?

The top places near to Kozhikode are Wayanad which is 60 km from Kozhikode, Ooty which is located 101 km from Kozhikode, Coorg which is located 129 km from Kozhikode, Malappuram which is located 37 km from Kozhikode, Nilambur which is located 50 km from Kozhikode

What are the things to do in Kozhikode?

The top things to do in Kozhikode are Backwaters in Kozhikode, Kozhippara Falls, Thusharagiri Waterfall, Thikkoti Light House, Beypore, Kakkayam. You can see all the places to visit in Kozhikode here

What is the best way to reach Kozhikode?

Kozhikode has its own airport 25 km away from the main city. There are trains and overnight buses from every major South Indian city and trains also connect it to most of the North Indian cities.
Read More

What is the local food in Kozhikode?

With a blend of Arab and Malabar cuisine, Kozhikode is famous for its meat dishes and desserts. A connoisseur of food should never miss, Erachi Pathiri (soft rice bread with meat fillings) and Erachi/Meat curry, Kuzhi Mandhi (prawns, mutton, chicken and fish), Kozhikode pav bhaji(special chicken gravy fillings) and Aradika (rice flour and mussel). If you are a vegetarian, you could always opt for the option of traditional Kerala Sadhya. A concoction of mussels in rice flour cooked in the shell called Arikadaka is equally special. Another thing that should make it to your list of desserts is Calicut Halwa available across many bakeries. Biryanis are cooked delicately, and Kozhikode famous for its Malabar style recipe. 

Aval milk(beaten rice, nuts, fruits and milk), Sulaimani( black tea with a punch of lemon) and kulukki sarbath(special lemonade with fruit flavour and khus khus) are the unique renowned drinks. Kozhikode is also famous for its snacks varieties like Adda(wheat or rice roll with coconut and sugar filling) and Pazham nirachathu( banana fry coconut filling), Mutta Mala and Mutta Surka (sweets made of egg) and chatti pathiri(soft rice bread with sweet nut fillings).
Read More

What is the best time to visit Kozhikode?

October-March is the best time to visit Kozhikode. The weather is pleasant during these months. Summers (April-June) are quite hot and Monsoons (July-September) are hot and humid.
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Who should visit Kozhikode?

Kozhikode is ideal for people looking to experience a complete holiday package of shopping, sightseeing and relaxing.

What is not so good about Kozhikode?

Highly congested. Transport system is not very efficient .

What is famous about Kozhikode?

Great cuisine. Pleasant weather throughout the year.

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Kozhikode Reviews

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Hashi Muhammed

on Thusharagiri Waterfall 5 years ago
Stunning waterfall with 3 sectors.. amazing at the top and u need to walk kms to reach top

Nehad Zein

5 years ago
Kozhikode in its own right is a bustling city. However, the landscape surrounding it is nothing short of mesmerising. The city has multiple beaches which tend to get really crowded during peak season (Read More)s. It's also filled with a ton of historical sites complemented usually by restaurants serving tasty local cuisine. Calicut is a gem of a city and a must visit of anyone visiting the Malabar region.

Nisamudheen Podiyad

5 years ago
Visit again in Kozhikode beach Kerala
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