Kozikhode or Calicut is one of the major commercial centers in Kerala. It is also one of the most visited tourist destinations in Southern India.
One of the most captivating things about this place is that in the recent times Kozikhode has become a flourishing business center and even international trade has found a market here. At the same time, the lush green hills, clean beaches, and the serene sunsets make it an extremely enjoyable tourist destination. In the recent years, Kozikhode has managed to hold its own importance in the field of education- out of the country’s 6 IIMs [Indian Institute of Management], one is located here. As far as arts and culture are concerned, it is not surprising that this place has an evolved touch of the ancient monuments in harmony with the upcoming modernity of the recent times. It is a well planned city and at the same time, the natural bounty never ceases to amaze any tourist. You can find the right amount of zeal and peace in Kozikhode.
Right from the 16th century, Kozikhode has been a center for trade. The ports of the Malabar Coast had participated in the Indian Ocean trade in spices, silk, and other goods for over two millennia. It was in the year 1498 that the famous Portuguese explorer Vasco Da Gama landed at 'Kappad', about 25 km from Calicut city that further led to the development of the place. Attempts are being made to build a structure marking the famous discovery in Kappad.
Traditionally Calicut was a world famous port for trading and it has a long time relationship with Arabian peninsula. History has it that the famous Mugal ruler Tipu Sultan, during the conquest of Malabar, had attempted to change the name of the city to Ferozabad.
Kozikhode has a tropical climate. The summer is milder and the winter is not too harsh- one of the many reasons as to why international tourists consider it as an ideal getaway to cool off in the suns kissed breezy beaches. The tourists’ fascination with this place doesn't fade all through the year but the best time to visit Kozikhode is anytime between May to October.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the acceptable form of currency here.
A tourist visa applicable for the entire country (India) is sufficient.
Air
Kozhikode has an International airport Air-India operates some flights from Middle East countries to Kozhikode. Calicut (Kozhikode) is well-connected to Bombay (Mumbai) by daily flights operated by Jet Airways and Indian Airlines / Air India. You can also land at Kochi International Airport and catch train or flight to Kozhikode.Other options are Thiruvananthapuram (Trivandrum), Chennai,Coimbatore, Bangalore, Bombay airports and catch train or flight to Kozhikode.
Rail There are four direct trains between Calicut (Kozhikode) and Madras (Chennai), each taking about twelve to eighteen hours for one-way travel. There are a handful of direct trains connecting Bombay (Mumbai) with Calicut (Kozhikode) via the picturesque Konkan Railway route. Typically, these trains take about 24 hours to cover around 1200 kilometres between Bombay (Mumbai) and Calicut (Kozhikode). There are plenty of trains between Calicut (Kozhikode) and Cochin (Kochi) and Trivandrum (Thiruvananthapuram). Keep in mind that unless you reserve your seats, you may end up traveling in unreserved compartments and it can be a tiring experience because these trains can get very crowded.
Road There are bus services operating from cities like Mangalore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore to Kozhikode. Kozhikode is well connected to other cities Mangalore, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Bangalore, Coimbatore by road. It is actually a pleasure to drive from Bangalore to Calicut through Gundulpet and Sulthan Battery. But be cautioned that the small stretch of jungle you have to pass through may have wild elephants and moving in late hours along in small vehicle is not advised.
Source: wikitravel
Thusharagiri Waterfalls
Jama-at-palli
Tali Temple
Kadalundi Bird Sanctury
Beaches
Temples and Churches
Beypore
Pazhassirajah Museum,
Pickup local handicrafts like rosewood and buffalo horn carvings, coir products and miniature snake boats from the markets. ‘Calico’ -a type of soft cotton , originally from Kozhikode, is available at the Sweet Meat Market (SM Market). The popular markets in Kozhikodeare S M Street and Mavoor Road. The wholesale spice market at the Big Bazaar Road, selling an irresistible variety of Kerala spices, is another popular shopping destination. If you are looking for some handlooms then head to the Comtrust Store off Town Hall.
Where To Eat:
As this is a major tourist attraction in Kerala, a lot of restaurants have taken cognizance of the fact and a lot of cuisines are served. There are many cuisines such as continental, American, Mexican, Italian, South Indian and North Indian, along with it, there is the quintessential coastal food fish and rice also available.
Where To Stay:
There are a lot of luxury hotels and boarding and lodging facilities all around Kozikhode. Since it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in India, it is not difficult finding accommodation during any season.
Beypore [15 kms]: This is a port city situated 10 km south of Calicut at the mouth of chaliyar river. Beypore is famous for its ancient shipbuilding industry which constructed uru, the traditional trading vessels of Arabs
Chaliyam [15 kms]: Chaliyam is an island in Kadalundi by the Beypore and Kadalundi rivers. The natural beauty is breath taking here.
Feroke [11 kms]: This is a census town in the Kozhikode district of the Indian state of Kerala. It is the cradle of the tile industry in Kerala.
Kappad [16 kms]: This is a beautiful, and a historically important beach in Kerala. It was here that in1498, Vasco Da Gama had landed here with three vessels and 170 men. There is an ancient temple on a hillock, facing the Arabian Sea.
Kallai [20 kms]: Kallai was known as the world’s best timber trading centre. Even now, it is the place for timber trade in Malabar.
Kadalundi [15 kms approx]: This place is home to one of the most precious and migratory species of birds from all over the world given its natural bounty.
Mananchira Square [20 kms approx]: This place is an added attraction closer to Feroke. It is a sort of a planned insight of a modern city amidst nature’s beauty.
Pazhassi Raja Museum [5 kms]: This museum has numerous ancient mural paintings, antiques, statues, carvings, bronzes, and old coins, models of temples. It is a must visit for anyone who has a taste for vintage culture.
Thusharagiri [48 kms]: This town is about 48 km from Kozikhode and is one of the recently identified tourist centers. The waterfalls and streams amidst the hilly regions make it one of the most visited places here.
A trip to Kozhikode is a delightful experience. Beautiful beaches, temples, authentic Kerala cuisine - a blend of all these will have you asking for more. It has something to offer for travelers, backpackers, historians and pilgrims. The place is one of the most developed destinations in Kerala.
