Quick facts
- Located on the northern Malabar Coast of Kerala, along the Arabian Sea
- Bordered by the Western Ghats on one side and the sea on the other
- Approximately 190 km north of Kochi and 380 km from Bangalore
Why Visit Kozhikode?
1. A City with Deep Historical Roots
- Once a famous port city for Arab, Chinese, and European traders
- Vasco da Gama landed at nearby Kappad Beach in 1498, opening the sea route to India
- Ruled by the Zamorins, Kozhikode was a major center for spice trade and culture
2. Beautiful Beaches and Backwaters
- Home to scenic beaches like Calicut Beach, Kappad, Beypore, and Payyoli
- Beypore Port is famous for Uru-making (traditional wooden ships)
- Enjoy peaceful boat rides, sunsets, and seafood by the shore
3. A Foodie’s Paradise – The Birthplace of Malabar Cuisine
- Try Malabar Biryani, Chatti Pathiri, banana chips, Sulaimani tea, and Kozhikode Halwa
- Street food stalls, heritage bakeries, and traditional Muslim eateries fill the city
- A must-visit for culinary explorers and spice lovers
4. Cultural Capital of North Kerala
- A hub for Mappila songs, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Theyyam, and folk arts
- Hosts events like the Kozhikode International Film Festival, Malabar Mahotsavam, and literary fests
- Strong legacy in literature, music, and art
5. Calm & Connectivity in One
- Despite being a lively city, Kozhikode maintains a laid-back charm
- Acts as a gateway to Wayanad, Kannur, and the Malabar region
- Clean, well-planned, and ideal for solo travelers, families, and couples alike
Quick Facts
Feature
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Details
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District Name
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Kozhikode (Calicut)
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City Type
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Coastal City, Cultural Hub
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Nearest Airport
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Calicut International Airport (CCJ) – 28 km
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Major Railway
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Kozhikode Railway Station (CLT)
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Languages Spoken
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Malayalam, English, Hindi, Arabic
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Best Time to Visit
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October – March (pleasant & festive)
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Top Highlights of Kozhikode
- Calicut Beach – Evening walks, seafood stalls & family-friendly
- Beypore Port – Watch traditional Uru ship-building
- Mananchira Square – Historical lake and cultural heart
- Tali Shiva Temple – Ancient architecture & spiritual hub
- Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary – Ideal for nature & birdwatching
- Kappad Beach – Vasco da Gama’s historic landing point
- SM Street (Sweet Meat Street) – Iconic shopping & food lane
- Thikkoti Lighthouse & Payyoli Beach – Quiet coastal charm
Specialties of Kozhikode
- Kozhikode Halwa – chewy, colorful, ghee-rich delight
- Malabar Biryani – flavor-packed rice dish unique to the region
- Mussel Fry (Kallummakkaya) – coastal favorite
- Banana Chips & Coconut Snacks – freshly fried and addictive
- Sulaimani Tea – spiced black tea served with love and lime
Kozhikode is more than a coastal city — it’s a place where history whispers from the old port, food stories steam from street stalls, and waves carry tales of ancient trade and cultural unity. A visit here is both grounding and enlightening — rich in taste, tradition, and tranquility.