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. Kozhikode was once the capital of an independent kingdom, and later of the erstwhile Malabar District. Kozhikode has a population of 436,527 as of 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. The word Calicut is the anglicized version of the Malayalam name Kozhikode derived from koyil (Palace) Kodu (Fortified). Traditionally Calicut was a world famous port for trading and it has a long time relationship with the Arabian peninsula. The place surrounded by the fort was known as Koyil (palace) Kotta (fort) and hence the name of the place became Kozhikode. Foreigners called it by different names, for Arabs it was Kalikat, for Chinese it was Kalifo while the city is known to the outside world by its European name. Tipu Sultan, during the conquest of Malabar, unsuccessfully attempted to change the name of the city to Ferozabad. Calicut, is the most important coastal city of Malabar the north region of state of Kerala. It was a leading trading centre for spices on the West Coast of India during the medieval period. Ruled by the Zamorin dynasty, Calicut found a place in World History with the discovery of sea route to India in 1498 by the Portuguese navigator Vasco Da Gama. He landed at Kappad a coastal fishing village and history was changed with the political scanario of India ultimately ending with it's colonization by the British. It remained under the Madras Presidency till the formation of Kerala in 1956 after independence. The district has a generally humid climate with a very hot season extending from March to May. The main 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. Hindus constitute the majority of the population, followed by the Muslim and a few Christian communities respectively. Most of the Muslim population of Kozhikode District are known as Mappilas. Here we find a great tradition of Mappila cuisine developed over centuries. The famous "Malabar biriyani" is only one among them. Compared to other parts of Kerala , Calicut's cuisine is very tasty and unique. Local people are very nice and helping in nature. Auto drivers in the city are famous for their honesty. More than anything they love football. There are a number of fan clubs of Argentina and Brazil and all other major international teams are very much active in this small western coast city of India. There also exist a few hundred Gujaratis who are predominantly merchants and traders.
 |  |  |  |
PLACES OF INTEREST
Kozhikode Beach
The beauty and serenity of Kozhikode beach is not yet exploited to develop it into a tourist center. Still people from all around gather here to enjoy the sunset and it is a popular retreat for local people. Two sea piers almost 125 years old extending well inside the sea are a speciality. Lion’s club, children’s park make the evenings pleasant for visiting families. Fishermen with their small rowing boats entering the sea, fighting the waves and returning with varieties of fish are worth watching.
Mananchira Square
Mananchira Square is the sublimation of the concept of a planned modern city. The historic maithan, adjacent to Manachira has been converted into an arcadia with beautiful trees and plants, an artificial hill, shrubs, sculpture, an open air theatre and above all, a musical fountain. No doubt, locals and tourists, seeking leisure and relief from the mad rush outside, find shelter here. Mananchira Square, named after the pond Mananchira, is about a square-kilometre in area and situated in the heart of the city. It is named after Manadevan, the erstwhile ruler of Zamoothiri Kingdom, known as Mana-devan's Chira (Pond) and later transformed to Mana-an-Chira.
Kappad Beach
On 27th May 1498, Vasco Da Gama landed in Kappad Beach with three vessels and 170 men. If you travel 16 km north of Kozhikode by Kannur road, a small road from Tiruvangoor will guide you to this beach of historical importance. A monument is here to commemorate the historical landing. An ancient temple on a hillock, facing the deep sea, is an added attraction.
Beypore
Beypore 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. The place was formerly known as Vaypura and Vadaparappanad. Tippu Sultan named the town “Sultan Pattanam”. It is one of the important ports of Kerala and naturally, an important trading centre. It is the major fishing harbour of Kerala. There are two man-made extensions to the sea to facilitate easy access for fishing boats. This is an ideal place for an outing. The 2 km break-water made of stone is another attraction.
 |  |  |  |
Vadakara
This ancient place is now the headquarters of the taluk as well as the municipality of that name. There is a ruined fort in the town. Vadakara was the scene of many exploits of 'Thacholi Othenan', the hero of the ballads of north Malabar (Vadakkan Pattukal). Five km. South-East of Vadakara in Memunda amsom, is the Lokanarkavu which has three rock-cut caves in its vicinity. Annual ceremonies are conducted in memory of Othenan, whose birth place is Manikkoth near Meppayil. Vadakara (Vadakkekara) is so called because of its location just north (Vadakku) of Kotta river.
• Art gallery and Krishna Menon Museum at East Hill in Kozhikode
• Lalitha Kala Academy: An art gallery adjacent to the Kozhikode town hall
• Planetarium
• Thusharagiri: A waterfall situated about 55 km from Calicut Railway Station
• Kozhippara waterfalls is located at the eastern side of the district and offers a good trekking experience.
• Pavayil Cheerpu-a wonder land
• Peruvannamuzhi[1],Dam site, Boat service, Bird sanctuary and Crocodile sanctuary
• Kakkayam : Dam Site, Hydro-electrical Project, famous for trekking
• Purakkattiri, 10 km from city, famous for house boats
Major Temples in Kozhikode
• Tali Mahadeva Temple
• Sree Valayanad Devi Temple Govindapuram
• Sreekandeswara Temple
• Azhakodi Devi Temple
• Thiruvachira Temple, Thiruvachira, 6 Kilometers from City.
• Lokanar kaavu, Vadakara.
• Pishari kaavu, Quilandy.