Kozhikode or Calicut is one of the most prominent cities in the history of India and the third largest city in the state of Kerala, in the southern part of the country. This port city has been an important trading destination that traded spices like black pepper and cardamom with Jew, Arab, Chinese and Phoenician traders for quite some centuries and with Portuguese and Dutch traders for even more than 500 years. What gives the city an important position in history is it is here in this port city that Vasco da Gama, the Portuguese explorer first came and that began the trade route between India and Europe.
Kozhikode was once the capital of Malabar during the rule of Zamorins. However, now it is a popular tourist destination in Kerala. Its pristine beaches, beautiful countryside and calm backwaters will add to the beauty of your trip. There are so many things to see in this historical city that planning way ahead in time is a must.You can also read list of tourist places in Kerala
Kozhikode is very well-connected by roads with all the major cities of the country. Buses run to and from all the major cities like Bangalore, Chennai, Coimbatore, Thiruvananthapuram etc. Also, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation runs day and night buses to Kozhikode. The road condition is very good and the journeys are always comfortable.
There is a railway station in the city of Kozhikode. A number of mail and express trains are available to and from all the major cities like Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Delhi etc.
The city has its own airport, the Karipur or Calicut International Airport that is located 23 km away from the main city. Daily domestic flights to all the major cities of the country are available from Kozhikode. Along with that, you can also avail some international flights frequently to the Middle Eastern Countries.
The best time to visit Kozhikode is during winter. Winters are very comfortable like in any other coastal cities. It will not be too sweaty during this time and you will be able to enjoy your visits to all the places of interest. Even in this time, the period between November and February is the best time of the year and this is also the time when the city receives maximum tourists. It is a peak tourist season in Kerala in general.
Summers are very hot in Kozhikode. The days are very hot with the sun shining bright on your head, it will be quite scorch to go out. This is an off season for tourists and travellers. That makes hotel rates cheaper during summer. So, if budget is a concern and if you are not bothered by the sun, you can visit Kozhikode during summer, as the evenings are quite pleasant with the sea breeze flowing through the city.
If you want to enjoy the natural beauty of Kozhikode and encounter the cultural festivals like the harvest festival, this is the time when you should be visiting Kozhikode. However, during monsoon, it is very hot and humid in Kozhikode and therefore, it is not an ideal time for visit.
The backwaters are the major attraction of Kerala, regardless of wherever you go. And when you are in Kozhikode, it is quite nearby that you can visit these beguiling Arabian Sea backwater lagoons.
One of the most popular falls in the Kozhikode district, the Kozhippara Falls are located on the borders of Kakkadampoyil on the Calicut – Malappuram District border. Amidst the lust green forest, the waterfall offers a stunning view. Another waterfall that is no less famous in Kozhikode is the Thusharagiri Falls. It is a combination of 3 waterfalls that are located in a small tribal village.
When you are in a coastal city, enjoying the beaches is a must. The Beypore Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Kozhikode, along with the Kozhikode Beach. Enjoying the sunset in the beaches is a different experience altogether. There is a 1500 year old ship building yard in Beypore Beach which is quite an interesting site to visit.
One of the most interesting places in Kozhikode that you must visit is the quaint little village of Elathur. It has a lake on one side and the sea on the other side, which is a rare site to enjoy.
If you love nature, wildlife, bird and animals, the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is a place that you should visit when in Kozhikode. Just 10 km away from the main city, this bird sanctuary has 100 different types of birds. Along with the birds, you will also see a wide variety of fish in the water body next to the bird sanctuary.
Kozhikode offers some of the best seafood as it is a coastal city. You can enjoy freshly cooked seafood and the local toddy, which is a great beverage for those, who love to taste local drinks. Along with the seafood, you will also great amazing freshwater fish as there are many lakes and rivers that flow through Kozhikode.
The Sweet Street in Kozhikode is a must visit as it is an entire street dedicated to sweets and sweet shops. One of the busiest streets in Kozhikode, the sweet street stays open till 9 at night.
The many falls that are available all across Kozhikode are very popular destinations for trekkers and swimmers. If you love water sports, you should not miss a chance to enjoy your favourite sport in the most beautiful of natural setting.
Kozhikode is a popular tourist destination and there are many options for hotels and holiday homes. You can get budget hotels to star hotels as well as resort hotels in this city. Check out Kerala tour package
