Kozhikode, formerly known as Calicut, is a historic place of great importance in the Malabar Region of
Kerala. It is famous for the martial art ‘
Kalaripayattu.’ It is the capital town of
Kozhikode District. It is also called the Cock Fort. It lies north of
Kochi (200 km) and south of
Mangalore (230 km).
Mananchira Square, in the vicinity of the Town Hall and the Public Library, features a park and a large tank. Sweet Meat Street is famous for sweet shops. Kozhikode Halwa and Biriyani are famous throughout the country for their uniqueness.
Kozhikode is noted for its backwaters in Kallai River and the Canolly Canal. Kallai, known for timber trade, is 2 km south of the city.
Kappad Beach, where the Portuguese traveler Vasco Da Gama landed in 1498, is situated north. Beypore is another port town, situated 10 km from Kozhikode, made famous by the artisans who make large ‘Pathemari’ (catamaran) and ‘Uru.’ Kozhikode Beach,
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary,
Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery and Payyoli are major tourist spots.
Best time to visit is in January, as the
Malabar Mahotsavam is held at this time. Calicut Airport is the nearest airfield and the nearest railhead is
Kozhikode Railway Station.
