Kozhikode is a coastal city in the south Indian state of Kerala. It was a significant spice trade center and is close to Kappad Beach, where Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama landed in 1498. Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a popular tourist destination in the state of Kerala, India. It offers a mix of historical landmarks, natural beauty, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine.
Kozhikode's geography
Along the western coast of India, the city is only one metre (3 feet) above sea level. However, its eastern edges rise to almost fifteen metres. The middle is made of sandstone, and the whole coast is made of sand. Only 410 kilometres (255 miles) north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram, is the city of Kozhikode. The city’s shoreline is almost 15 kilometres (9.3 miles) long, and there are small hills in the middle and on the east side. It is about 11.25 degrees north and 75.77 degrees east. Left of the city is the Lakshadweep Sea, and about 60 kilometres east of the city are the Sahyadri Mountains. The length of the Korapuzha River is about 40 kilometres.
Climate
Kozhikode experiences a warm monsoon climate. March, April, and May are the hottest months on record. In April, the city doesn’t get many spring rains. South-West monsoons, on the other hand, happen mostly from June to September. Because of the North-East monsoon, it rains a lot in the city in October and November. From December to the end of February, the sky is clear and the air is cool. On average, 3266 mm of rain falls each year.
Tourism in Kozhikode
People often call Kozhikode the “city of spices” or the “city of sculptures.” You can’t fully experience Kozhikode without going to the city’s shops and buying spices like black pepper and cardamom. Kozhikode is not just what it is today because of the spices and statues. Kozhikode is a popular tourist location because it has a lot of history and a lot of modern conveniences.
Some of the major tourist attractions of Kozhikode
Beypore Beach
Beypore beach is at the mouth of the Chaliyar River, about 15 km from Kadavu. With its beautiful scenery, long stretches of golden sand, and interesting coconut trees that sway gently in the cool breeze, the beach is like a gift of peace and quiet. This beach is great for a quiet getaway because it is clean and peaceful. Take a break from your busy life and go to Beypore Beach, where you can get an Ayurvedic massage, try out some exciting water sports, or just walk along the shore. So, take it easy, join in on all the activities, and fully enjoy your time off in Beypore.
Places to go near and near Beypore Beach
Harbor of Beypore
The best time to come here is in the early morning when you can watch the fishermen at work.
Port of Beypore
It is an old port with historical significance because it was the first place where trade between Asia and the Middle East began. Later, it became known as a major marine and trade center.
Kozhikode (Calicut) Town
Kozhikode used to be the most important part of Malabar, but now it’s a popular place for tourists to visit because of its calm beaches, lush green farmland, wildlife sanctuaries, historic sites, rivers, hills, and unique culture, as well as its friendly atmosphere.
Kozhikode (Calicut) Beach Mananchira
It’s a beautiful building that is surrounded by buildings from different cultures.
Tali temple
The Tali temple is one of the oldest in God’s Own Country. It is in Kerala’s Kozhikode district and goes back to the 14th century CE. Revathi Pattathanam, the temple’s yearly festival, is a cultural and intellectual event that lasts for seven days and takes place in the Malayalam month of Thulam (mid-October to mid-November).
The temple has impressive wood carvings, beautiful drawings on the walls, and roofs with a lot of detail. The walls of the sanctum sanctorum (sreekovil) are built in the shape of a chariot and have brass patterns and mural paintings on them.
Thikkoti lighthouse
The lighthouse that looks out over Velliyamkallu off the Moodadi Coast in Kozhikode district, Kerala, was built after a shipwreck, the remains of which can still be seen here. Migrating birds use the area around the Velliyamkallu Rock as a stopover.
Pazhassi Raja museum
The Pazhassi Raja Museum in Kozhikode is a real treasure trove for scholars and art lovers. The Pazhassi Raja Museum & Art Gallery is right next to the museum. It has paintings by two of Kerala’s most famous artists, Raja Ravi Varma (1848–1906) and his uncle Raja Raja Varma, whose work made Kerala famous around the world.
The State Archaeology Department runs the museum, which has mural paintings, old bronzes, old coins, models of temples, umbrella stones, solenoid cists (quadrangular burial chambers with capstones), and other megalithic structures on show.
Regional science centre and planetarium
The Malabar-focused Regional Science Centre and Planetarium in Kozhikode promotes science in Kerala. The 250-seat Kozhikode Planetarium reveals the universe, planets, and stars. Since 1997, it has presented nearly 1,200 programmes. The German Carl Zeiss projection equipment illuminates the space and captivates viewers.
Planetarium and Science Centre share a campus. It has Science Exhibition Galleries, Mobile & Travelling Science Exhibitions, and a High Definition 3D Theatre. The Aquarium and Giants of Nature etymology part are very popular.
Things to Buy in Kozhikode
Kozhikode is known for its fragrant spices and sauces, as well as the “Mitthai Theruva” sweetmeat street. Longstanding stores sell Kozhikode Halwa and banana chips.
We sell handwoven cotton. A cotton and handloom weaving centre is well-established. This neighbourhood sells a thin, fine cotton with soft patterns and calico that is popular with local, national, and international traders.
Kozhikode has several readymade clothing. Kozhikode also makes rosewood and sandalwood carvings and woven fabrics. Exports are worldwide.
Along with these highly sought-after commodities, quality city bazaars contain old-fashioned bookshops where one may spend hours reading the old masters and modern works by ambitious and amateur writers.
Kozhikode Shopping
Old and new shopping centers are notable for their merchandise. various places have long been connected with various products.
Fresh halwa and dried banana chips are SM Street’s specialty. Go to Big Bazar Road for wholesale spices. This commercial centre sells a wide range of fragrant Kerala spices.
Fabrics, handlooms, and handwoven cottons are sold here. Comtrust in Beypore sells hand-woven cottons. The Mavoor Road and CSI in Mananchira have wonderful establishments selling horn sculptures and coir goods.
There are many more, however they have been replaced by the R.P. Mall, Focus Mall, Grand Hi street Mall, Enaralad Mall, and Space Mall, which has four storeys and covers 1,30,000 square feet.
How to Reach Kozhikode
Kozhikode is easy to get to by plane, train, car, or boat. There are direct flights to Calicut from all of the big companies. About 23 miles separate the airport from Kozhikode’s main city. Indian railways help connect Kozhikode to all of India’s most important towns and tourist spots. Through Mysore, National Highway 212 goes from Kozhikode in Kerala to Kollegal in Karnataka. Kerala’s National Highway 213 goes through the district capitals of Palakkad, Malappuram, and Calicut. National Highway 17 goes through Mangalore, Udupi, and Goa on its way from Kozhikode to Mumbai. From the water, the Kozhikode port’s coast goes from Elathur cape to the south bank of the Kadalundi river in a fairly straight line. Kozhikode, Beypore, and Badagara are all ports that can be used for both international and local trade.