Calicut, India
Region: Kerala
Geographic Coordinates: 11.250000, 75.770000
Temperature Range: 20.0°C to 35.0°C (68°F to 95°F)
Climate: Monsoon and tropical savanna climate.
Population: 431560
Language: Malayalam
Calicut, Also known as Kozhikode, Is a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is located on the Malabar Coast and has a rich history dating back to ancient times. During the medieval period, Calicut was an important trading center for spices and textiles and was frequented by Arab, Chinese, And European merchants. One of Calicut’s most significant landmarks is Kappad Beach where Vasco da Gama landed in 1498, Marking the beginning of Portuguese influence in India. The beach offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and is surrounded by coconut groves.
Beypore Beach is another popular attraction that features traditional boat-building techniques. Calicut also has several historic sites worth exploring such as Mananchira Square which serves as a public park with musical fountains. The city’s oldest mosque, Mishkal Mosque built-in 1320 AD by an Arab merchant named Nakhooda Mishkal stands tall at Kuttichira which attracts visitors from different parts of India. The Pazhassiraja Museum & Art Gallery houses artifacts from various periods including ancient sculptures from Jain temples, Murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology as well as paintings by renowned artists like Raja Ravi Varma.
The museum also features exhibits related to Kerala’s freedom struggle against British colonial rule. For nature lovers seeking adventure activities around Calicut offer plenty to do such as trekking through Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary or visiting Thusharagiri Waterfalls located just outside Calicut City limits where one can enjoy trekking through lush green forests while enjoying breathtaking views of waterfalls. Foodies will find plenty to indulge themselves with when visiting Calicut due to its rich culinary heritage influenced by Arabic traders who brought with them exotic spices such as cardamom, Cinnamon & cloves.
One of the most popular dishes in Calicut is ‘Biriyani’ which is a rice dish cooked with meat or vegetables and flavored with spices. Overall, Calicut offers visitors a unique blend of history, Culture, Natural beauty, And adventure activities making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic Indian experience.
- Kozhikode Beach
- Beypore Beach
- Thusharagiri Waterfalls
- Mananchira Square
- Kappad Beach
- Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery
- Mishkal Mosque
- Tali Temple
- Calicut Planetarium
- Lion’s Park
- Handicrafts: Calicut is renowned for its traditional handicrafts such as brassware, woodcarvings, and handloom textiles.
- Agriculture: The region is known for its production of coconuts, bananas, spices like pepper and cardamom, and seafood.
- Tourism: Due to its historical significance as well as natural beauty, Calicut is a popular tourist destination.
- IT/ITES: The city’s IT sector is growing with several companies setting up their offices in the region.
- Healthcare: Several hospitals and healthcare facilities cater to the needs of people from across Kerala.
- Education: Calicut has numerous educational institutions including universities that attract students from across India and abroad.
- Retail trade: Many small businesses selling clothing, jewelry, electronics goods etc., contribute to the local economy.
- Construction: With increasing urbanization in the city there has been an increase in construction activities which employ a significant number of people locally.
- Vasco da Gama’s arrival in Calicut in 1498 marked the beginning of European colonialism in India.
- The Zamorin of Calicut was a powerful ruler who controlled much of the Malabar Coast during the medieval period.
- The Mappila Rebellion of 1921 was a violent uprising against British colonial rule that took place in and around Calicut.
- Aryabhata, a renowned Indian mathematician and astronomer, was born in Calicut.
- The Kozhikode School of Painting is a distinctive style of art that developed in the region during the 16th century.
- The University of Calicut was established in 1968 and has since become one of India’s leading academic institutions.
- Notable people from Calicut include writer Arundhati Roy, cricketer Irfan Pathan, and filmmaker Adoor Gopalakrishnan among others.
- Pazhassi Raja Museum and Art Gallery
- Kozhikode Beach
- Mananchira Square
- Thusharagiri Waterfalls
- Tali Temple
- Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
- Sargaalaya Arts and Crafts Village
- Beypore Port
- Matri Dei Cathedral
- Mishkal Mosque
- Kerala Blasters FC: This football club is based in Kochi but has a significant fan following in Calicut. The team was founded in 2014 and plays its home matches at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.
- Kozhikode District Cricket Association (KDCA): KDCA was formed to promote cricketing activities in Kozhikode district. They organize various tournaments and leagues for both men and women.
- Kozhikode Football Referees Association (KFRA): This association was established to train referees for football matches held across various levels including school-level tournaments, district-level competitions, state championships etc.
- Calicut University Athletics Team: The athletics team of Calicut University has produced several national-level athletes over the years including Olympian Tintu Luka.
- Malabar Tennis Academy: This academy provides training for tennis enthusiasts across different age groups and skill levels.
- Koyenco Cricket Club: One of the oldest cricket clubs in Calicut founded back in 1959 by employees of a local company called Koyenco.
- National Institute of Technology (NIT) Calicut Sports Teams: NIT Calicut has several sports teams that participate actively at inter-collegiate events such as basketball, volleyball, football, badminton etc.
- Malabar Mahotsavam is a popular cultural festival celebrated in Calicut every year, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
- Kozhikode Beach Festival is held annually on Kozhikode beach and features a range of events including music concerts, food stalls, and water sports.
- Thiruvathira Festival is celebrated by women in Kerala and dedicated to Lord Shiva; it involves traditional dance performances and rituals.
- Onam Festival is a major harvest festival celebrated across Kerala with elaborate feasts, flower decorations, and traditional games like boat races.
- Ramzan Eid is celebrated by the Muslim community in Calicut with prayers at mosques followed by feasting with family and friends.
- Navaratri Festival is a nine-day Hindu festival dedicated to Goddess Durga that involves fasting, prayer ceremonies, and colorful processions.
- Vishu Festival celebrates Malayalam New Year’s Day in April or May each year with rituals such as viewing auspicious items known as Vishukkani early in the morning followed by feasting throughout the day.
- Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25th every year with carol singing sessions at churches followed by grand feast gatherings at homes or hotels/restaurants.
- Malabar biryani – Served at Paragon Restaurant, Zain’s Hotel, and Rahmath Hotel.
- Kozhikode halwa – Available at Sweet Meat Street (SM Street) and Bombay Sweets.
- Thalassery biryani – Served at Paris Restaurant, Zam Zam Biryani Centre, and Rara Avis.
- Seafood dishes – Available at Salt N Pepper, The Raviz Kadavu Resort & Spa, and The Fisherman’s Wharf.
- Kerala-style breakfast – Served at Indian Coffee House, MRA Bakery & Restaurant, and Arya Bhavan.
- Beypore porotta with beef curry – Available at Beypore Porotta Stall and Paragon Restaurant.
- Malabar paratha with chicken curry or beef fry – Served at Zain’s Hotel and Rahmath Hotel.
- Banana chips – Available at Kadalundi Chips Factory and other local shops in SM Street area.
- Payasam (sweet pudding) – Served as dessert in most restaurants or available for takeaway from local sweet shops like Bombay Halwa House or Madhuram Sweets.
- Chatti pathiri (layered pastry with meat filling) – Available Kayees Rahmathullah Café & Restaurant or other traditional Muslim eateries in the city.
- Kozhikode Beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike. The beach offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea and provides plenty of activities such as swimming, boating, and beach volleyball.
- Mananchira Square is a public park located in the heart of Calicut city featuring a large pond surrounded by landscaped gardens, walking paths, and seating areas.
- Thusharagiri Waterfalls is a natural attraction located approximately 50 km from Calicut offering hiking trails through lush forests that lead to several cascading waterfalls.
- Kakkayam Dam & Reservoir is another popular outdoor destination near Calicut offering opportunities for boating, fishing, trekking trails with stunning views of the surrounding hills.
- Beypore Beach is known for its traditional shipbuilding industry where visitors can watch skilled craftsmen build wooden boats by hand using traditional techniques. This picturesque beach provides an excellent backdrop for this unique process.
- Payyoli Beach is located about 40 km from Calicut city center and offers shallow waters ideal for swimming or relaxing on its sandy shores.
- Tali Temple Park is a beautiful park located near Tali temple with lush greenery providing a peaceful environment perfect for picnics or quiet walks amidst nature’s beauty.
- Sarovaram Bio Park covers an area of 200 acres with an artificial lake offering boating facilities along with diverse flora & fauna making it an ideal place to spend time in nature’s lap while learning about conservation efforts in Kerala state.
