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City of Spices and Historic Shores

Calicut

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Calicut

Overview

Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a historic coastal city in Kerala, India. It was once a major trading hub, especially known for its spice trade with Arabs and Europeans. Today, Kozhikode blends history, culture, and natural beauty. The city offers scenic beaches like Kozhikode Beach and Kappad Beach, where Vasco da Gama first landed in India. You can also explore historical sites, such as the Pazhassi Raja Museum and Mananchira Square. The city is famous for its unique Malabar cuisine, especially Kozhikode biryani and banana chips. Local markets are great for shopping spices, textiles, and handicrafts. Kozhikode is also home to lush backwaters, rivers, and nearby hill stations like Wayanad. Whether you love history, food, or nature, Kozhikode provides a warm, cultural experience and makes a perfect stop on a Kerala travel itinerary.

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Top Attractions in Calicut

Things to Do

Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, has many interesting things to do. You can relax at Kozhikode Beach and watch the sunset. Visit Kappad Beach, where Vasco da Gama first came to India. Walk around Mananchira Square or learn about history at the Pazhassi Raja Museum. Shop at SM Street and try local sweets like Kozhikode halwa. Don’t miss tasting the famous Kozhikode biryani. You can also visit Beypore to see boat making and enjoy a peaceful backwater ride. Calicut is a great place to enjoy nature, history, food, and shopping.
Calicut

Shopping

Browse S.M. Street for the famous Kozhikode halwa in various flavors, traditional Malabar spices, banana chips, and handcrafted wooden items. Look for Calicut's distinctive gold jewelry designs, handloom textiles from nearby villages, and Beypore's miniature dhow models. The Big Bazaar area offers everything from antiques to modern goods, while KSIDC's Surabhi sells authentic Kerala handicrafts with fixed prices.

Dining and Nightlife

Savor authentic Malabar cuisine featuring the famous Calicut biryani, Thalassery pathiri (rice pancakes), and meen curry (fish curry with kudampuli). Visit Paragon Restaurant for legendary biryani, Sagar Restaurant for seafood, and any local bakery for Kozhikode halwa. Nightlife is modest—enjoy cultural performances at Kerala Folklore Academy or beachside dining at Kozhikode Beach. The city quiets down early, but hotel restaurants and a few cafes on Beach Road remain open until midnight.

Accommodation Options

Luxury: The Gateway Hotel (Taj), Hyson Heritage, Malabar Palace Mid-range: Copper Folia, Hotel Alakapuri, The Raviz Calicut Budget-friendly: Hotel Marina Residency, Sea Queen Hotel, Beach Heritage Unique: Heritage bungalows from colonial era, beachfront cottages at Kappad.

Safety Tips for Tourists

Maintain standard precautions at beaches as some areas have strong currents—swim only in designated zones. Drink bottled water and exercise caution with street foods if you have a sensitive stomach. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Beware of the intense midday sun, especially on beaches. Keep valuable belongings secure in crowded marketplaces. The city is generally safe with a reputation for hospitality.

Tourist Seasons in Calicut

Peak Season: October to March offers pleasant weather with temperatures between 23-33°C Beach Season: November to February with clear skies and calm seas ideal for coastal activities Cultural Festivals: January-February for the Malabar Mahotsavam cultural festival Monsoon Experience: June to September transforms landscapes with lush greenery but limits beach activities Avoid: April-May can be extremely hot and humid with temperatures reaching 36°C

Transportation & Safety

Kozhikode has good transportation facilities and is generally safe for travelers. The city is well-connected by buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws. Local and KSRTC buses run frequently, making it easy to travel within the city and nearby areas. Kozhikode also has a major railway station and an international airport with good access to taxis and public transport. While the city is safe, it's important to be careful while crossing roads, especially in busy areas.

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