The largest city in Northern Kerala is Kozhikode, previously known as Calicut. Kozhikode was formerly a flourishing commercial town and the seat of the powerful Zamorin family. Kozhikode's beaches, which are located on the Malabar Coast, are highly popular with vacationers. Kozhikode Beach and Kappad Beach are the two beaches. The Art Gallery, the Kirtads Museum, the Krishna Menon Museum and Art Gallery, the Planetarium, and the Sarovaram Bio Park are all popular among visitors.

There are numerous places of worship throughout the city for more religiously minded visitors. Thali Temple, Jain Derasar, Shiva Temple, Mishkal Masjidh, and Gotheshwaram Beach Temple are among them. Kairaly Handicrafts sells wooden models of elephants, boats, and dancers if you want to take something home with you.

What is the significance of the name "City of Truths"?

The Arab Muslims' relationship with Zamorin spanned several centuries, and this was the foundation of the city's cultural synergy. Conflicts between Zamorin and Muslims have erupted on various occasions. It is for this reason that it is renowned as "The City of Truths."

Take a Gander at Kozhikode's Glory Days

Over the years, Kozhikode has seen numerous renovations and improvements. The city is now known as Kozhikode among Malayalam-speaking areas. Arab traders, on the other hand, favoured the name "Qaliqut," while the English gave it the anglicised name of Calicut in the past. Because of its excellent connectivity to other ports, Kozhikode was once regarded as the City of Spices.

This old city was governed by several dynasties. Kozhikode was the capital of the Zamorins, and during the English era, it was the seat of the Malabar province. The French, English, Portuguese, and Dutch were among the colonial rulers who prospered in this region. Every corner and crevice of this town has a unique narrative to tell about the conflicts between mighty forces. Despite all of this, Kozhikode will always be remembered as the site of Vasco da Gama's first landing on his voyage to India. After all, this was the touchdown that would alter Kozhikode's entire commercial landscape.

Culture of Kozhikode Enhance Your Set of Beliefs

Kozhikode's culture revolves around literature and music, and the city has produced several notable writers. S. K. Pottekkatt, Thikkodiyan, and Sanjayan are among them. Their rituals and customs are extremely significant to them. Vadakkan Pattukal, a type of folk song popular in Kozhikode, is well-known. Ghazals are a popular type of music in Kozhikode. Dance shows such as Koothu, Kathakali, Ottanthullal, and Kaikottikali are common during big festivals and social occasions. Thira and Theyyam, both ritual dance genres, are prevalent in Kozhikode. The Thacholi Manikkoth Temple Festival, Appavanibha Nercha at Idiyangara Sheik Masjid, and Kadappally Kumbhom Thira are also prominent festivities in the vicinity.

What to eat in Kozhikode?

Kozhikode offers a wide range of cuisines as a result of its unique culture. Sulaimani, a type of lemon tea, is a delicious treat. The Ramzan festival carries with it some delectable delicacies, such as Nendram Pazham, which consists of raw banana slices filled with a sweet coconut filling. Another traditional pastry loaded with nuts, raisins, and fruits is Chatti Pathiri. Every eatery in Kozhikode's culinary arsenal has a long and illustrious history. The French Bakery, for example, was a delightful foraging place for the hungry under the English and French colonial authority in this city. Customers are often drawn to their Mutton Liver and Chicken Cutlet.

Shopping in Kozhikode

The alleys of Kozhikode are littered with little markets. Some of the finest hand-woven clothes may be found at these markets. A vacation to Kozhikode would be incomplete if you didn't bring home some genuine art. Kozhikode offers a wide range of apparel alternatives, from cotton to handloom fabrics, silk to velvet materials. With their colourful designs and embellished borders, Kasaragod Saris are a must-have for travellers.

Spices are the catalyst for Kozhikode's commercial development, and the Big Bazaar Road is home to a variety of spices. Kozhikode also has a diverse range of homegrown tea plantations, including Green Tea, Oolong Tea, and Black Tea. This is a great chance to get your palm on some fragrant coffee and tea.

Things to do at Kozhikode

• Admire the majestic Kozhikode's backwaters: The waters of Kozhikode are renowned for their purity. The backwaters allow visitors to see Kerala's natural beauty at its best. Palm trees line the water's edge, while the canal and lakes provide ideal houseboat cruise for visitors. Sailing aboard a houseboat allows you to soak in the unspoiled beauty of the backwaters. These backwater houseboats are popular with honeymooners since they provide a great vacation in the scenic surroundings and natural beauty.
• Take a swim at Kozhikode Beach: Kozhikode Beach, also known as Calicut Beach, is a popular tourist destination on India's Malabar coast. Visitors and locals alike flock to this stunning beach to witness the magnificent sunset. Take a walk on the beach or relax while viewing the sun set into the water in the distance. If you want to try your luck at seeing dolphins, come here early in the morning.
• Enjoy Delectable Desserts: If you visit Calicut without tasting the sweets on SM Street, you are leaving out on the sweet delights that this seaside city has to provide. Sweetmeat Street, also referred to as Mittai Theruvu, is one of the attractions in Calicut worth visiting. Zamorin of Calicut is said to have attracted sweetmeat producers from Gujarat, and these stores were founded at the time.
• Drop by the Pazhassiraja Museum: Pazhassiraja Museum should be on everyone's bucket list if they enjoy art. This is a fascinating museum and art gallery in Calicut that should be seen during your stay to the city. The museum includes an outstanding collection of historical relics, making it an excellent site for history buffs. A large number of these items date from 1000 BC to 200 AD.
• Tour the mediaeval Mishkal Mosque: Mishkal Mosque is a renowned tourist attraction in Kozhikode. This ancient mosque is the only one of its sort in the state and is a noteworthy historical site. A businessman and shipowner constructed it in the 14th century. The mosque had five storeys when it was built, but it was substantially damaged during a Portuguese invasion in 1510. Only four storeys of the building were rebuilt after it was renovated in the late 1570s, and the devastation to the top level is still visible.
• Trek to Kozhikode Falls: The breathtaking Kozhippara Falls are found on the boundary of Kakkadampoyli, in the Malappuram-Calicut district divide. There are several hiking groups in this area.The waterfall's calm ambience contributes to the area's natural attractiveness. Whether you're looking for adventurous activities like swimming and trekking, or simply want to experience Kozhikode's mystical beauty, this area will certainly astound you with a diverse range of activities.

Places to visit 

• Mananchira Square: A clearwater pool is located in the centre of Mananchira Square, which is flanked by temples, churches, and ancient dwellings. Aside from that, one should pay a stop to the melodic fountain, open stage, and theatre, where regular shows portray the historical lifestyles of kings and palaces are performed.
• Beypore: Beypore, which is situated in the centre of Calicut, is a major shipbuilding port and one of Kerala's bustling fishing harbours. While the city is known for its one-of-a-kind maritime vessel known as "Uru," don't miss a ride on the iconic two-kilometer long Pulimoodu bridge.
• Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is situated among various islands along the Arabian Sea's Kadalundi River. This bird refuge is one of the most fascinating places to see during your Kozhikode sightseeing trip, as it is habitat to both local and migratory bird species.
• Thali Temple: The Thali temple, positioned in Mananchira Square, is one of Calicut's most recognised and ancient temples. It is devoted to Lord Shiva and is one of Calicut's most popular tourist sites. The temple, which houses a Shivalinga that measures roughly 2 feet, is designed in traditional Kerala style architecture and is a must-see on your next trip.
• Kakkayam Dam: This beautiful dam site is nestled in the thick vegetation of Kozhikode. A bus or taxi is the most convenient way to get here. To go to Kakkayam Dam, get off at Kakkayam Bus Stop and rent an autorickshaw or taxi. The Orakkuzhi waterfall is just near to the dam.
• Kappad Beach: The Kappad beach is one of India 's most famed and gorgeous beaches, and it is known for being Vasco Da Gama's ultimate stop. Vasco Da Gama is said to have anchored on this shore the first time he arrived in India by sea. Because of the picturesque views it provides, the beach is one of the most famous sites to visit in Kozhikode.

The Festivals of Kozhikode Showcase the City's Cultural Splendor

The three most important festivals that are celebrated in Kozhikode with tremendous delight and excitement are Malabar Mahotsavam, Sivarathri, Utsavam at Sreekanteswara Temple, and Jalotsavam. Malabar Mahotsavam is a magnificent festival held in the Malabar region, where visitors can witness a variety of traditional and cultural art forms, resulting in a spectacular cultural display. This festival takes place throughout the month of January. Three Jalotsavams are held each year as part of the Onam festival by sports clubs in Korappuzha, Moorad, and Pongilodippara. On Onam day, they are the colorful, enlightening pageants that precede the boat races. These festivities are enthusiastically observed in Kozhikode.

How to reach?

• By Air : The closest airport is Kozhikode International Airport. On a daily basis, it is linked to the major aviation hubs. Taking public transit to the destination is an option.
• By Train: Kozhikode's closest railway is Quilandi Railway Station. Taxis, rickshaws, and private cars can transport a person to their desired location.
• By Road: Kozhikode is well linked to all parts of Kerala as well as other nearby cities via road. The state of Kerala has a high bus frequency, making it easier for travelers to go to Kozhikode.