kozhikode

Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a city in the south-western Indian state Kerala. Being the place of origin of calico - a plain-woven textile made from unbleached and partly processed cotton; it got the name Calicut.

Kozhikode is the land where Kalarippayattu originated - this is a local ancient martial art which uses weapons and combative techniques. It has also been dubbed the “City of Spices” as it is famous for its spices, and was also a popular spice trading center during the British rule in India.

This city found its place in world history when the Portuguese navigator Vasco De Gama discovered it as a sea route to India in 1498.

Kozhikode is a place resplendent with waterfalls, dams, gardens, beautiful beaches, historical monuments. This city is a haven for people who want to take a break from a busy life and have some peaceful time.

Following are some interesting places and things to see in Kozhikode:

• Calicut Planetarium
• Thikkoti Light House
• Peruvannamuzhi Dam
• Kozhippara Falls
• Thusharagiri Falls
• Kakkayam Dam

• Kozhikode Beach
• Beypore Beach
• Kappad Beach
• Payyoli Beach
• Parapally Beach

• Pazhassi Raja Museum and Art Gallery
• Krishna Menon Museum

• Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
• Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary

Kozhikode’s population comprises of a large percentage of Hindus, followed by Muslim and Christians. The city has many Hindu temples, churches and mosques. Some popular ones are:

• Lokanarkavu Temple
• Thiruvannur Siva Temple
• Tali Shiva Temple
• Valayanad Devi Temple
• Azhakodi Devi Temple
• Pisharikavu Temple
• Chendamangalam Temple
• Lokanarkavu Temple
• St. Mary’s Church
• Malabar Diocese
• Juma Masjid
• Mishkal Mosque

Kozhikode’s food mostly includes the Malabar cuisine with a hint of foreign influences (like Arabic, Persian and Portuguese). The city has many mouth watering dishes and snacks that one shouldn’t miss trying out. Some popular dishes to taste in Kozhikode include:

• Kozhikode Halwa – A local variety of delectable jelly-like sweet dish made with flour, ghee (clarified butter), sugar, nuts and dry fruits, and shaped into colorful cuboids (food color is also added). This is largely available in a street called “Mitthai Theruvu” or SweetMeats Street, also known as SM street in Kozhikode.
• Kallumakkaya – A seafood dish, made of squids (chopped into rings) and cooked in flavorful curry leaves, spices, shallots, and coconut.
• Mackerel Biriyani – A rice dish (like pilaf) made with mackerel fish and lots of local spices in Malabar style.
• Ari Pathiri – A paper-like flat bread made of rice flour.

Here are some popular restaurants to eat at in Kozhikode. These are a must-try for their mouthwatering and wide variety of local as well as multi cuisine dishes:

• Thaff Restaurant (known for “Karimeen Porichhathu” – fresh fish coated with spices, fried and cooked in a banana leaf)
• Paragon Restaurant (famous for Calicut style Biryani, Mango fish curry and other Malabar dishes)
• Rahmath Hotel (Known for Beef Biryani)
• Adam's Teashop (for tasty Chai)

Kozhikode also has various shopping spots where people can buy souvenirs and the local popular items such as handicrafts, sweets & snacks (Kozhikode Halwa, banana chips etc.), coir products (made of coconut coir), cotton clothes, Buffalo horn artefacts and local spices.

Following are some popular shopping spots that can be explored in Kozhikode:

• Emerald Mall
• RP Mall
• Focus Mall
• HiLite Mall
• SM Street

Kozhikode has many incredible hotels that offer a comfortable stay – in affordable range as well as luxurious ones. Some of the best hotels to stay at in Kozhikode are:

• The Raviz Calicut
• Malabar Palace hotel
• Metro Empires Hotel
• Hotel Paramount Tower
• Le Candles
• Vasco Da Gama Beach Resort
• Kovilakom Residency
• KPM Tripenta Hotel
• Calicut Towers
• Malayoram Gateway