About the city- Kozhikode or Calicut

Calicut
Kozhikode formerly known as Calicut situated in the south Indian state of Kerala on the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea. The most important city of Malabar region serves as the focal point of prospering domestic and international trade and considered as the commercial hub of the progressive state of India.

Lush green scenery of the countryside and high hills, quaint and serene beaches, historical sites and relics of its past glory, tranquil rivers and lagoons, adventurous wildlife– a great combination of all the enthralling scenic beauty, a unique culture and very warm and friendly ambience made this city the perfect tourist destination in the heavenly abode of nature.

History
Kozhikode formerly called Calicut today’s most important city in Malabar region, the north region of Kerala, was the traditional capital of Northern Kerala during the medieval period. Rich in history, Calicut was once a flourishing town, leading trading center in spices on the west coast of India.

Calicut was brought into the attention of the entire world when Portuguese Navigator Vasco Da Gama discovered the sea route to India in 1498 and Calicut made a glorious entry in the world history. British and Dutch ruled the region for several years. In 1972 the administrative power was handed over to the local Zamori rulers after years of ascendancy by the British rulers. The region remained under Madras Presidency till Kerala was given the status of an individual state in 1956.

The city was under the rule of Chera administration until ad 1122 during Sangam age; this was the time when this region experienced unlimited spurt in foreign trade and business and alliance with rest of the world. Soon after the fall of Cheras also known as Perumals, the region was divided into numerous independent districts called ‘Nadus’ such as Earnad and Polanad.

It came into existence in the 13th century when the king of Ernad, conquered the land and built a fort at a place called Velapuram, well known as Calicut.

The Europeans used to call the local rulers as Zamorins. The city was under the rule of highly cultured and powerful Zamorins for long time.

Calicut derived its name from ‘calico,’ which is named after the fine variety of hand-woven cotton cloth said to have originated from this place which was famous worldwide.

The place flanked by the fort was known as Koyil (palace) or Kotta (Fort) and gave birth to the name of Kozhikode.

Vestiges of its grandeur can still be seen in this region depicting its glorious past.

Location
Kozhikode or Calicut is located in the south Indian state of Kerala on the southwest coast of the Arabian Sea. The district extends from latitude 11°15' N to 75°49' E. The place is famed for its beautiful location, which is surrounded by the Arabian Sea on the west and the eye-catching green Wayanad hills on the east, makes it the perfect holiday destination in the lap of nature.
If the soul-stirring scenic beauty and relaxation are high on your agenda, then Kozhikode is an ideal stop.

Weather
Due to its proximity to the Arabian Sea, Kozhikode experiences both hot and humid climate throughout the year. There are 4 distinct seasons that can be observed in Kozikode and all over Kerala. The summer, which usually extends from March to May with temperature hovers around 39.4 degree centigrade. The main rainy season is during the South West Monsoon, which sets in the first week of June and extends up to September. The North East Monsoon brings fair amount of rain during the second half of October through November. During this time, there are heavy but short-lived downpours almost daily usually in the afternoon and the dark clouds play hide and seek with the sun all day long. The average annual rainfall is usually 3266 mm. From December through January temperature remains around 14 degree centigrade with very occasional chilly bite, the best time to visit Kerala or Kozhikode.

Religion
Kozhikode or former Calicut being the major hub for Business and foreign trade was the abode for people from different countries and religions which gave the city a cosmopolitan population in turn. Hindus being on the top, Muslims and Christians are also present in a large number. The Muslims of Kozhikode district are well known as Mappilas who follow two different schools of thoughts such as shafi and salafi. They are also known as Kerala Nadvathul Mujahideen, caused an accelerated growth in social development and education among Muslims. Christianity was introduced to Kerala during the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and British in 16th century.

Connectivity
Kozhikode , the small yet very busy city in Kerala, is a wonderful city with lush green forests, rivers, wildlife sanctuaries, hills-the place is rich in flora and fauna, attracts tourists from all over the world due to its inimitable charm of hospitality.
Kozhikode enjoys a very good connectivity to the rest of the world. Reaching there is very easy as the city is well linked by Air, Rail and Road network.

Air - The Kozhikode airport is located at Karipur which is around 27 Kilometers southeast of the city. The airport enjoys a wider connection of direct flights to Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Goa, and Coimbatore, also some other countries like Sharjah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Doha and Muscat. Other nearest Airports are in Cochin and Mangalore.

Rail - The Kozhikode has a good number of express and inter-state trains connecting major cities and railway hubs in India. The Kozhikode railway station is located at south of Manchira Square. Important places like Mangalore, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai, Coimbatore, Goa and Mumbai are also well linked to Kozhikode by the wide railway network.

Road - Kozhikode is very well linked and easily accessible by a large network of roads connecting every nook and corner of the country. Short distance and long distance public transport system operated by Kerala State Road Transport Corporation as well as private transport operators are present in a good number. One can also avail of the other mode of conveyance such as auto rickshaw, taxi and ordinary or Deluxe or luxury coaches which are easily available and affordable too.