Calicut

Introduction and history: Calicut (Kozhikode) is known as the traditional city of Malabar region of Kerala. The city sandwiched between Wayanad hills on the east and Arabian Sea on the east has served as a strategic trade centre over two millennia. Its setting as a tourist destination, however, was appreciated by Vasco da Gama and Marco Polo. Vasco Da Gama first landed here in 1498. Today, the town is known for its beautiful countryside, pristine beaches, historic sites, calm backwaters, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, timber industry and Ayurvedic medicines.

What to see and when to go: Kozhikode Beach, Mananchira Square, the renovated square today houses important structures such as Commonwealth Trust Factory, Town Hall, Lalitkala Academy Hall, Jama’atpalli Mosque and Muchhandipalli Mosque, the oldest in Kerala), Kappad Beach. The best season to visit Calicut is from September to May. Apart from spending time in tourist destinations, Calicut offers various other options like shopping, cruise along the backwaters in the Kallai River and other canals. Kakkayam is famous for trekking.

Accommodation: Calicut offers multiple accommodation options. There are many hotels which are priced below 2000 per day. Expensive hotels are also available.

Mode of transport: Its airport is at Karipur, which is 25 kilometers away from the centre of the city. It is well connected with all major domestic locations inside India. It has a local railway station, which is connects to major junctions like Chennai, Mangalore, Goa and Mumbai. Tourist guide information supplied by Government and Private agencies at various locations provide extensive information about train timings. It also has a good network of railways and well connected by roads with other towns and cities. NH 17 and 212 are the major highways.

Related links:

• Tourist information: http://www.calicut.net
• Calicut city portal: http://www.calicutcity.com/

See also (nearby places): Beypore, Thushagiri waterfalls and Peruvannamuzhi.