Kozhikode (Calicut)

Quick Facts
Location : Kerala
Area : 30.61 Sq Km
Trip Highlights :
Ideal time to visit : September - May
Languages : Malayalam, English and Hindi
STD Code : 0495

Overlooking the southwest coast of India lies Kozhikode or Calicut, the erstwhile capital of the illustrious Zamorins. Described as “the great province of Malabar” by the legendary traveller Marco Polo, Kozhikode is situated on the northern part of Kerala.

Places of Attraction in Calicut
Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery (5 km from Kozhikode)
The Pazhassirajah Museum is situated at East Hill. On display here are copies of ancient murals, antique bronzes, old coins, excavated earthenware, models of temples, megalithic monuments like dolmonoid cysts, umbrella stones etc. Adjacent to the museum is the Art Gallery which exhibits an excellent collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Varma and Raja Raja Varma.The Museum has a substantial number of paintings by other artists too.

Badagara
Badagara 48 km from Kozhikode, is a centre of martial arts. Numerous temples, churches and mosques abound in the area of Badagara. Notable are the Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi Temple, the Jama-at Mosque and the Catholic Church.

Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi Temple
This temple is believed to be around 1500 years old. It is situated 5km away from Badagara. Three rock-cut caves are located very close to the temple. There is a wealth of elegant murals and carvings.

Tali Temple
The Tali Temple is a fine example of the total integration that can exist between wood and laterite, which is a remarkable feature of the Kerala style of architecture.

Krishna Menon Museum
The museum was built in honour of one of India’s greatest political leaders, V.K Krishna Menon. Displayed in the museum are his personal belongings and numerous souvenirs.

Beach and Dolphin’s Point
Situated 2km from the town centre, the tranquil beauty of the Kozhikode Beach is an oasis in the midst of the humdrum of a busy city. From the vantage of the Dolphin’s Point one can enjoy the playful antics of dolphins frolicking in the sea.

Mananchira Square
A new addition to the many attractions of Kozhikode, Mananchira Maidan or Square is located right at the heart of the city. The concept of a modern city has been captured in a smaller scale. An arcadia lavishly decorated with trees and plants, artificial hills, sculptures, an open-air theatre and a musical fountain have replaced the historic maidan, or square.

Kozhikode Beach
This beach is a favorite haunt of sunset viewers. Adding to its natural beauty is the old world charm retained in the old lighthouse and the two crumbling piers, each more than a hundred years old that run into the sea. Entertainment facilities such as the Lions Park for children and the marine water aquarium are added attractions.

Climate and Best time to Visit
The weather is overall pleasant in Kozhikode. Summers in Kozhikode are pleasant with temperature rising up to 33ºC plus. The winters are also pleasant with average temperature being around 23ºC. The best time to visit Kozhikode is around the year. Although to enjoy the beauty of nature along with good climate the best time would be between the months of September to March.

Kozhikode Air/Rail/Road Links
Airport : Kozhikode has an airport at Karipur.

Railways : Kozhikode is served by a handful of coastal expresses and several passenger trains.

Roadways : A well-built network of roads connects Kozhikode to the other parts of the state.