Kozhikode District or Calicut District is in Malabar, in Kerala, India. The population is 2.8 million and the density is 2,025 people per km2.
Cities
Other destinations
- Kakkayam — forests, waterfalls, reservoir and an ideal place for rock climbing
- Peruvannamuzhi (Kuttiyadi) — dam and gardens
- Pulimoottu at Beypore — for 1km walkway into the sea
Understand
The people of Kozhikode District are generally peaceful and less politicized compared to the neighboring Kannur District. But religious conservatism and vigilante groups are issues of concern here and unmarried couples can be questioned publicly for holding hands or walking together in a park. Marriage is the beginning of any courtship in this part of the world. In the early 2010s a restaurant in the middle of Kozhikode city was razed by a vigilante group because they had observed young college couples coming together and having coffee together regularly.
Get in
Kozhikode Airport is in Kondotty, 29 km. Trains are available from all Indian cities. Buses are available from major south Indian cities. Government buses can be distinguished by the letters RTC or Road Transport Corporation at the end (e.g. KSRTC, TNRTC, WBRTC). More expensive and comfortable options are the night buses run by private agencies. They originate from all Indian cities and offer aircraft type seating.
Get around
Autorikshaws are the popular option here because they charge only ₹15 per km. Autorikshaw drivers of Kozhikode have a reputation that they don't overcharge. They also behave very cordially to the customers. Buses charge ₹7 for three km. Minibuses are a little more popular because of their friendly attitude to the passengers but they are available only in the cities. Air-conditioned cars and jeeps are also available at ₹1,000 for one day's contract.
See
- Beypore Pulimoott — for a seawalk
- Chaliyam — village and beach
- Elamaram jetty — on Chaliyara river
- Mananchira Pond — in the heart of Kozhikode city
- Mishkal Masjidh — Kuttichira
- Peruvannamuzhy Dam — Kuttiady
- Sarovaram Bio Park — Kozhikode
- Tali Temple — Palayam
- Tusharagiri Forest — Thamarassery
Do
Eat
Only Kerala food cooked in coconut oil is available in most restaurants. North Indian food is a rarity. European food is available in expensive hotels and resorts.
Drink
Wine and beer are available easily but for stronger drinks you have to go to Mahe, 61 km. There is no nightlife and nobody understands what is nightlife.
Stay safe
Kozhikode District is safe to travel in the daytime. Cities and villages get deserted after 8PM because of local habit of early retirement.
Go next
- Azhikode beach — in Kannur 97 km.
- Bakel — beach and fort, 166 km
- Kochi — city, 181 km
- Kottakkal — Herbal Medicine centre, 46 km
- Mahe — old French enclave, 61 km
- Malampuzha — Gardens, near Palakkad 140 km
- Meppadi — tea estates near Kalpetta 78 km
- Mysore — city, 210 km