Kozhikode Tourism

Kozhikode (Calicut), the most important region of Malabar in yesteryears, was the capital of the powerful Zamorins and also a prominent trade and commerce center. Kozhikode District found a place in the World History with the discovery of Sea Route to India in 1498 by the Portuguese Navigator Vasco Da Gama. Vasco Da Gama landed at the Kappad sea shore with three vessels and 170 men. A monument is constucted here to commemorate the historical landing. Kozhikode city continues to be a centre of flourishing domestic and international trade. Its contribution to all round development of the district in trade, commerce and economic development over the years is spectacular. Kozhikode city is the marketing centre for commodities like pepper coconut, coffee, rubber, lemon grass oil etc., produced in Kozhikode and the neighbouring districts of Wayanad, Malappuram and Kannur. Basking in the idyllic setting of the serene Arabian Sea on the west and the proud peaks of the Wayanad hills on the east, this district with the serene beaches, lush green countryside, historic sites, all combine to make Kozhikode a popular tourist destination filled with a warm ambience to fascinate a visitor. Kozhikode is a historical town with a hoary past. From time immemorial, the city attracted travellers, with its charming physical features and prosperity. Even today , the glory of Kozhikode(Calicut) has not faded. Kozhikode was the capital of Malabar during the time of Zamorins who where ruling before the British Rule in India. It was trading in spices like black pepper and cardamom with the Jews, Arabs, Phoenicians, Chinese , Dutch and Portuguese more than 500 years ago. The political history of Kozhikode is a story of treacherous and ill conceived conspiracies hatched by the Western powers. Vasco De Gama landed at Kappad in May 1498, as the leaders of a trade mission from Portugal and was received by the Zamorin himself. As Kozhikode offered full freedom & security, the Arab & the Chinese merchants preferred it to all other ports.

Names of Kozhikode: Kozhikode had a high order of cosmopolitanism and cultural variety and so, not surprisingly, it has many names such as Kalicut and Calicut. Some have even given it the peculiar name - The Cock Fort. It is said that the name Calicut is derived from the Malayalam word Koyil Kotta, 'a fortified place'. While others think Kalicut is an Arabic version of Kozhikode, which the colonisers morphed to Calicut, which in turn gave the name Calico to the hand-woven cloth that originated here.

Importance of Kozhikode: Kozhikode has played an important role in the field of education, agriculture, spice trade, fishing, ship building, sea trade, media, heritage stuctures, cultural arts and festivals, tourism, personalities like V. K. Krishna Menon, P.T. Usha and much more to become a well known district of Kerala.


Kozhikode also famous as Calicut is the third largest city of Kerala. The place is famous as Vasco De Gama, first European to land on the Indian coasts, landed here in 1498 AD. A port city located amidst the lush green spice Plantations, Kozhikode takes you on a momentous journey through beautiful backwaters, picturesque beaches and ancient palaces.

The busy coastal city of Kozhikode, located to the north of Kerala and 225 kms from Kochi holds an important postion in the legend and history of Kerala.

The place is historically famous as the Portuguese led by Vasco da Gama first landed in India, at Kappad near Kozhikode in 1498 AD. He was the first European to reach India via the sea route, around the southern cape of Africa. Later the Dutch, French and British came to its shores.

Thus, began a period of conflict of foreign powers for domination of trade in Malabar. Kozhikode was the capital of the powerful Zamorins. This age-old town still maintains its commercial traditions.

Getting There

Air: Kozhikode has an airport at Karipur.
Rail: Kozhikode is served by a handful of costal expresses and several passenger trains.
Road: A well-built network of roads connects Kozhikode to the other parts of the state.

Places to See

Kozhikode Backwater
If you are looking for an interesting holiday option then Backwaters is your place. Backwaters has a very enchanting value hat can be appreciated by water and nature lovers. It is a connection plateau of many different lakes, rivers, deltas and irrigation canals that converge in a plateau. It is also still used as a means of transportation in between the villages that are situated there. You can take a ride in one of the traditional house boats on the rivers in the Backwaters region. There are many places that you can explore on your own and there are lots of opportunities for water sports there.

Canolly Canal
If you go to the district of Kozhikode (Calicut) then there are many beautiful places to see. However, Calicut in general is a coastal district and thus when you go ... (more) If you go to the district of Kozhikode (Calicut) then there are many beautiful places to see. However, Calicut in general is a coastal district and thus when you go to the small villages there you can expect to be side by side with boats, rivers and the sea. The Canolly Canal is such a place as there are many opportunities in the Canolly Canal to take boat and just stroll down the canal for enjoyment. Canolly Canal is especially very enjoyable during the sun set times when tourists stroll down the canal in the small local boats that give you a historical déjà vu.

Kozhippara Falls
Kozhippara Water Falls is one of the many places in India that is set to be invigorating. In fact, the legend of the Fountain of Youth, seems to have originated ... (more) Kozhippara Water Falls is one of the many places in India that is set to be invigorating. In fact, the legend of the Fountain of Youth, seems to have originated from India and perhaps from Kozhippara Water Falls. In this region, you can easily find many places for trekking and sightseeing. You can douche your head in the water falls or take a dive in the Kuthradampuzha river, where it is set to have rejuvenating powers for the sick and the old.

Krishna Menon Museum
One of the things that make the Indian culture so rich and full of heritage is definitely its many leaders. There are many world known leaders and definitely Krishna Menon ... (more) One of the things that make the Indian culture so rich and full of heritage is definitely its many leaders. There are many world known leaders and definitely Krishna Menon is one of them. The world famous Indian leader V. K Krishna Menon is honored here in this special Krishna Menon Museum. The Krishna Menon Museum is located near Calicut and it is a place that must be seen whenever you go to India. Of course, in the Krishna Menon Museum there are also various other exhibits besides the great leader. You can get a taste of the rich Indian history in this unique museum.