About:
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Kozhikode District is a district of Kerala state, situated on the southwest coast of India. The city of Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is the district headquarters. The district is 38.25% urbanised.Kozhikode district is bordered by the districts of Kannur to the north, Wayanad to the east, and Malappuram to the south.The Arabian Sea lies to the west. It is situated between latitudes 11° 08'N and 11° 50'N and longitudes 75° 30'E and 76° 8'E.The district is divided into three taluks; Vadakara, Koyilandy, and Kozhikode.Kozhikode is also known as Cock Fort.The Malabar coastal region and the third largest city in Kerala, Kozhikode formerly called Calicut, is situated on the northern part of the state. Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a city in the southern Indian state of Kerala. It is the third largest city in Kerala and the headquarters of Kozhikode district. During the Middle Ages, Calicut was dubbed the "City of Spices" for its role as the major trading point of eastern spices.Having great cultural traditions and jargon of its own, the city is a major trading center for spices and tiles and sometimes known as the 'land of spices'.
From time immemorial, the city attracted travelers, with its charming physical features and prosperity. Even today, the glory that was Calicut has not faded. 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 . The name Kozhikode is derived from the words Koyil (palace) and Kodu ( fortified). The city found its place in world history when Portuguese navigator Vasco De Gama discovered this as a sea route to India in 1498. Kozhikode is know by various names; Arabs called it Kalikat and Chinese Kalifo. During the conquest of Malabar, Tippu Sulthan tried to change the name of the city to Ferozabad. The city is popular for its Kozhikodan Halwas, a sweet dish made by flour and jaggery and the traditional Muslim food especially seafood cuisines made out of prawns, crabs, lobster and shell creature known as kallummekkaya or kadukka. Today, ancient monuments,Mananchira Square,serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, hills, a unique culture and a warm, friendly ambience make Kozhikode a much sought after destination.
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 Innumerable versions of how Kozhikode acquired its name abound among the local populace. Another version says that Kozhikode derived its name from Koyil Kotu or Kotta, which means a fortified palace.The district is famous for its educational institutions. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Kozhikode and National Institute of Technology (NIT), Kozhikode are institutes of international repute.
Kozhikode has a population of 436,556 as per 2001 census, with an extended metropolitan population of about 0.9 million, making it the third largest urban agglomeration and the third largest city in Kerala. According to data compiled by economics research firm Indicus Analytics on residences, earnings and investments, Kozhikode ranked as the second best city in India to reside in. Indicus considered six parameters – health, education, environment, safety, public facilities and entertainment – for preparing their 'reside-in' index of liveability.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.
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Location info:
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Kozhikode formerly called Calicut, is situated on the northern part of the state |
Climate/Weather of Kozhikkod Districts :
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The district has a generally humid climate with a very hot season extending from March to May. The 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 extends from the second half of October through November. The average annual rainfall is 3266 mm. The best weather is found in towards the end of the year, in December and January — the skies are clear, and the air is crisp. |
History of Kozhikkod Districts :
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In 1498 Portuguese Navigator Vasco Da Gama discovered Sea Route to India in Kozhikode District. Thus in this way Kozhikode found a place in the World History. Vasco Da Gama landed at the Kappad seashore with three vessels and 170 men. A monument is constructed here to commemorate the historical landing. Kozhikode city continues to be a center 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 amazing. The development is remarkable and impressive. Kozhikode city is the marketing center for commodities like pepper coconut, coffee, rubber, lemon grass oil etc. These are produced in Kozhikode and the neighboring districts of Wayanad, Malappuram and Kannur. |
Educational Institutions of Kozhikkod Districts :
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AWH Engineering College Kozhikode, Kerala
Janatha Arts College AtholiKuttiyadi Road, Purakkattiri, Kozhikode, Kerala State
Calicut Medical College Canteen Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala
Nirmala Hospital And Nursing College NH 212, Vellimadukunnu, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala
Malabar Christian College Christian College Cross Road, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala
Dental College SH 24, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala0495 2356781
Govt. Law College NH 212, Vellimadukunnu, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala
Government Arts & Science CollegeMeenchanda 1 review Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala
Govt. Homeopathic Medical College Karapparambu, KOzhikode Balussery Road, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala
Govt. Engineering College Temporary Block Valakkettunilam Road, West Hill, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala
MES Womens college Zilla Bungalow Road, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala
Government Engineering College Kozhikode West Hill, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala
Medical College Helipad Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala
Calicut Medical College Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala
Christ Hall Jesuit Training College NH212, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala
Med.College Campus GHSS Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala State
St Joseph's College Devagiri Kozhikode, Kerala State 6730080495 2355901
KMCT College of Engineering Kozhikode, Kerala0495 2295395
Manappuram -Medical College SH 24, Kozhikode, Kerala 673008049 53224848
Zamorin's Guruvayurappan College 1 review Guruvayurappan College Road, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala
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Langauge
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The local language spoken here is Malayalam the mother tongue of the people of Kerala known as keralites or Malayalees |
Culture:
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In the field of Malayalam Language and literature Kozhikode has made significant contributions. The district is famous for folk songs or ballads known as Vadakkan Pattukal. The most popular songs among them are those which celebrate the exploits of Thacholi Othenan. Mappilapattu and Oppana are cultural heritages of the Muslims. The songs are composed in a composite language of Arabic and Malayalam.Kozhikode also has strong associations with ghazals and football.
The city has a strong mercantile streak to it, with the major hub of commerce being the Mithai Theruvu.The name Mithai Theruvu or SM Street comes from the sweet Kozhikode Halwa which was often called as Sweetmeat by European traders. The multi cultural mix of Kozhikode ensures that Onam, Christmas, and Id-ul-Fitr are celebrated with equal pomp.
Kozhikode also offers a fare for every palate. Vegetarian fare includes the sadya (the full-fledged feast with rice, sambhar, papadum, and seven different curries).The non-vegetarian food offered in the city is a unique mix of Muslim and Christian preparations. Some popular dishes include the Biriyani, Ghee Rice with meat curry, a whole host of seafood preparations (prawns, mussels, mackerel, sea-fish) and paper thin Pathiris to provide accompaniment to spicy gravy. Other well known Kozhikodan snacks are the banana chips and the Kozhikodan Halwa.
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How to reach?
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Nearest Railway Station:Kozhikode is served by a handful of costal expresses and several passenger trains. |
Nearest Airport:Kozhikode has an airport at Karipur. |
Road Transport:The KSRTC buses ply regularly to Bangalore, Mangalore, Mysore, Ooty, Madurai, Coimbatore, Pondicherry, Thiruvananthapuram, Thrissur, Palakkad, Kannur Alappuzha, Kochi and Kottayam. NH 17 connects Kozhikode to Kannur, Kasaraod, Mangalore, Panjim and Mumbai. Tourists prefer taking the bus route to Ooty and Mysore due to the breathtaking views presented as the bus ascends the Western Ghats. |
Tourist Attraction of Kozhikkod Districts
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Beypore: Beypore, one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours of ancient Kerala, was an important trade and maritime centre Beypore was much sought after by merchants from Western Asia for its ship building industry.
Vadakara A city on bank of Kuttiyadi river, famous 1500 year old Lokanarkavu Bhagavathi Temple, rock cut caves with murals and carvings.
Dolphin point: Here one can see in the early hours of the morning dolphins playing in the sea. The beach, 2 km from Calicut (Kozhikode) town centre is along stretch of tree lined sand popular with the local people because of the Lions Club park, the Light House and the two piers - and, of course, the opportunity to enjoy in the evening breeze.
Krishna Menon Museum: Krishna Menon Museum situated at East Hill is five km by bus from the Railway station / city bus station. Lying adjacent to pazhassi raja Museum, a storehouse of knowledge
Malabar Houseboats: For luxury boating and exploring pristine back waters of Calicut (Kozhikode), House Boats can be availed. The novel concept and excellent hospitality in this floating palace is worth enjoying, with family and friends.
Pazhassiraja Museum: A veritable treasure trove for historians and connoisseurs of art, the Pazhassiraja Museum is located in Kozhikode - the land of spices, which lured navigators from time immemorial down to the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498.
Kozhippara Water Falls Ideal location for trekking and swimming ,with river side forests ,situated in Kakkadampoyil on the Malappuram -Calicut District border,can reach there by road.
Tusharagiri Waterfalls: As the name suggests, land and water have struck an extraordinary kinship at Thusharagiri (mist capped peaks). The plantation destination that abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spices, is also a trekker’s delight.
Tali Temple: Built in the 14th century by Swamy Thirumulpad, the Zamorin, within his palace complex, this temple was the venue of Revathy Pattathanam, the annual cultural and intellectual event.
Pazhassiraja Museum copies of ancient mural paintings, antique bronzes, coins, temple models and megalithic monuments.
S M Street: Sweet Meat Street is the busiest street in Calicut (Kozhikode) and derives its name from the times when the street was lined with sweetmeat stalls. Kozhikode is famous for its 'Halwa' and Sweets.
Kappad Beach: For the people of Calicut (Kozhikode), this pleasant stretch of rock studded beach is Kappakkadavu. To the tourist it is one of the most charming of Kerala's beaches. Kappad finds mention in history and geography texts as the gateway to the Malabar Coast.
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary: The sanctuary at Kadalundi is a Haven for migratory birds. Terns, Gulls, Herons, Sand pipers, Whim brels .Other such migratory birds flock from the month of November and returns only by the end of April. It is 25 kms. from Kozhikode.
Tusharagiri Famous for trekking tracks, with waterfall, evergreen dense forests with exotic birds and wild animals on the way.
Tali Temple 14th century temple build by Swami Thirumulpad, the Zamorian.
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Hotels/Lodge/Accommodation in Kozhikkod Districts :
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Hotel Alakapuri MM Ali Road, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala - 0495 2723451
Fortune Hotel Calicut Rated 2.4 out of 5.0 47 Kannur Road, 673006 - 049 5276 8888
Hotel Kadavu Resort 25 NH 17 Calicut Bye Pass Road, Post Office Feroke College, Calicut, 673 632 - 0483 2830023
Malabar Palace Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala - 0495 2721511
Beach Heritage Inn Hotel Rated 3.2 out of 5.0 6 Beach Rd, Kozhikode, Kerala 673 032 - 0495 2365363
Hotel Asma Tower NH 17, Kozhikode, Kerala 673004 - 09847611275
The Gateway Hotel Beach Road Rated 3.4 out of 5.0 33 P.T.Usha Road Kerela, 673032 - 0495 2765354
Sagar Hotel NH 17, Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala - 0495 2720152
Beach Hotel Calicut, Kozhikode, Kerala
Taj Residency Hotel PT Usha Rd, Kozhikode, Kerala 673032 - 0495 2765354
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Links
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http://www.kkd.kerala.gov.in/home.htm |