Calicut is also known as Kozhikode. It is a thriving city of just under half a million people. Compared to the sprawling mega-cities of India such as Mumbai, Calicut has a very different feel indeed. Luxuriating in its coastal location Calicut is a major draw for visitors to Kerala.
The city of Calicut is more properly referred to as Kozikhode (which means ‘Fortified Palace’) as this is its official name. The name Calicut is an anglicised version, and it is this that is most widely used. Other names that have been used for the city over the years include Kalitooth, which is the name for the city in the Arab world.
Facing Arabia geographically, Calicut has also been influenced by Arabic culture throughout its history. Arab traders have visited the city to deal in the products available there. Calicut has the nickname of the ‘Spice City’ as the growing, blending and selling of Spice as always been a major part of the way of life in the region. Calicut has, in fact a very good claim to be the world’s leading Spice capital.
The pre-eminence of Keralean spice has of course had an impact on the cuisine of the Region. In Calicut you will find restraints serving the typical and distinctive dishes of the area. Part of the uniqueness of the style of cooking comes from the Portuguese influence that remains to this day. The Vindaloo, a hot curry much favoured in Britain has its origins in this region as a fusion of the Portuguese and Indian food.
As far as transport goes Calicut International Airport is very much the place for flights to Calicut. The surrounding areas are well served by a network of buses. These are spectacularly inexpensive, but can at times leave something to be desired in terms of comfort. Renting a car or a motorcycle is an option taken up by the brave few. India’s road systems are notorious for traffic and chaos, Calicut is no exception.
Calicut is by the seaside, and the beaches of the region are spectacular. The hustle and bustle of Indian city living seem very far away when one is relaxing on this idyllic shore. The coastline in the region of Calicut is a great place to go for a beach holiday. There are the amenities that make tourism possible, whilst at the same time it is not overdeveloped.
Calicut (AKA Kozikode) beach
Useful links:
Lates travel advice from the Foreign Office
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