Calicut or Kozhikode: Historic, airport city along the super Malabar coast in Kerala

Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, is a city located on the Malabar Coast of Kerala, India. This ancient city has a rich history dating back to the 12th century and has been an important center of trade and commerce for centuries.

From its vibrant cultural heritage to its stunning natural beauty, it is a city that has something for everyone. Here are some of the top attractions and experiences that make it a must-visit destination.

For the TLOW backpacking experience click on this link 

The Beaches in Calicut:

It is famous for its stunning beaches, which offer a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The Kozhikode Beach, also known as the Beach Road, is a popular spot for sunset-watching and evening strolls. The beach is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, making it a great place to spend an evening. The Beypore Beach, located just outside the city, is another popular spot for beach lovers. It’s known for its beautiful views of the Arabian Sea and its tranquil atmosphere.

The Backwaters:

It is surrounded by picturesque backwaters, which are a network of waterways that crisscross the city. A boat ride through the backwaters offers a unique perspective on the city and its culture. You can take a guided tour or rent a boat and explore the backwaters on your own. The backwaters are also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, birds, and fish.

The Historic City:

The city has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. It was an important center of trade and commerce during the ancient times, and it was an important port city for spice trade. The historic city center is home to several ancient temples and mosques, including the Thali Shiva Temple and the Pazhayangadi Juma Masjid. The Calicut Government Museum is another must-visit attraction in the city.

The Cuisine:

Kerala cuisine is famous for its spicy flavors and unique blends of spices. Calicut is no exception, with its own special dishes like biryani, dumplings, and snacks like banana chips and murukku. Be sure to try some of these dishes at one of the many local restaurants in the city.

Calicut is a city that offers something for everyone – from its stunning beaches and backwaters to its rich history and culture. Whether you’re looking for relaxation or adventure, Calicut is a destination that will leave you enchanted. So come and experience it for yourself!

Interesting facts about Calicut:

1. Historical significance: Calicut was an important center of trade and commerce in the ancient times. It was a major port city, and the name “Calicut” is derived from the Arabic word “Kalikut”, which means “port of spices”.
2. Muziris: Calicut was once a part of the ancient kingdom of Muziris, which was a major commercial hub in the 1st century AD. The city was an important center for the spice trade, and it was known for its high-quality spices like pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon.
3. Vasco da Gama: In 1498, Vasco da Gama, a Portuguese explorer, landed at Calicut and became the first European to reach India by sea. He arrived in search of a new trade route to Asia.
4. Beaches and backwaters: Calicut is famous for its beautiful beaches, such as the Kozhikode Beach and the Beypore Beach. The city is also surrounded by picturesque backwaters, which offer scenic boat rides and water sports.
5. Cuisine: Calicut is known for its delicious cuisine, which is a blend of traditional Kerala dishes like biryani, dumplings, and snacks like banana chips and murukku.
6. Education: Calicut is home to several reputed educational institutions, including the University of Calicut and the National Institute of Technology Calicut.
7. Cultural festivals: Calicut celebrates several cultural festivals throughout the year, including the Kozhikode Summer Festival, which features music, dance, and theater performances.
8. Tourist attractions: Other popular tourist attractions in Calicut include the Thali Shiva Temple, the Pazhayangadi Juma Masjid, and the Kozhikode Government Museum.

Overall, Calicut is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an interesting destination for tourists and travelers!

Here are some key details about Calicut International Airport (CCJ):

Airport Information:

• Name: Calicut International Airport (IATA: CCJ, ICAO: VOCL)
• Location: Karippur, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
• Elevation: 14 meters (46 feet) above sea level
• Coordinates: 11.1625° N, 75.9994° E

Airlines and Destinations:

• The airport is served by several domestic and international airlines, including Air Arabia, Air India, Emirates, Flydubai, IndiGo, Oman Air, SpiceJet, and SriLankan Airlines.
• The airport operates flights to destinations in India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Terminals:

• The airport has two terminals: Terminal 1 (Domestic) and Terminal 2 (International).
• Terminal 1 serves domestic flights to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai.
• Terminal 2 serves international flights to destinations like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, and Colombo.

Airport Facilities:

• The airport has several facilities to cater to passengers’ needs, including:
  • Check-in counters and baggage claim belts
  • Security screening points
  • Immigration and customs facilities
  • Duty-free shops and restaurants
  • ATMs and currency exchange counters
  • Prayer rooms and mosques
  • Medical center and pharmacy

Transportation from the Airport:

• Taxis and auto-rickshaws are available outside the airport terminals.
• The airport is connected to the city center by a bus service operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).
• Private car rentals and tour operators also offer services from the airport.

Airport Statistics:

• Passenger traffic: over 1.5 million passengers per year
• Aircraft movements: over 15,000 per year
• Cargo handling: over 1,000 tons per month

Expansion Plans:

• The airport is undergoing expansion works to increase its capacity and handle more passengers.
• The expansion plans include the construction of a new terminal building, additional aircraft parking bays, and upgraded infrastructure.

Calicut International Airport is a key gateway to southern India’s Malabar region and a popular destination for both domestic and international travelers.

Calicut railway station

Here are some key details about Calicut Railway Station (CLT):

Station Information:

• Name: Calicut Railway Station (Kozhikode Railway Station)
• Station Code: CLT
• Location: Railway Station Road, Kozhikode, Kerala, India
• Elevation: 12 meters (39 feet) above sea level
• Coordinates: 11.2565° N, 75.5212° E

Platforms and Tracks:

• The station has three platforms and four tracks.
• Platforms 1 and 2 are used for passenger trains, while Platform 3 is used for goods trains.

Trains and Routes:

• Calicut Railway Station is a major railway junction in southern India, with trains connecting to various parts of the country.
• The station is a major stop for trains on the Trivandrum-Mangaluru-Mumbai route, as well as the Kochuveli-Delhi route.
• Trains operated by Indian Railways, such as the Ernakulam-Kannur Express and the Tiruvananthapuram-Howrah Express, also stop at Calicut.

Facilities:

• The station has several facilities to cater to passengers’ needs, including:
  • Ticket counters and parcel counters
  • Waiting rooms and retiring rooms
  • Restaurants and snack stalls
  • Bookstalls and newsagents
  • ATMs and currency exchange counters
  • Luggage storage facilities

Transportation from the Station:

• Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and buses are available outside the station to take passengers to various destinations in the city.
• The station is also connected to the city center by a bus service operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC).

Station Statistics:

• Annual passenger footfall: over 2 million
• Number of trains operated daily: over 100
• Number of platforms: 3
• Number of tracks: 4

Renovations and Upgrades:

• The station is undergoing renovations to upgrade its facilities and improve passenger amenities.
• The project includes the construction of new platforms, renovation of existing buildings, and installation of modern signaling systems.

Overall, Calicut Railway Station is a major transportation hub in southern India, serving as a key connection point for passengers traveling to various parts of the country.