Kozhikode (pronounced [koːɻikːoːɖɨ̆] ), also known in English as Calicut, is a city along the Malabar Coast in the state of Kerala in India. It has a corporation limit population of 609,224 and a metropolitan population of more than 2 million, making it the second most populous metropolitan area in Kerala and the 19th largest in India. Kozhikode is classified as a Tier 2 city by the Government of India.It is the largest city in the region known as the Malabar Coast and was the capital of the British-era Malabar district.
In antiquity and the medieval period, Kozhikode was dubbed the City of Spices for its role as the major trading point for Indian spices. It was the capital of an independent kingdom ruled by the Samoothiris (Zamorins). The port at Kozhikode acted as the gateway to medieval South Indian coast for the Chinese, the Persians, the Arabs, and finally the Europeans.
According to data compiled by economics research firm Indicus Analytics in 2009 on residences, earnings and investments, Kozhikode was ranked the second-best city in India to live in. In November 2023, Kozhikode became the first Indian city to be included in the list of Creative Cities Network (UCCN) by UNESCO.
Traffic snarls make day time travel very difficult in most parts of the Kozhikode city. It is advisable to take a room in a hotel near the beach where there are no traffic issues. The 18 km road between Beypore and Pavangad lies entirely on the beach and has very light traffic.
Kozhikode was the capital of Zamorin kings until the British made it part of the Madras province. Also called called Calicut, the city was a major port on the Maritime Silk Road, frequented by traders from Arabia, Persia and later Europe. The English word calico, a cotton textile, originated from this city's old name.
Kozhikode used to be a romantic location with the charm of centuries-old streets and the smell of local sweets in the air. Today, Kozhikode is a developed city with high tech malls and modern cafe's. The city is a center of commerce and trade.
Kozhikode has many important educational institutions including Calicut Medical College, Government Engineering College Kozhikode, Indian Institute of Management, National Institute of Technology and Nielt.
Kozhikode has a rich tradition in the folk arts. Thirayattam is one of the most outstanding ethnic performing art of Kozhikode district. This ritualistic annual celebration enacted in courtyards of sacred groves and village shrine of Kozhikode and Malappuram district. Thirayattam annual festival in between January to April.
