Explore the wonderful City of Truth
Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is a city in Kerala State, Kozhikode district in India. The city has a rich history dating back from the Middle Ages where it acted as an important transit city for spices due to its location by the sea; hence the name "The City of Spices".
Kozhikode attractions and tips
Kozhikode has a humid and tropic climate, and it is very hot from March until May. The best time to visit the city is during the mild weather from December until March. The period from June to September and between October until November the city experiences Monsoon winds, which bring some rain.
There are several Hindu festivals in the city at different times of the year. There is the Shivarathri Utsavam celebration in October in Mahaganapathy temple. At the end of the same month, there is the lovely Diwali festival. You can also sample the rich culture during the Malabar Mahotsavam ceremony that occurs for five days in January, and comes with lots of dance, music and exciting drama.
Information about travelling to Calicut
You need to apply for a visa to visit Calicut. The passport should have at least two blank pages and not less than 180 days till the expiry date at the time of visa applications.
You also need to be vaccinated against hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. There may also be a risk of malaria in some areas of India.
Useful information about Calicut
Kozhikode is about 28km from Calicut International airport. You may use the Airport bus 747 service to get to the city. The service costs about INR 3-4 per kilometre. The bus stop is about 2km from the airport.
The public transport buses cost about INR7 for every 3km. There is a rickshaw service that charges roughly INR15 per kilometre.
The city has very low crime levels. Thus, you should be safe moving around. However, for the sake of your health, avoid drinking tap water. Meals are very cheap compared to London with basic meals costing roughly INR50.
As for accommodation, it is best to stay near the beach. The rest of the city is usually very noisy due to heavy traffic. The cost of accommodation ranges from about INR500 to about INR4,200 for luxury hotel rooms.
