About
Kozhikode which is also known as Calicut is a very important city in Kerala. It is the headquarters of Kozhikode district and also known for its great history, beautiful beaches, famous spice trade and also its vibrant cultural past. Situated on the Malabar Coast by the Arabian Sea Kozhikode has been a key trading center for many years. Presently it plays a large role in Kerala’s economy via business, tourism, education and commerce.
The city rose to the world stage as a primary spice trading port of India. To that came merchants from Arabia, China and Europe to purchase in great volume black pepper which was the main produce. Today trade still plays a very important role in the city’s identity.
Kozhikode has also seen growth in its educational and health care sectors as well as in business. From all over Kerala students come here for higher studies, also we see patients from nearby districts that are drawn in by modern hospitals.
The city is a blend of the old and the new. We see busy shopping streets, business centers and residential areas which are right there which also have the historic buildings, old markets and places of worship. This gives Kozhikode a special character which is very appealing to both the residents and the visitors.
Tourism is on the rise each year. In Kozhikode which has beautiful beaches, museums, parks, cultural centers and nearby hill stations it is a preferred destination for families, students and travellers.
Today in the present time Kozhikode is a leading city in Kerala. It’s a home to a strong business community, sees growth in education, preserves its cultural heritage and is known for its peaceful lifestyle which in turn attracts people from all over the country.
History & Culture
Kozhikode has a rich past which stretches back many centuries. In the medieval age it became the capital of the Zamorin rulers who developed the city into the preeminent trade port on the west coast of India.
Arab traders did in fact come to Kozhikode before the European fleets did. The city’s port, which was very active became known for the export of spices, coconut products and other valuable items to the four corners of the world.
In the year 1498 a large event in the city’s past took place which was the arrival of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama at Kappad Beach near Kozhikode. He came in to open what would be a new sea trade route between Europe and India which in turn made Kozhikode a world known name.
During the course of time the Portuguese, Dutch, British and local rulers played a role in the city’s development. Today we see many of the old buildings, trade centers and cultural traditions which tell of that rich past.
In Kozhikode Religion has a very large role. From temples to mosques to churches these can be found around the city which is a testament to a very old history of religious amity. Also people from different communities come together to celebrate each other’s festivals with great respect and joy.
Onam, Vishu, Eid, Christmas and local temple festivals are enjoyed by many. We see all year round cultural programs, music, dance and traditional art as a way in which our families and communities come together.
The city is known for its food culture. We have Malabar biryani, banana chips, halwa, seafood dishes and traditional Kerala meals which are popular with both residents and visitors.
Economy
Kozhikode has a very strong local economy in the north of Kerala. Trade, tourism, education, health care, information technology, banking and retail sectors are the elements which see the city grow.
Trade has for long been a key element of Kozhikode’s economy. In all types of wholesale markets you find spices, coconut products, textiles, food items and consumer goods. Also many of the businesses which grew out of this trade serve customers from neighboring districts.
Tourism is a job creator for hotels, restaurants, travel agents, transport companies and local shops. Also we see that those from India and out of the country support many small businesses throughout the year.
Education also plays a role in the city’s economy. We see that universities, engineering colleges, medical schools and professional institutions attract students from all over Kerala and neighboring states.
Retail trade has grown very fast with the shopping malls, supercenters, restaurants and commercial complexes which in turn provide jobs to thousands of people.
Information tech and manufacturing sectors are seeing growth which in turn is creating new job opportunities for young professionals.
Government Sector
In the government sector you will see stable employment in the areas of district administration, government schools, colleges, hospitals, police departments and public works.
Government agencies are at work improving roads, drinking water supply, sanitation, health care, education and public infrastructure. Also we see the welfare of students, farmers, women, senior citizens and economically weaker families.
The district administration is into urban development, environment protection and also improving civic facilities which in turn serves the ever growing population.
Public Sector
Public sector entities provide a great deal of what Kozhikode’s population and economy need every day. Nationalized banks, public transport and utility companies serve residents, businesses and academic institutions.
Public bodies that run electricity distribution, drinking water supply, sanitation and civic infrastructure. These services which support homes, industries, hospitals, schools and commercial establishments in the city.
Services Sector
In Kozhikode the services sector is a large component of our economy. In terms of banking, healthcare, education, tourism, retail trade, hospitality and information technology we see very large employment.
Hospitals, schools, financial institutions attract us from around the area. In terms of the local economy, new jobs which grow out of our hotel and restaurant sectors, shopping centers, and tourism support also are a feature of our continued economic success.
Tourism
Tourism is a very strong pillar of Kozhikode’s economy. All through the year the city sees a large number of visitors for its beaches, historical sites, religious places, parks and local food. Also it is a place which many travellers use as a base to explore the nearby areas in north Kerala.
Kappad Beach is a historical site which is a short distance from the city. It is known to be the spot where Vasco da Gama made landfall in 1498. Presently the beach is a great place for visitors to visit and learn of its past.
Beypore is a port that has been around for ages in Kerala and is known for its classic wooden ships named Uru. For generations skilled artisans have been at the trade of constructing these large wooden ships. The port’s beach and harbor also is a great attraction to many.
Tali Shiva Temple which is a very old site in Kozhikode. It has that which is of the Kerala style and also very beautiful which in turn attracts devotees and also people into the history and culture.
Kozhikode is a great destination in Kerala for traditional Malabar food. We see lots of visitors enjoy the biryani, the banana chips, halwa, the seafood dishes and local snacks. Also the city’s markets are a hit with spices, handicrafts, clothing and souvenirs.
Demographics
According to the 2011 Census Kozhikode city had a population of over six lakh while in the district of Kozhikode there was a population of over 3 million. Also population growth has been due to education, health care and job opportunities.
Malayalam is what you will hear mostly in Kozhikode. Also very much in use are the English language in institutions of higher learning, business and government agencies. Also very large groups of people that have come for trade and migration have made Hindi and Tamil to be very common also.
Kozhikode reports one of the highest literacy rates in Kerala. We have government schools, private schools, colleges and universities which have contributed to a very educated population. Also students from other districts come here for higher education and professional courses.
The city has a diverse workforce which includes teachers, doctors, engineers, traders, government employees, business owners, tourism professionals and those in IT. This diversity of professions supports a balanced local economy.
Administration
Kozhikode is the base for the administration of Kozhikode district. Government agencies work to deliver public services and support development in both urban and rural areas.
The incharge of Kozhikode is the Municipal Corporation which provides services that include road maintenance, drinking water supply, sanitation, waste collection, drainage systems, street lighting and public parks. These services in turn help to keep the city clean and organized.
The District Collector’s reports on land administration, revenue collection, disaster management, development projects and the roll out of government welfare schemes. Also a report is given on the progress of infrastructure and public facilities which is a joint effort of various departments.
Government agencies also run education, health care, agriculture, public safety, transport and environmental protection. They do that for the benefit of students, farmers, business owners and local residents.
Police, fire and emergency services which also run the emergency response teams maintain order at the same time they provide quick help in a crisis. Also report that government hospitals and health centers are doing better in the care they give to the public which is a district wide effort.
Local government is putting into place better roads, public transport, health care, educational institutions, and civic infrastructure at present. Also they are into the project of conservation of Kozhikode's historical sites, beaches and culture.
| Official Name | Kozhikode |
| Location | Kerala |
| Area | 118.59 sq. km |
| Population | 6,09,224 |
| Language | Malayalam, English |
FAQs
Q1: Why is Kozhikode called Calicut?
Kozhikode is what the colonial period was known as Calicut. That said the old name which we see on the maps of that time is what the European traders also used for the most part, at present however the name Kozhikode is the official one.
Q2: Is it a good place to live in Kozhikode?
Yes. Kozhikode has a great deal to offer in terms of education which includes top notch institutions, also they have world class health care facilities, very good transport connections, a large number of job options and what it is known for a very liveable environment which is why it is a city which is very much at the top of people’s lists in Kerala.
Last Updated on : July 21, 2026
