Kozhikode, 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 largest 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 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.

Climate

Kozhikode has a tropical monsoon climate. A brief spell of pre-monsoon Mango showers hits the city sometime during April. However, the primary source of rain is the South-west monsoon that sets in the first week of June and continues until September. The city receives significant precipitation from the North-East Monsoon that sets in from the second half of October through November.

How to Reach Calicut

Calicut on the Malabar Coast served as an important centre of trade and commerce in the yesteryear. Calicut gained historical importance with the discovery of sea route to India in 1498 by Vasco Da Gama. Surrounded by lush green hills and golden beaches, Calicut gained historical importance over time. Attractions like Calicut Beach, Thusharagiri Waterfalls and Kirtads Museum delight travellers. The city enjoys excellent road, rail, and air connectivity with rest of India.