KOZHIKODE

About Kozhikode

Kozhikode district, located in the northern part of Kerala, is rich in history and culture. Situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea, this district has been a center for foreign trade via sea routes since ancient times. When Vasco da Gama landed at Kappad in 1498, Kerala secured its place in global history. Kozhikode, which was the administrative capital of the then Samoothiri (Zamorin) rulers, became a trading hub for the Portuguese, Dutch, British, and others. In 2022, Kozhikode was included in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) with the recognition as a “City of Literature.” It was the first city in Kerala and the third in India to receive this honor. This land, where libraries actively operate, has nurtured many renowned writers like M. T. Vasudevan Nair, Vaikom Muhammad Basheer, and C. Radhakrishnan. International literary platforms like the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) have transformed the city’s cultural identity. In terms of food culture, Kozhikode is widely famous for its distinctive cooking style. Biryani, Pathiri, fried meat, Halwa Unnakai, and other dishes are its unique specialties. The culinary influences brought by Arab traders make these dishes different from those in other parts of Kerala. Kozhikode is also notable for its natural beauty and tourism. Places like Kappad Beach, Beypore Port, Thusharagiri Waterfalls, and Mananchira Grounds attract visitors. Shipbuilding in Beypore continues to be preserved as a local tradition. Today, Kozhikode stands as a model of comprehensive urban development with strong progress in education, health, transportation, food, tourism, and literature.