Being formerly called as Calicut, the Kozhikode was the traditional capital of Northern Kerala under the Samuthiri ruler. It was a prominent region of Malabar. Today, it is a place of unique culture, ancient monuments, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, and hills blended with a warm and friendly ambience.

The name of Calicut is said to have originated from the word “Calico”, a fine variety of hand-woven cotton cloth available in the region. Some historians say that Kozhikode derives its name from the fortified palace built by the Samoothiri ruler.

The legendary traveller Marco Polo has described this region as the "great province of Malabar". Another great traveller Ibn Batuta, who visited Kozhikode at least six times, wrote about its prosperity as "The greater part of the Mohammadan merchants are so wealthy that one of them can purchase the whole freightage of such vessels as put in here and fit out others like them".

The district has a humid climate with a very hot season extending from March to May. The rainy season is mainly the South West Monsoon between June and September. The North-East Monsoon extends from the second half of October through November.

History

Early history of Calicut is not clear except few rock-cut scripts found in some parts of the district. It is in Sangam age, the district was ruled by the Cheras. This region became a major centre of trade between Kerala and outside world. In 13^th century, Udaiyavar, the king of Ernad, conquered the area around Ponniankar and built a fort at a place called Velapuram, now known as Calicut. With the entry of Vasco da Gama in 1498, many Europeans came to this region. After many disputes over the control of Calicut continued till 1792, the East India Company went into an agreement with the local Zamori rulers to directly administer this area. The whole of Cochin was under the control of the British until the Independence in 1947. Calicut today is one of the most important centers of trade and business.

Places of Interest

Tusharagiri, Mananchira Square, Kirtads, Beypore, Pazhassirajah Museum, Kappad