Erstwhile recognized as the capital of Zamorins the district of Kozhikode served as prominent trade and commerce centre in the ancient times. In the early days it was one of the most important regions of the Malabar.
There is lacunae about the historical evidence of the Kozhikode district. According to the historian, K.V, Krishnan Iyer, the term means koyil (Palace) Kodu (Fortified). The city carries the proud history behind its existence. It was recognized as an important trade centre due to which the prestige of Calicut still continues. The history of Kozhikod had been influenced by the Western powers. Vasco Da Gama discovered and landed at Kappad on May 1948 in the capacity of team leader to the group visiting India on with an intention trade with Portuguese. Here he was received by the king Zamorin himself.
The history of formation of Kozhikode district as a separate administrative district of Kerala goes back to January 1957, when the Indian States were being re-organized on the basis of their languages. On November 1st, 1956 the Malabar district of was separated from the Madras district but later it was felt Malabar district was not suitable for administrative purpose. As the result of this the an order was passed by the State Government to form three districts with minor changes in the geographical boundaries of these districts.
As the result of this reformation the district of Kozhikod came into existence on January 1st, 1957 consisting of five taluks Vadakara, Koyilandy, Kozhikod, Ernad and Tirur. Later with the formation of Malapuram district in June 1st, 1969 and Wayandu on November 1st, 1980 the Kozihkod district at present consists of one revenue division, three taluks, tweleve blocks, 78 Panchayat Samities, and 117 villages.
Statistical Data:
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Area (in sq.km.)
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2344
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Population
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2,878,498
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Males
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1,398,674
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Females
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1,479,824
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Sex ratio : Females/1000
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1058
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Density of Population
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1228
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Per Capita Income (in Rs)
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18105
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Literacy rate
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92.45%; Male 96.30%; Female 88.86%
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Coastal line in km.
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71
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Water bodied area in ha.
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4,400
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Forest area in ha.
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41386
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Assembly Constituencies
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1. Perambra
2. Koduvalli
3. Kunnamangalam
4. Thiruvampadi
5. Kozhikkod-1
6. Kozhikkod-2
7. Koyilandi
8. Meppayoor
9. Nadapuram
10. Vadakara
11. Beppur
12. Balusseri
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Geographical Features: The district of Kozhikod is located in the South West Coast of Indian sub continent. The district is surrounded by Kannur district in north, Wynad district in east, Malappuram in south and by Arabian Sea in the west.
The district is divided into three regions the sandy, the rocky highlands formed by the hilly portion of the Western Ghats and midland.
The three taluks are expanded over the three regions. The district has a coastal length of about 80 kms. The highland region accounts for 26.80 per cent and the lowland region for 15.55 per cent of the total area of the district.
Tourist Destinations: The major places of visit in the district are mentioned below:
Mananchira Square: It is one of the recently constructed attractions in the heart of the city. A ground close to Mananchira has been developed into an arcade with beautiful trees and plants, artificial hill, shrubs, sculpture, an open air theatre and above all a musical fountain. Mananchira Maidan is managed and maintained by the corporation of Kozhikod.
Planetarium: Kozhikod is now proud to have been placed in the Planetarium Map of the World. Having the sitting capacity of 250 spectators at a time the Planetarium has a sophisticated Zeiss projector. Objects float in space defying gravity. Chemistry brings magic at home. The Science Centre discloses the miseries hidden behind the facts which were otherwise called as supernatural powers.
V.K. Krishna Menon Museum: Houses the eye catching painting of Raja Ravi Varma apart from the other valuable collections. A Separate section is constructed to pay homage to V.K. Krishna Menon. The personal items belonging to him are also presented in this museum.
Tali Temple: Constructed by Swami Thirumupad, the Zamorin in the 14th century adjacent to his palace this temple was the venue of Revathy Pattathanam. The temple of Tali is the best illustration of the total integration that can exist between wood and lateriate, this is the magnificent example of Kerala architecture.
Kozhikode Beach: The beauty of Kozhikod beach cannot be expressed in simple words. The major attraction of this beach is to watch the setting sun and is considered as the most fascinating scenes of the nature. Two sea piers almost 125 years old extending well inside the sea are another specialized feature of this beach. A marine water aquarium is situated at Kozhikode beach and varieties of marine and fresh water fish can be seen here.
Besides these famous places there is still a huge fleet of tourist destination attracting tourists towards their fascination.
Connectivity: Kozhikode is well connected by rail and road. The nearest air port – Kochi is 90 Km away from the town. Kozhikode is also an important railhead of the state. Several trains pass through Kozhikode railway station. Regular buses link the town with Thiruvananthapuram, Thekkady, Ernakulam, Madurai, and Munnar. One can also have a mere experience of water transportation by boats and ferries.
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