Kozhikode: The Jewel of Malabar Coast

• Helloഹലോ
  [halo]
• Goodbyeവിട
  [vita]
• Yesഅതെ
  [athe]
• Noഇല്ല
  [illa]
• Please/You're welcomeദയവായി
  [dayavayi]
• Thank youനന്ദി
  [nandi]
• Excuse me/Sorryക്ഷമിക്കണം
  [kshamikkanam]
• How are you?സുഖമാണോ?
  [sukhamaano?]
• Fine. And you?നന്ദി. നീ?
  [nandi. nee?]
• Do you speak English?നീ ഇംഗ്ലീഷ് സംസാരിക്കുക?
  [nee english samsaarikkuka?]
• I don't understandഞാൻ അറിയില്ല
  [naan ariyilla]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseമെനു കാണാനും വേണം
  [menu kaanaanum venam]
• I don't eat meatഞാൻ പാല കഴിയാറില്ല
  [naan paala kuzhiyaarilla]
• Cheers!സ്വാഗതം!
  [swagatham!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseചെലവ് ചെയ്യാനും വേണം
  [chelavu cheyaanum venam]

• Help!സഹായം!
  [sahaayam!]
• Go away!പോയിത്തരം!
  [poi tharam!]
• Call the Police!പോലീസിനെ വിളിക്കുക!
  [polisinne vilikkuka!]
• Call a doctor!ഡോക്ടറിനെ വിളിക്കുക!
  [doctorinne vilikkuka!]
• I'm lostഞാൻ കഴിഞ്ഞിരിക്കുന്നു
  [naan kazhinnirikkunnu]
• I'm illഞാൻ രോഗിയാണ്
  [naan rogiyaanu]

• I'd like to buy...വാങ്ങാനും വേണം...
  [vaanganaum venam...]
• I'm just lookingഞാൻ കണ്ണുകൾ വേണ്ടിയാണ്
  [naan kannukal vendiyaanu]
• How much is it?ഇത്രയും ആയിരിക്കും?
  [ithrayum aayirikkum?]
• That's too expensiveഅത് വളരെ വിലയുള്ളതാണ്
  [athu valare vilayullathaano]
• Can you lower the price?വില കുറയ്ക്കാനും കഴിയുമോ?
  [vila kuraykaanum kazhiyumo?]

• What time is it?എന്താ സമയം?
  [entha samayam?]
• It's one o'clockഒന്നു സമയം
  [onnu samayam]
• Half past (10)പത്തിനു അര വരെ
  [paththinu ar vare]
• Morningപ്രാഭാതം
  [praabhatham]
• Afternoonഉച്ചയ്ക്ക്
  [uchaykku]
• Eveningസന്ധ്യ
  [sandhya]
• Yesterdayഇന്നലെ
  [innale]
• Todayഇന്ന്
  [innu]
• Tomorrowനാളെ
  [naale]
• 1ഒന്ന്
  [onnu]
• 2രണ്ട്
  [randu]
• 3മൂന്ന്
  [moonnu]
• 4നാല്
  [naalu]
• 5അഞ്ച്
  [anch]
• 6ആറ്
  [aaru]
• 7ഏഴ്
  [ezhu]
• 8എട്ട്
  [ettu]
• 9ഒമ്പത്
  [ombath]
• 10പത്ത്
  [path]

• Where's a/the...?...എവിടെ?
  [...evide?]
• What's the address?വിലാസം എന്താ?
  [vilaasam entha?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?എനിക്ക് കാർട്ടിൽ കാണിക്കാംബാകും?
  [enikk karttil kaanikkambakum?]
• When's the next (bus)?അടുത്ത (ബസ്സ്) എപ്പോ?
  [adutha (bass) eppo?]
• A ticket (to ....)ഒരു ടിക്കറ്റ് (.... വരെ)
  [oru ticket (.... vare)]

Kozhikode, historically known as Calicut, has been a bustling maritime hub since ancient times. It was famously referred to as the 'City of Spices' due to its pivotal role in the spice trade with the Arabs, Chinese, and later the Europeans. The city's strategic location on the Malabar Coast made it a key trading port, attracting merchants from all over the world.

The arrival of the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498 marked a significant moment in Kozhikode's history. Landing at Kappad Beach, da Gama's voyage opened up the sea route from Europe to India, establishing a direct maritime connection that would shape global trade for centuries. This event also marked the beginning of European colonial influence in the region.

For centuries, Kozhikode was ruled by the Zamorin dynasty, a powerful and influential royal family. The Zamorins were known for their patronage of trade, culture, and the arts. Under their reign, Kozhikode flourished as a cultural and economic center, attracting scholars, artists, and traders from across the globe.

The Battle of Calicut in 1503 was a significant conflict between the Portuguese and the Zamorin forces. The Portuguese, under the command of Vasco da Gama and later Francisco de Almeida, sought to dominate the spice trade and establish a stronghold in Kozhikode. The battle was part of a larger contest for control over the lucrative Indian Ocean trade routes.

In the 18th century, the British East India Company established their presence in Kozhikode, further entrenching European influence in the region. The British constructed roads, buildings, and other infrastructure, leaving a lasting impact on the city's architecture and urban planning. This period also saw significant social and economic changes as part of the broader colonial enterprise.

Kozhikode is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, which is a blend of diverse influences. The city is famous for its contributions to Malayalam literature, music, and dance. The annual Malabar Mahotsavam festival showcases the region's vibrant traditions, including Kathakali, Theyyam, and various folk arts. Kozhikode's cuisine, especially its biryanis and sweets like Calicut halwa, reflects its multicultural legacy.

Today, Kozhikode is a bustling urban center that harmoniously blends its historical legacy with modernity. The city is a major educational hub, home to prestigious institutions like the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK) and the National Institute of Technology Calicut (NITC). Kozhikode continues to be a prominent destination for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Kozhikode, also known as Calicut, is well-connected by air, rail, and road. The nearest airport is Calicut International Airport, located about 28 kilometers from the city center. It offers both domestic and international flights. Kozhikode is also a major railway hub, with trains connecting it to various parts of India. If you are driving, National Highways 66 and 766 connect Kozhikode to major nearby cities such as Kochi, Mangalore, and Bangalore.

Within Kozhikode, you can use public buses, auto-rickshaws, and taxis to get around. The city buses are operated by the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) and are an economical option. Auto-rickshaws are readily available and are great for shorter distances. For more convenience and comfort, taxis can be hired from various taxi stands or through app-based services like Ola and Uber.

The official currency in Kozhikode is the Indian Rupee (INR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or local markets. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, making it easy to withdraw cash as needed.

Kozhikode is generally considered a safe city for tourists. However, it is wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in less crowded areas and always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like markets and bus stations. Some neighborhoods, such as Mavoor Road and Mananchira, can be bustling and should be navigated carefully.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Kozhikode has several hospitals and clinics, including the Kozhikode Medical College Hospital, which provides comprehensive medical services. Pharmacies are also widely available for minor health issues. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid overly revealing clothes. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples and mosques. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t consume food or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Namaste' or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t refuse food or drink as it may be considered impolite.

To experience Kozhikode like a local, visit the bustling SM Street for shopping and local snacks. Engage with locals and try to learn a few words in Malayalam, the local language. Don’t miss the Kozhikode Beach at sunset for a truly local experience. Try traditional Malabar cuisine at local eateries and make sure to savor dishes like biryani and halwa. Also, consider taking a houseboat tour on the nearby backwaters of Kozhikode for a unique experience.