I come from a place named as Kozhikode, Kerala, INDIA. From the land known as “God’s own country.” Calicut, also Kozhikode, city, southwestern India, in Kerala State, a seaport on the Arabian Sea. It is a railroad junction and shipping center of a rich agricultural region. Coffee, coconuts, tea, ginger, pepper, and other spices are the chief exports. Industrial establishments include sawmills, textile mills, coffee-processing plants, and factories producing soap and tile.

        "Calicut was a port for the whole Indian sea, which God forbid any craft to cross…" these words of Athanaseus Nikiten, the Russian traveler way back in the 13^th century echo even today the glory of the historical town that is 'Koyil' (palace)'Kodu' (fortified).

        In May 1498, Vasco Da Gama landed at Kappad, 16km north of Kozhikode as the leader of a trade mission from Portugal & was received by the Zamorin himself. Kozhikode attained a position of pre-eminence in the trade of pepper & other spices which made it India's emporium of international trade. As Kozhikode offered full freedom & security, the Arab & the Chinese merchants preferred it to all other ports. The Portuguese established a trading post at Calicut, then a prosperous cotton-weaving center, in 1513. They withdrew in 1525. Trading stations were founded in the city by the English East India Company in 1664 and by the French in 1698. The British seized Calicut in 1790 in retaliation against attempts by the local rulers to expel European merchants. In 1792 the British annexed the city, with much of the surrounding region.The globe-trotter Ibn Batuta (A.D. 1342-47) notes: "We came next to Kalikut, one of the great ports of the district of Malabar, & in which merchants of all parts are found."

Some facts about Calicut

• The lush, green countryside, serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers, and hills, add up to a unique culture coupled with a warm and friendly ambience, makes Calicut a wonderful city.
• Mananchira, the big tank, is in the heart of the city which sites important institutions like the Town Hall and the Public Library.
• Kalari payattu, the ancient martial arts of Kerala is believed to be originated from Northern parts of Malabar, now in Calicut district.
• Kallai, just 2 km south of Calicut city, was once the center of world's second largest timber trade. Today, though business does take place, it is passing through difficult a phase and Kallai is just a shadow of its past.

• Beypore, the port town of Calicut is about 10 km from the city, was known for building huge pathemaris (catamaran) which was very popular among trading Arabs. Beypore is still famous for its country crafts called ‘Uru’ built by the traditional shipbuilders known as khalasis.