Kozhikode or Calicut is a charming city along the Malabar Coast of Kerala state, located in the southern part of India. It is the second largest city in Kerala, with a metropolitan population of 2 million citizens. Due to having a tropical monsoon climate, springs are high in temperature while the winter months are generally mild and warm. Calicut stands out with its nature, history, and culture where you can see various beautiful beaches, wildlife, greenery, rivers, temples, churches, sanctuaries, and museums.
Historically, this city is notable for being a commercial and trading center, especially during the rule of the Samoothiris or also known as the Zamorins. In 1498, with the influence of Vasco Da Gama Kozhikode became an important port in the Malabar region for the trade of spices and silk. During and after that time, Portuguese, Dutch, English, and French came to Kozhikode. Once known as the ‘’City of Spices’’ and now, after 2012, Kozhikode was given the tag of ‘’City of Sculptures’’ due to various sculptures located in different parts of the city.
Due to its historical significance and beautiful nature, Kozhikode is one of the best destinations for tourism as well. With its local markets, sculptures, beaches, and more, many tourists visit this city each year. Some of the must-visit attractions are beaches like Kappad, Kozhikode, and Beypore, while Thikkoti Light House, Kadalandi Bird Sanctuary, Vellari Mala, Tali Temple, Tusharagiri Falls, and Peruvannapuzhi Dam accomplishes to mesmerize its visitors.
Kozhikode is notorious for shopping, as Sweet Meat Street is always crowded, and various shops provide alternatives for shoppers. While there, you should try Kozhikodean Halwa and banana chips. You can find authentic, one-of-a-kind silk sarees, cosmetic products, handcrafted miniatures, buffalo horn carvings, and famous spices of Kozhikode on the Bog Bazaar Road.
Festivals and cuisine are other important elements of Kozhikode, as you can taste some of the best examples of world-famous Malabar Cuisine, as well as South and North Indian, Gujarati, Jain, Chinese, Arab, and European delicacies. Due to being a coastal city, seafood is abundant, and mussels are favorite among locals. Festivals, on the other hand, make this city a colorful and lively place to be, and Thrikarthiaka, Mahashivratri, Thiruvathira, Ashtami Rohini, and Malabar Mahotsavam are some of the festivals that are celebrated in Kozhikode.
Calicut International Airport
Calicut International Airport (IATA: CCJ) is located 28 kilometers from Kozhikode city center, in the state of Kerala. This airport serves Kozhikode, as well as Kalipur, Malappuram, and Wayanad in the Malappuram district of the south Malabar region. Its proximity to the city center offers a variety of transportation options for its visitors, such as taxis, buses, rental cars, auto rickshaws, and hotel shuttles. You can easily reach the city center or the nearest railway station, which is the Feroke railway station, and connect to other major cities in India. Calicut International Airport has one integrated terminal with 23 check-in counters, 42 immigration counters, 5 customer counters, and three security checks. This airport provides services like ATMs, duty-free shops, a bank, an exchange office, a business center, cafes, restaurants, and lounges, which is one being economy class and the other being VIP. Also, a parking lot with a capacity of 542 vehicles and car rental counters are available at the Calicut International Airport.
Bus
Flybuses are operated by Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation(KSRTC) from Calicut International Airport to Kozhikode city center. You can visit the Flybus Booking counters at the airport which are located outside of both terminals. As payment, they accept only cash and although prices start from INR 7, the final price is determined according to your destination so it may differ. The timetable of routes from Calicut International Airport to Kozhikode city center is as follows: 08:00, 09:00, 10:30, 11:30, 13:10, 14:00, 15:30, 16:25, 18:00, 18:45, 20:20, 21:20.
Taxi
A ride from Calicut International Airport to Kozhikode city center takes around 40-50 minutes. There are several taxi companies at the airport, such as Calicut Taxi, Taxi Metro, BCabs, and My Taxi India, which provide services 24/7. Pre-paid taxis are also available and operate 24/7 as well. You can find taxis outside of terminals and prices change according to your location and time, but generally cost between INR 1500-1800.
Rental Car
International rental car companies such as Europcar, Sixt, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and more are available at the Calicut International Airport, specifically outside of the terminals. You can choose one both for transportation from the airport to the Kozhikode city center and getting around the city. The prices may differ according to mileage, car type, duration, and more, thus keep in mind that rental cars are generally the most expensive option for transportation.
Auto Rickshaw
If you are not traveling with a carry-on, an auto rickshaw is the best method of transportation from Calicut International Airport to Kozhikode city center. You can find them outside of terminals or demand one from the airport. Fares are determined per kilometer, starting around INR 15, so do not forget to ask for an estimated price before embarking.
Hotel Shuttles
Some hotels provide shuttle services from Calicut International Airport to the Kozhikode city center or your hotel. Make sure to ask if this service exists before your flight and share your flight time. Prices may differ as some hotels apply a fee while others provide this service free of charge.
Last Updated: 22 Mar 2023Wingie directly gathers and compares instant data of all airlines that have flights from your preferred departure point to your Kozhikode destination. You can see all Kozhikode flights together for the date you are looking for and choose the most suitable flight ticket.
Kozhikode flights are organized to Calicut Intl. Airport.
Air India Express organizes direct flights to Kozhikode from Dubai, Doha, Ras Al Khaimah, Abu Dhabi. Air Arabia organizes direct flights to Kozhikode from Ras Al Khaimah. Air Arabia Abu Dhabi organizes direct flights to Kozhikode from Abu Dhabi. Etihad Airways organizes direct flights to Kozhikode from Abu Dhabi. IndiGo organizes direct flights to Kozhikode from Jeddah, Dammam, Abu Dhabi, Mumbai. Flynas organizes direct flights to Kozhikode from Riyadh. Salam Air organizes direct flights to Kozhikode from Muscat.