Kozhikode found its place in the world map when in 1498, Vasco Da Gama, the Portuguese explorer landed here on the Kappad Beach. Also known as Calicut, Kozhikode is a place that has historical sites galore. The ‘Jewel of the Malabar’ has Hindus, Muslims and Christians living in harmony, keeping their beliefs and traditions alive. A lush green countryside with serene beaches, historic sites, wildlife sanctuaries, rivers and hills make Kozhikode a popular destination. The district has three distinct regions – the sandy, the rocky highlands formed by the hilly portion of the Western Ghats and the Lateritic midlands.
Of the total area of 2344 sq.kms., the sandy coastal belt comprises 362.85 sq.kms., the lateritic midlands occupy 1343.50 sq.kms and the rocky highlands cover 637.65 sq.kms. The district has a coastal length of about 80 kms. The highland region accounts for 26.80 per cent and the lowland region covers 15.55 per cent of the total area of the district.