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Boasting a tropical, humid climate, Kozhikode is very hot in the summer months between March and May - many travellers find they prefer to visit in the milder months between December and March. In January, visitors to the city can enjoy 5 days of dance, music and drama as part of the Malabar Mahotsavam festival.
Do try to make time for a meal or two out, as the local cuisine is very highly regarded. Two stand out dishes include Malabar Biriyani, a traditional Indian curry and Calicut Halwa, a local take on this traditional Eastern confectionery. A meal out in Kozhikode will be much cheaper than in a bigger city like Dehli - at roughly 50 rupees for a standard meal in a good cafe or restaurant, it's approximately half the price of eating out in the capital.
Calicut International Airport is in Karipur, 28 km from Kozhikode. The best way to get from the airport to the city centre is by using the airport bus service 747. This costs about Rs.3-4 per km and departs from Kondotty bus stand which is a 2 km walk from the airport. Once you reach the city, getting around will cost about Rs7 for 3 km on the local buses, or Rs15 per km for a rickshaw ride. Taxis are readily available and charge a flat fare, rather than relying on a meter. The best place to stay is around the beach, which is a lot more tranquil than the busy city centre. For basic accommodation expect to pay about Rs.500 night. For luxury rooms, prices can go up to about Rs.4,200.