If you've been searching for a place to stay in this part of Kerala, you've probably seen the city called two different things: Kozhikode and Calicut. It's the same city. This short guide explains the naming, why you might see both, and what it means when you're booking a homestay.
Kozhikode vs Calicut: which name is correct?
Both are correct. "Kozhikode" is the official Malayalam name and the one used by the Government of Kerala. "Calicut" is the older anglicised name used during the colonial era — it's the name that gave the world the word "calico" (the cotton fabric originally exported from this port).
Locals use both interchangeably, but younger residents and official signage lean toward Kozhikode. Most international travel content still uses Calicut, which is why you'll see it on flight bookings and older guidebooks.
Why this matters when booking a homestay
When you search "homestays in Calicut" vs "homestays in Kozhikode", you'll often get different results — different listings, different prices, sometimes different neighbourhoods featured. Searching both names gives you the full picture.
At The Housing Company, we list our properties under Calicut to match the airport code (CCJ) and how most travellers still arrive, but every stay is in Kozhikode.
Quick facts before you book
- Airport: Calicut International Airport (CCJ) — about 25 km from the city centre.
- Best for: Malabar food, beaches, history, and as a base for trips to Wayanad.
- Language: Malayalam is primary; English is widely understood.
- Pair it with: A trip to the hills — see our Wayanad homestays.
Plan your stay
Ready to book? Browse our curated Kozhikode homestays, or contact us for a personal recommendation based on your travel dates and style.