Azhikode and Azhikkal

Azhikode is a coastal town and prominent suburb of Kannur city, situated in the Kannur district of Kerala, India. Known for its scenic shoreline, cultural diversity and long-established settlements, the town forms an integral part of Kannur’s extended urban region. Administratively, Azhikode is divided into Azhikode North and Azhikode South, with the northernmost area referred to as Azhikkal, an important estuarine and harbour locality. The town is well known as the birthplace of distinguished literary figure Sukumar Azhikode, and is recognised today for its rich demographic profile, vibrant coastal economy and growing infrastructural connectivity.

Geographical Setting and Urban Context

Located along the Arabian Sea coastline, Azhikode stretches northwards from the beaches of Kannur city, linking a succession of coastal settlements. Its northern extremity terminates at Azhikkal, where the Valapattanam River meets the sea. The town is part of an interconnected suburban belt that includes areas such as Alavil, Manal, Chalad, Chirakkal, Puthiyatheru and Valapattanam. Owing to increasing urban expansion, there is a significant public demand for merging Azhikode, Valapattanam and Chirakkal panchayats with the Kannur Municipal Corporation to form a unified urban governance system.
Key localities of Azhikode North include Azhikkal, Chal Beach and Kappakadavu, while Vankulathuvayal, Poothappara, Meenkunnu Beach, Neerkadavu Beach and Kappila Peedika form the principal areas of Azhikode South. Vankulathuvayal is one of the town’s major commercial centres. The official postal code of Azhikode is 670009.

Demographic Profile

According to the 2011 Census of India, Azhikode exhibits high population density and literacy rates characteristic of Kerala’s coastal urban regions.

• Azhikode North recorded a population of 22,128, comprising 10,157 males and 11,971 females, distributed among 4,503 households.
• Azhikode South recorded a population of 25,195, with 11,369 males and 13,826 females, across 5,512 households.

Combined, the Azhikode Panchayat had a total population of 47,323, including 21,526 males and 25,797 females. The sex ratio of 1,198 females per 1,000 males was significantly higher than the Kerala state average of 1,084. Children aged 0–6 numbered 4,948.
Azhikode’s overall literacy rate stood at 97%, surpassing the state average of 94 per cent. Male literacy was recorded at 98.4 per cent, while female literacy reached 96 per cent, reflecting the region’s strong educational orientation.

Beaches and Coastal Attractions

Azhikode is renowned for its picturesque beaches, which draw local residents and visitors from Kannur and beyond. Important coastal attractions include:

• Meenkunnu Beach
• Chalil Beach and Gardens (Chal Beach)
• Fish Hill area
• Azhikkal Estuary
• Neerkadavu Beach

These beaches form a continuous coastal chain extending from Kannur’s Payyambalam Beach through Palliyamoola Beach, Chal Beach, Azhikode South and North, and culminating at Azhikkal. The coastline also supports traditional fishing communities and small-scale maritime activities.

Transport and Connectivity

Azhikode is well connected to Kannur city via a network of roads, ensuring steady bus services in all directions. The nearest railway facility is Valapattanam railway station, which lies to the east of the town and provides regional connectivity. Local road networks link Azhikode efficiently to neighbouring villages and commercial hubs.
The presence of multiple temples and mosques highlights the town’s religious diversity and cultural coexistence. The settlement pattern reflects Kerala’s broader traditions of community-based living and coastal trade activity.

Politics and Administrative Alignment

Azhikode forms a part of the Azhicode Assembly Constituency, which is included within the Kannur Lok Sabha Constituency. The panchayat functions as an important administrative unit within Kannur district and continues to participate actively in regional development initiatives.

Azhikkal: Estuary and Maritime Facilities

Azhikkal, the northernmost end of Azhikode, holds strategic geographical and economic significance. Located at the confluence of the Valapattanam River and the Arabian Sea, Azhikkal hosts:

• A bus stand
• A small river port
• A fishing harbour