REGION 01
Sandy Coastal Belt
362.85 km²
15.48% of district area
The western edge borders the Arabian Sea. Sandy beaches, coastal settlements, fishing areas and low-lying land characterise this region.
ഭൂപ്രകൃതി
KOZHIKODE • KERALA, INDIA
Topography of Kozhikode District
From the Arabian Sea coast to the green slopes of the Western Ghats, Kozhikode’s landscape brings together beaches, rolling laterite uplands, fertile valleys and forested hills.
DISTRICT AREA
2,344 km²
COASTLINE
About 80 km
An Overview of the Landscape
Kozhikode district lies in northern Kerala. Its terrain changes gradually from low-lying coastal plains in the west to undulating midlands and the elevated, forested eastern highlands associated with the Western Ghats. This variation shapes local drainage, farming, settlements, transport and natural habitats.
Three Major Topographical Regions
The following area figures are based on district-administration figures cited in the accompanying overview.
Percentages are calculated from a total district area of 2,344 km² and rounded to two decimal places.
Rivers and Drainage
The district generally slopes from east to west. Rivers and streams descend from the highlands and midlands towards the Arabian Sea, shaping valleys and supporting agriculture and local ecosystems.
ChaliyarKuttiadi (Murat)KorapuzhaKallayiKadalundi
Some river systems form or share boundaries with neighbouring districts.
How Topography Shapes Life in Kozhikode
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Coastal livelihoods
The coast supports fishing, maritime activity and settlements along the Arabian Sea.
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Agriculture
Midland soils and valleys support a variety of crops, gardens and plantations.
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Forests and habitats
Eastern hills and forested slopes provide habitats and help protect river catchments.
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Transport and settlement
The change from plains to hills influences road routes, settlement patterns and access to the highlands.
West-to-East Landscape Profile
Conceptual profile only—not a measured elevation cross-section.
In Summary
Kozhikode’s topography is defined by three connected zones: a coastal belt, broad lateritic midlands and eastern highlands leading towards the Western Ghats. This diversity contributes to the district’s natural beauty, water resources, farming patterns and cultural landscape.