Hello Dear Local Guides,
This post is a member of #IndiaCommunitySpotlight2025 (by @curatorofmemory), a week-long celebration by #TeamIndia.This is also a part of the Community Spotlight 2025, a celebration initiative by @AdrianLunsong for celebrating 10 years of Local Guides. We welcome you to the Indian Local Guides Community during the 48th Week of the Community Spotlight mission from the 24th to the 30th of Nov. 25.
India is a country where every city is a storyteller, speaking through its arts, people and above all, its commitment to welcoming everyone. This spotlight journeys through Kochi & Kozhikode, two remarkable cities whose culture and stories blend with creativity and demonstrates how Indian cities are truly rewriting what Inclusive Cities are like, with other age friendly and inclusive cities like Pune, Chandigarh, Coimbatore, Bhubaneswar and more which prioritize in accessible urban development and strong community engagement.
An International Focus on Age-Friendly & Social Inclusivity
Both Kochi and Kozhikode are pioneering India’s movement towards becoming truly people-centered, earning international recognition for their commitment to care and community. They stand tall as two of India’s most forward-thinking, people-centered urban spaces.
Pioneering Age-Friendly Networks and Care
Kozhikode’s inclusive beachfront and Kochi’s accessible walkways. Photo credits ; @rahul001 & @Roopesh
Kochi and Kozhikode are the leading Indian cities in Age Friendliness with Kochi being the first in South East Asia and India’s first Age Friendly city, credited by WHO. Kochi is also credited with India’s first Dementia Friendly City. Following Kochi, Kozhikode has also been awarded Age Friendly City by WHO this year & “Compassionate Kozhikode" project which ensures “Food with Dignity”, through a system of free coupons to every one for providing affordable fooding. This unique accreditation makes Kerala having two Age Friendly Cities in India.
Inclusion, Sustainability, and Infrastructure
Kochi’s well-planned cycling infrastructure supporting greener, accessible commuting. Photo credit; @rahul001
The cities integrate accessibility into their infrastructure while embracing a sustainable future. kochi’s environment-friendly mobility solutions, urban planners are increasingly prioritizing the needs of every resident. Dedicated cycling lanes, improved pedestrian pathways, and inclusive transport services are helping reduce congestion and encourage eco-conscious travel.
Kochi’s Sustainable and Accessible Travel Model
Kochi Water Metro: India’s pioneering electric water-transport system enabling clean and inclusive travel. Photo credit; @rahul001
Kochi’s urban development model has been international example which demonstrates from promoting sustainability to social inclusion. The city also have been recognised for its “Green Transport Initiatives” which operates on all four routes - air, water, land and rail. This environment commitments along with accessibility ensures every public spaces being accessible, barrier free and promote Eco Friendliness. Furthermore, sustainable transport like public electric buses and autos ensures sustainable commitment to green travel and socially inclusive travel also.
Kozhikode’s Barrier-Free Spaces and Inclusive Sanitations
Inclusive restroom infrastructure inKozhikode & Kochi, ensuring dignity and comfort for every citizen. Photo credits; @Roopesh & @Rahul001
Kozhikode shines with its Barrier-Free Beaches, featuring accessible ramps, sensory-friendly zones, and wheelchair pathways, establishing them as among India’s best inclusive public spaces. Across the city, thoughtful implementation of tactile paving, accessible seating, and senior-friendly infrastructure is common.
Literary and Creative Capitals: Storytelling & Culture
Both cities have harnessed their rich cultural heritage to foster vibrant creative ecosystems, proving that culture is something to share, include, and celebrate together.
Global Recognition and Literary Landscapes
Kozhikode central library and public reading room that nurture literary engagement across generations. Photo credits; @Roopesh
Kozhikode achieved a major milestone in 2023 by becoming the first Indian city to be recognised as a UNESCO City of Literature. The Kozhikode district has a strong tradition of Malayalam literature and has been home to iconic storytellers like M.T. Vasudevan Nair and Vaikom Muhammad Basheer. This literary depth is supported by a massive infrastructure of over 545+ Public Libraries & Reading Rooms and 70+ Publishing Houses. The annual Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) is a major gathering held by the seaside, complemented by growing numbers of interactive reading spaces like open-air reading corners and literary walks.
Vibrant installations and immersive art at Kochi-Muziris Biennale. Photo credits; @Chackochhan
Kochi focuses on creative inclusion through the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, India’s largest contemporary art festival, which attracts global creators and storytellers, proving that culture is an inclusive crossroads of narratives. Fort Kochi maintains a vibrant Literary Landscape year-round with its book cafés, heritage libraries, and cultural collectives. Local literary circles and Emerging Writers' Meet-ups keep storytelling alive and contribute to the city’s vibrant reading culture.
A serene glimpse into Kerala’s Gender Park. Photo credits; @Roopesh
Innovation for a Better Future
Inclusivity extends to social infrastructure. Kozhikode pioneered the Gender Park, a unique initiative featuring a gender museum, library, and initiatives supporting gender equality and inclusive learning. Kochi also embraces innovation in elder care with a first-of-its-kind offering: virtual travel, brain therapy, and memory-enhancement experiences.
Kochi’s spirit lies not just in its art but in its empathy, where creativity and inclusion coexist beautifully. Kozhikode’s magic lies in its unique blend of intellectual depth and genuine inclusivity, built on human warmth and thoughtful community.
Together, these two cities stand as shining examples of how urban spaces can be thoughtful, inclusive, sustainable, and deeply rooted in culture - reminding us that cities truly become extraordinary when they put people at their heart.
This post was co-created by @roopesh and me. A special thanks to @roopesh and @rahul001 for travelling all the way to Kozhikode and Kochi to capture the photos that made this post truly come alive.
Indian Community Spotlights 
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. We’re really glad you enjoyed the post. Hoping you would be able to join us on the upcoming mega meetup in kochi.