Magic of South India
Explore the Enchanting South
KKozhikode (Calicut), located on the Malabar Coast, is known for its rich cultural heritage, historic significance, and stunning landscapes. Once a major trading hub for spices, Kozhikode has evolved into a charming destination offering a mix of history, beautiful beaches, lush hills, and vibrant local culture. Whether you are a history buff, a nature enthusiast, or a food lover, Kozhikode offers a range of experiences for all types of travelers.
Overview: Kozhikode Beach is famous for its stunning sunsets, calm waters, and historical significance as an ancient port. The beach offers a peaceful spot for relaxation, with a lighthouse and piers that add to its charm.
Activities: Evening strolls, dolphin watching, and enjoying street food like spicy mussels (Kallummakaya).
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach: The beach is located just 2 km from Kozhikode city center, easily accessible by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or bus.
Entry Fee: Free
Overview: Mananchira Square is a beautiful park built around the Mananchira Tank, a historic water reservoir. The square is a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike, surrounded by lush greenery, fountains, and sculptures.
Activities: Relaxation, photography, and exploring nearby landmarks like the Town Hall and Public Library.
Timings: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
How to Reach: Located in the heart of Kozhikode city, Mananchira Square is easily reachable by foot or local transport.
Entry Fee: Free
Overview: Kappad Beach holds historical significance as the landing spot of Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498. It is a quiet beach ideal for a peaceful day out and is marked by a memorial commemorating the historic landing.
Best Time to Visit: October to March.
How to Reach: Kappad Beach is located around 16 km from Kozhikode city. It can be reached by taxi or bus.
Entry Fee: Free
Overview: Beypore is an ancient port town known for its shipbuilding industry, especially traditional wooden boats called "Uru." Beypore Beach is serene, offering a peaceful atmosphere along with a long pier that extends into the sea.
Activities: Watching traditional shipbuilding, beach walks, and boat rides.
Best Time to Visit: November to March.
How to Reach: Beypore is located 10 km from Kozhikode city, accessible by taxi or local bus.
Entry Fee: Free
Overview: Located in the Western Ghats, Thusharagiri Waterfalls is a scenic destination offering three stunning waterfalls amidst dense forests. It is ideal for trekking, nature walks, and picnicking.
Activities: Trekking, photography, and bird watching.
Best Time to Visit: September to December.
How to Reach: Located around 50 km from Kozhikode, the falls can be reached by taxi or private vehicle.
Entry Fee: Free
Overview: This museum houses artifacts and historical memorabilia related to Kerala’s history, especially the life of Pazhassi Raja, a Kerala king who fought against British colonial rule. The art gallery features paintings from famous Indian artists like Raja Ravi Varma.
Timings: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
How to Reach: The museum is located 5 km from Kozhikode city center, reachable by taxi or bus.
Entry Fee: ₹5 for adults, ₹2 for children
Overview: Tali Shiva Temple is one of the most ancient and revered temples in Kozhikode, known for its traditional Kerala-style architecture. It is an important spiritual center and hosts the annual Revathi Pattathanam, a cultural and scholarly event.
Timings: 5:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM
How to Reach: Located 2 km from the city center, the temple is easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or taxi.
Entry Fee: Free
Overview: Kozhippara Waterfalls, located in the Malappuram-Kozhikode border, is a beautiful waterfall nestled amidst the dense forests of the Western Ghats. It is a perfect spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Activities:Swimming, trekking, and photography.
Best Time to Visit: August to November.
How to Reach: Located 38 km from Kozhikode, it can be accessed by a combination of road transport and a short trek.
Entry Fee: Free
By Air: Calicut International Airport (CCJ), located about 28 km from the city center, is well-connected to major cities in India and abroad. Taxis and buses are available from the airport to the city.. By Train: Kozhikode Railway Station is a major railhead with trains to and from cities across India, including Bengaluru, Chennai, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram. By Road: Kozhikode is well-connected by road with major cities in Kerala and neighboring states. Private and government buses operate regularly to Kozhikode from Kochi, Mangalore, and Bengaluru.
Kozhikode offers a wide range of accommodation options, including luxury hotels, beach resorts, budget-friendly homestays, and guesthouses. Some popular areas to stay include near Kozhikode Beach, Mananchira Square, and Beypore.
The best time to visit Kozhikode is from October to March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing, beach activities, and exploring the surrounding natural attractions.
Kozhikode is a paradise for food lovers, especially for those with a penchant for traditional Kerala cuisine. Some must-try dishes include the Kozhikode biryani, seafood delicacies like fish curry and prawns, and local snacks such as banana chips and Kozhikode Halwa. The street food scene near Kozhikode Beach is vibrant and worth exploring.