Places to visit in Kozhikode

Anyone who has visited Kerala will undoubtedly agree that it is home to a variety of landscapes. Calicut, also known as Kozhikode, is a stunning city in Kerala that resembles the ideal destination for any traveller. 

 

How to reach Kozhikode?

By Air: Karipur International Airport, also known as the Calicut/Kozhikode International Airport, is situated 23 kilometres from the town of Kozhikode. It is simple to find flights from Kozhikode to Delhi, Bangalore, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Kochi, and other significant locations.

By Train: There is a train station in the city. It has excellent connections to the state’s major cities. From the railhead, you can easily use transportation services to get to a specific location.

By Road: All people can easily access the location thanks to the KSRTC buses made available by the state of Kerala. As a result, Kozhikode may be accessed by road from Coimbatore (178 km), Kochi (190 km), Mangalore (221 km), Bangalore (359 km), and Trivandrum (399km).

 

15 best places to visit in Kozhikode you must not miss

Kozhikode is a beautiful natural refuge with historical forts, quiet beaches, and lush foliage. Explore these incredible Kozhikode tourist places, which capture the essence of Kerala’s spice capital and are also the ideal weekend retreat for locals and neighbouring tourists.

Here’s a list of Kozhikode tourist places that you must visit on your trip.

 

Kozhippara Falls

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In the district division between Malappuram and Kozhikode, near the Kakkadampoyil boundary, are the magnificent Kozhippara Falls. Numerous trekking groups can be found here. This waterfall’s tranquil atmosphere adds to its attractiveness. Whether you’re looking forward to viewing the mysterious beauty of Kozhikode or are interested in exciting activities like swimming and trekking, this place will undoubtedly surprise you with a variety of experiences.

Distance: 38 km from city centre

Hiking: 200 metres

Timings: 9:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday-Friday

How to reach: You can take an auto or bus from the city to reach the waterfall.

See also: Top 15 tourist places in Wayanad

 

Thusharagiri Falls

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The Thusharagiri waterfall is situated in the Kozhikode district of the Western Ghats. As the fall pours down as three gorgeous waterfalls, the area is constantly crowded with countless tourists. The waterfall, which shares its name with the settlement, is called Thusharagiri. 

Rock climbers and trekkers both frequent the area. From here, you can embark on a worthwhile hike to Lakkidi Ghat.

Distance: 38 km from city centre

Timings: 9:30 am to 5:30 pm

Ticket Price: INR 30

How to Reach: The waterfall can be reached by an auto rickshaw.

 

Beypore

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An old port town in Kozhikode called Beypore was once known as Vaypura or Vadaparappanad. The town was given the name “Sultan Pattanam” by the illustrious Tipu Sultan of Mysore. 

In the past, Beypore port was well-known for its trade with the Middle East. It is one of Kerala’s oldest ports. The region is particularly well-known for producing wooden ships, or “dhows” in Malayalam, which were formerly used as tourist’s vessels but were originally purchased by Arab traders for trading. 

Additionally, it has been suggested that Beypore may have produced Sumerian ships. Since the days of the silk route, Beypore and Mesopotamia had direct trade connections.

Distance: 9 km from city centre

How to Reach: Beypore is a modest yet well-known village that is conveniently located about 11 kilometres from the energetic city of Kozhikode. It is just 26 minutes away by vehicle. Bus connectivity is effective and affordable both to and within the city. To get around Beypore’s attractions, one can also choose to hail an auto both outside and inside the city.

 

Lion’s Park

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As a theme park or amusement park created specifically for youngsters to have a great time, this Kozhikode tourist attraction is perfect for anyone travelling with kids! The youngsters will be entertained throughout the visit thanks to the several enjoyable rides inside! The beautiful sunset is one of the things that draws tourists to this location.

Distance: 1 km from city centre

Timings: 3:00 pm – 04:00 pm

Ticket Price: INR 200 per person

 

Sweet Street

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Locally known as Mithai Theravu, Kozhikode’s Sweet Street is a favourite among visitors and local Epicures. It is one of Kozhikode’s busiest locations and is open till nine o’clock at night. This location is a true haven for food enthusiasts, offering a huge selection of sweets and other delights.

Distance: 1 km from city centre

Timings: 9:00 am – 11:45 pm

 

Mananchira Square

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Mananchira, a man-made freshwater pond surrounded by the astonishing complex known as Mananchira Square, is fed by natural rain. While Mananchira Square was inaugurated in 1994, the pond was constructed by Kozhikode’s feudal lord Zamorin Mana Vikrama in the early 14th century as a bathing pool. The Square was formerly known as Manachira Maidan and was well-known for football. It served as a venue for numerous matches.

Today, with its outdoor theatre, gorgeously groomed lawns, and musical fountains, it serves as an architectural highlight in the middle of the city. Visitors come here to enjoy a wonderful evening amidst the precise beauty of the park decorated with luscious green trees. The tranquillity of the clear water has a calming effect.

It boasts fantastic-looking buildings and an artificial slope. Due to its traditional architectural design, it has been preserved as a reminder of the past. It is undoubtedly a tranquil location amid Kozhikode’s busy streets.

Distance: 1 km from city centre

Timings: 3:30 pm – 8:00 pm

How to Reach: A bus stop is close to Mananchira Square. It is conveniently accessible by Aravind Ghosh Road, or you may walk there from the main Post Office.

 

Vellari Mala

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Mountains in the Western Ghats include Vellari Mala. The mountains extend from the Wayanad range to the Kozhikode range’s Thamarassery division. The area is well-known for its scenic landscapes, rivers, waterfalls, and breathtaking cliff vistas. 

One of the state’s toughest but most beautiful excursions is noted for the mountain range. You must obtain prior authorisation from the Forest Department for the hike because it is in a restricted region.

Distance: 48 km from city centre

Timings: Before sunset

Entry Fee: INR 50 per person

How to reach: You can take a bus or a private taxi or an auto to Vellarimala Waterfalls.

See also: Top 15 tourist places in Wayanad

 

Peruvannamuzhi Dam

Source: Wikipedia

The Peruvannamuzhi Dam, which is 60 kilometres from Kozhikode, is a lovely location surrounded by lush vegetation. This reservoir offers row boat and speedboat rides across the “Smaraka Thottam,” a garden created in honour of local freedom fighters.

For those who enjoy animals, there is a crocodile farm and a bird sanctuary next to the dam. From Kozhikode, the Dam is conveniently accessible via bus.

Distance: 60 kms

Timings: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

How to Reach: To reach the dam, you can take public transport like auto or rickshaw, which you will get easily here.

 

Matri Dei Cathedral

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When it comes to the top religious attractions in Kozhikode, Mother of God Cathedral takes the cake as the city is recognised for its pilgrimage sites. The Mother of God Cathedral, which was constructed in 1513 AD and located about 1.5 kilometres from the Kozhikode Railway Station, exhibits Roman architecture. Additionally, this chapel is home to a well-known, vintage image of Mother Mary that dates back more than 200 years.

Distance: 3 km from city centre

Best Time to Visit: During the day

Timings: Bell rings at 5. 30 AM, 12 noon and 6. 30 PM on all days.

 

Kappad Beach

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If you’d want to explore Kerala’s famed rivers and backwater inlets, Kappad will not let you down. To ensure that one enjoys every aspect that is authentic to Kerala and its heritage, houseboats are provided to travel to Kappad through the backwaters. 

You should be at this beach if you want to simultaneously experience culture, history, and nature. Kappad is filled with unspoiled natural beauty, as evidenced by the silver sand, crooked coconut trees that surround the shore, and the cliffs that collide with the sea.

Your trip to Kozhikode will be extremely captivating and restorative thanks to Kappad, Pookot Lake, and Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary.

Distance: 18.3 km

Timings: 6:00 am – 10:00 pm

How to reach: The Kozhikode Railway Station is roughly 35 kilometres away from the Kappad beach. Buses continuously travel to and from Kozhikode’s main city. To go to the beach, taxis are another option. Houseboats travel to Kappad Beach from the Kozhikode backwaters as well.

Additionally, you can stop at Thiruvangoor on National Highway 66 (Old 17), which runs between Kozhikode and Vatakara, to get to the beach.

Best Time to Visit: October-March

 

Mishkal Pal Mosque

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The well-known tourist destination in Kozhikode, Mishkal Masjid, is a must-see while in the city and is only 1.5 kilometres from the Kozhikode train station. The gorgeous flooring made of Italian tiles, which contains delicately carved wooden pillars and doors, steals the show completely. In addition, the four-story mosque has a square tank similar to those found in temples.

Distance: 2 km from city centre

Timings: Open on all days, except Friday

 

Sargaalaya Kerala Arts and Crafts Village

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If you want to experience Kerala’s authentic art and culture while on vacation in Kozhikode, be sure to schedule a visit to Sargaalaya Kerala Arts. The Kerala Department of Tourism has made an endeavour to conserve and promote the rich art and culture of Kerala. The location is a lovely hideaway for art enthusiasts living in Kozhikode, close to the breathtaking backwaters of Iringal.

Distance: 39 km from city centre

Timings: 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Entry Ticket: INR 15 for kids and INR 30 for adults

Best Time to Visit: 20 December- 15 January

How to reach: The Sargaalaya Kerala Arts & Crafts Village is located in the Kozhikode city district of Iringal, about 8 kilometres from Vatakara. Cabs, cars, taxis, and buses operated by the government may all take you to the village. As an alternative, you can go there by car.

 

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

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The Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is a haven for bird watchers, spread across a group of islands and encircled by picturesque hillocks. The Kadalundi River’s freshwaters welcome tourists to the refuge near Kozhikode. More than a hundred local species as well as 60 migratory birds reside on this pristine territory. Visitors who are interested in wildlife and birds come here to photograph even the smallest movements of the birds. The refuge is 200 metres above sea level.

You can find peace in the haven created for bird enthusiasts. You may sit here, away from the bustle of the city, and unwind while watching the animated, playful birds.

Furthermore, in a place known as Kadalundi Nagaram, the river that flows inside joins the Arabian Sea. There are several different fish, crabs, and mussels in this river. The best time to visit the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is from December to April when the woodland appears to be covered with greenery. It is the time of year when the majority of birds may be seen.

Distance: 16km from city centre

Entry Fee: INR 25 per person

Timings: 8:00am to 6:00pm

Best Time to Visit: December- April

How to reach: Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary can be easily reached by the state-owned buses plying at regular intervals.

 

Kakkayam

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The dam site at Kakkayam is in Kerala’s Kozhikode county and is encircled by a lot of beautiful vegetation. The distance from the Kakkayam Bus stop is around 15 kilometres. A waterfall called “Orakkuzhi” may be seen just after the Dam. Elephants are among the creatures that may be observed close to the dam.

A forest office is located at the top of the dam. Before proceeding, you must obtain permission from the Forest officials. Near the Dam area, cameras are not permitted. It is a beautiful location where tourists may enjoy a tranquil setting and a variety of leisure activities. Elephants, bison, and other animals may be seen grazing close to the dam. The forest police are in charge of maintaining this area.

Distance: 34 km from city centre

Entry Fee: INR 20 per person

Best Time to Visit: December- April

How to Reach: Well connected by roadways. The distance from Kakkayam Bus Stop to the destination is approximately 15 kilometres. The cheapest way to get from Kozhikode to Kakkayam Dam is to drive which costs ₹550 – ₹850 and takes 1h 6m.

 

Thikkoti Light House

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One of the top Kozhikode tourist attractions is the Thikkoti lighthouse, which is thought to have been built on the wreckage of a ship. The lighthouse is situated on a rocky beach and provides picturesque sea views as well as a variety of migratory bird species. You need to look no farther than the Thikkoti Light House if you want to enjoy a peaceful day by the sea.

Distance: 31 km from the city centre

Timings: 4 pm-6 pm

How to Reach:  The airport is located at Karipur, about 27 km south-east of KozhikodeLighthouse. Kozhikode Railway Station is the nearest to Kozhikode Lighthouse which is located at a distance of about 16 km. From here you can take a rickshaw or auto. Nearest bus stop is Nandi, from where it can be reached on foot in about 5 to 8 minutes.

Best Time to Visit: All seasons except monsoon

 

FAQs

Does Calicut resemble Kozhikode?

Yes, Kozhikode is another name for Calicut.

How do I access the beach at Kappad?

Road, rail, and air travel all make it simple to get to Kappad Beach. Karipur International Airport and Kozhikode Railway Station are the closest transportation hubs to this seashore.

What is the speciality of Kozhikode?

The sandy beaches, banana chips, halwa, and biryani of Kozhikode are well-known.