Anyone who has visited Kerala will undoubtedly agree that it is home to a diverse range of landscapes. Kozhikode, formerly known as Calicut, is a stunning city with historical forts, quiet beaches, and lush foliage, which capture the spirit of Kerala’s spice capital perfectly. To know what the beauty of Kozhikode is really like, you need to explore some of its best tourist spots. Here are some of the best places to visit in Kozhikode which is the ideal weekend retreat for anyone looking to kick back and relax.
The 7 Best Places To Visit In Kozhikode
- Backwaters in Kozhikode
- Kozhippara Falls
- Thikkoti Light House
- Kozhikode Beach
- Beypore
- Elathur
- Mananchira Square
- Sweet Street
1. Backwaters In Kozhikode
Kozhikode has traditionally been a popular vacation spot for its backwaters. It’s one of the best characteristics of the district as it has been richly bestowed with unique flora and fauna and abundant natural beauty. Kozhikode’s palm-lined lakes, canals, and rivulets are decorated with alluring splendor. These untainted waters’ calmness gives you a sense of serene peace and tranquillity.
Kozhikode’s backwaters are arguably the most laid-back and relaxed of all the backwaters in Kerala. The soothing cadence of Cannoli River and Kallai River, and the delicious seafood you get here are out of the world! These incredibly serene and lovely backwaters are without a doubt one of the prime attractions of Kerala. It’s the ideal spot to go to live in the vicinity of nature and enjoy some quality time with friends, family, and yourself.
Timings: Even though backwaters in Kozhikode are open throughout the year, the best time to visit is during the winter. The pleasant weather and the stunning natural beauty will be at its best during this time.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
2. Kozhippara Falls
Kozhippara Falls is a picturesque waterfall situated on the Chokkad stream in the Malappuram mountains near Kozhippara. It’s the ideal place to visit for a quick getaway, especially if you wish to escape into nature. Kozhippara Falls is surrounded by breathtaking scenery, deep woods, and an abundance of lush greenery. The harmonious sound of the water falling from the steep rocks and the faint mist offers a captivating view of nature that you simply don’t want to miss!
Numerous adventure seekers, rock climbers, hikers, and bird watchers are drawn here. It’s the perfect place to see rare and unusual bird and animal species. The Kuthradampuzha River, which flows through this area, is said to have rejuvenating properties and is good for treating skin conditions.
Best Time To Visit: If you really want to enjoy the beauty of this waterfall, visiting this place in monsoon is ideal as the waterfall is in its full glory.
Timings: Monday to Sunday between 09:30 am and 04:30 pm.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
3. Thikkoti Lighthouse
The Thikkoti Lighthouse is tucked away between the Velliyamkallu Rock and the stunning blue sea. It is surrounded by lush green coconut and palm plantations on all sides. In Kerala‘s Kozhikode district, this 108-foot-tall lighthouse rises along the Laccadive Sea’s coastline. This mammoth of a lighthouse was built in the 19th century after a massive shipwreck and now, it serves as a popular tourist destination. The shipwreck remains still exists on the island and is the other reason for the rising popularity of this destination.
Despite the Thikkoti Lighthouse becoming increasingly non-functional over the years, many tourists still visit it because of the area’s stunning scenery. It is the perfect location for photoshoots, a stopover for many migratory birds, and a haven for anglers.
Best Time To Visit: Thikkoti Lighthouse is going to be best to visit any time of the year. Be it winters, summers, or monsoons, the beauty of this place is enticing through and through.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Timings: The lighthouse is open for visitors every day between 04:00 pm and 06:00 pm.
4. Kozhikode Beach
How can you talk about places to visit in Kozhikode and not mention the iconic Kozhikode Beach? It’s one of the prime tourist attractions for people visiting not only Kozhikode but also Kerala. Everyone is enthralled by the beach’s unparalleled splendor. It is a hub of activity for both locals and tourists and is situated just 3 kilometers from the train station. Two piers, a lighthouse, and some remnants of the colonial era may still be seen on the beach, which once served as a port.
The area’s serenity is greatly enhanced during sunrise and sunset. This is the time you’ll often find it overcrowded with tourists and locals alike. There are ample other attractions in this area that you can explore to make your experience much more fun. You have the Dolphin Point, water sports during certain months of the year, restaurants and shacks to eat at, a local market to shop your hearts out, a children’s park, intriguing statues, and a marine aquarium as well. So when you visit this beach, you know you’ve also got other things close around that you can explore.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Kozhikode Beach is in the summer. The sunrises and sunset during this time of the year are stunning, plus you also get to engage in the watersports as well.
Timings: The beach is open throughout the week from 8 am to 8 pm.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
5. Beypore
Tucked away in the heart of nature in the Kozhikode District is Beypore town. Covered in vivid tones of green and surrounded by stunning shades of blue, it is situated at the mouth of the dynamic Chaliyar River. It’s an ideal hideout from the monotonous and chaotic urban life. The town was previously called Sultan Pattanam when Tipu Sultan, the ruler of Mysore, was in charge. Beypore Beach is well-known for its 1500-year-old shipbuilding yard and was once a significant fishing harbor in India.
Surrounded by clear skies above, flanked with golden sand beaches, and interspersed with tall coconut trees, Beypore is the ideal hideout from the monotonous and chaotic urban setting. Long strolls along its sandy beaches, swimming in the calm seas, a treat at ayurvedic massage parlors, and various adventure sports are all ways you can make the most of Beypore.
Best Time To Visit: This place can be visited anytime during the year as the weather is pleasant and you get to explore everything you like.
Timings: You can visit Beypore any time of the week.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
6. Elathur
Approximately 12 kilometers north of Kozhikode is a small town with lovely scenery. Even though it’s a secluded rural village, Elathur is well-connected by road and rail. So getting in and out of this place is a piece of cake. And the best part of this village is that it is bordered by a lake on one side and a river on the other, so you’ve got the best of both worlds. The location is perfect for tourists who wish to relax while taking in the splendor of nature.
Alongside offering a full coastal experience and natural beauty it is also a foodie’s paradise. Its delectable seafood includes crabs, lobsters, freshwater fish, mussels, and the indigenous palm drink ‘toddy’. Not to forget that the neighboring sacred woods are home to a variety of animals, birds, and orchids, making Elathur a true nature lover’s paradise.
Best Time To Visit: The best time to visit Elathur is during the monsoon and summer seasons.
Timings: The place is open every day from 06:00 am to 09:00 pm.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
7. Mananchira Square
Mananchira Square, a man-made freshwater lake, is a popular vacation location situated in the center of Kozhikode. The spectacular square, formerly known as Manachira Maidan was created around the Mananchira lake. The lake brings calm and tranquility to the surrounding landscape. The laterite-sculpted wall that borders the lake looks stunning, with all the intricate carving work.
But the wall is not everything! The lake is surrounded by some temples, churches, mosques, and ancestral homes, giving visitors a taste of the state’s historic architectural design. The area manages to leave an everlasting impression on the visitor’s mind with its amphitheater, immaculate gardens, musical fountains, a man-made hill, and stone sculpture. An evening walk at Mananchira Square is going to make your day 10 times better. So make sure you visit the place and enjoy its beauty.
Best Time To Visit: You don’t have to wait for a particular month or time of the year to visit this place. It’s open all year long and perfect to visit whenever you book your tickets for the Kerala trip.
Timings: You can visit Mananchira Square any day between 03:30 pm and 08:00.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
8. Sweet Street
Last but not least, is Sweet Street in Kozhikode, a paradise for sweet food lovers. One of the busiest shopping areas in Kozhikode, Mithai Theruvu, also known as ‘Sweet Street’, is a favorite destination to gorge on sweet delicacies. This is one of Kozhikode’s main avenues and was once a significant trading hub. It draws foodies looking to pamper their taste buds with regional street food. The local stalls here offer scrumptious dishes which make you want to try just about everything you set your eyes on.
Originally known for its banana chips and Kozhikkodan Halwa, the market now sells a wide range of goods, including bangles, clothing, shoes, and kitchen items as well. Cashew nuts and pure coconut oil are both sold at stores and on the street. There is an alley where you’ll find only brassware, which is one of the specialities here. The street continues to pulse throughout the day, so the shopaholic in you will be happy to see the small stalls and engage in a small (or big) shopping spree.
Best Time To Visit: There is no bad time when it comes to trying out some sweet delicacies and shopping. So you can visit Sweet Street to experience one of the finest food cultures of Kerala.
Timings: Sweet Street is open any time of the year, until 9 pm.
Entry Fee: No entry fee
Summing Up
As you can see from the list above, there are ample stunning places in Kozhikode that are rich in history, culture, and heritage. We assure you that without visiting the places listed below, a trip to Kozhikode is not complete. If you want to experience the eternal beauty of the place like never before, don’t forget to include them in your itinerary. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the best places in Kozhikode for an unforgettable vacation.
FAQs
How Many Beaches Are There In Kozhikode?
The coastal district of Kozhikode is studded with ample of stunning beaches. Some of the more popular ones you can check out include Payyoli beach, Beypore beach, Kozhikode beach, Kappad beach, Parappally beach, and Thangassery beach.
Are Calicut And Kozhikode The Same?
Yes, Kozhikode and Calicut are the names of the same place and it’s a small district located in Kerala. Kozhikode is the official name of the place, but many call it Calicut, which is its anglicized version.
What Are The Top Attractions To Visit In Kozhikode?
While Kozhikode has a plethora of unique and interesting places to visit, some of the top attractions are listed below:
- Kappad Beach
- HiLite Mall
- Kozhikode Beach
- Beypore
- Elathur
- Mananchira Square
- Sweet Street
What Is Kozhikode Famous For?
The stunning district of Kozhikode is known for its gorgeous coastline and serene natural beauty. You’ve got the best sunset views, historical sites, hills, rivers, backwaters, and much more. These are simply some of the many things that Kozhikode is famous for.
Is Kozhikode Worth A Visit?
Kozhikode at one point was one of the most important cities in the Malabar region of Kerala. It was a leading trading center for spices during the medieval period. So, right from historical places, to some natural landscapes, Kozhikode is definitely a place worth visiting.
What Is The Best Time To Visit Kozhikode?
The winter season from October to early February is the best time to visit Kozhikode. The weather is very pleasant and the best time to go sightseeing.
Are There Backwaters In Kozhikode?
Yes, yes, and yes!!! This coastal district has some of the most beautiful untouched backwaters that you’ll visit. These are also among the main tourist attractions in Kozhikode that are visited by thousands of tourists every year.
