The major places to visit in Kozhikode include Kozhikode Beach, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, Tali Temple, Mananchira Square, Thusharagiri Falls, and Kappad Beach. From beaches to waterfalls, forests, backwaters, and ancient temples, Kozhikode has it all!
Whether you wish to see fascinating historical landmarks or lose yourself in pristine natural beauty, Kozhikode, the Food Capital of Kerala, is the perfect place to be!
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To help you explore this idyllic beach town the right way, we have listed some of the best attractions in Kozhikode, or Calicut, that you must include in your itinerary.
1. Kozhikode Beach
Also called Calicut Beach, Kozhikode Beach is located near the famous ‘Gandhi Road’ on the Malabar Coast and is popular for its gorgeous orange sunsets and old piers that extend into the sea.
It is one of the best places to visit in Kozhikode not only for its long coastline of golden sands but also for the bustling market located nearby where you can have authentic food from street food vendors..
Tourists and locals love to frequent this beach to indulge in a fun shopping spree, dine at the many beach shacks, and watch a stunning sunset from the two piers perched in the middle of the ocean.
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
Entry fee: FREE
Tip: Check out the Lion’s Park and the aquarium in Kozhikode Beach
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2. Thusharagiri Waterfall
Tucked away in an enchanting forest in the Western Ghats, Thusharagiri Falls is a lovely cascade that falls in three steps, or tiers, into a pool of clear water and swirling mist below!
Justifying its name ’Thusharahiri’ which refers to ‘snow-covered mountains’, this fierce waterfall is a delight for trekkers, mountaineers, and rock climbers.
While the beautiful waterfall in itself is among the best places to visit in Kozhikode, the jungle surrounding it too is famed for its trekking trails that take adventurers through dense foliage and untamed wilderness!
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
Entry fee: INR 30/-
Tip: If you wish to go trekking, hire a local guide. The forest around it the waterfall is rather dangerous and confusing to explore on your own.
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3. Mananchira Square
The Mananchira Square, one of the most beautiful places in Kozhikode, is a huge complex with a freshwater pond fed by a natural spring at its center.It is surrounding the Mananchira Lake and is a not to miss among the places to visit in Kozhikode.
Believed to have been built in the 14th century to serve as a bathing pool for the erstwhile ruler of Kozhikode, Zamorin Mana Vikrama, this square of emerald water is now one of the most popular places to visit in Kozhikode with gardens, sculptures, and an open-air theatre..
Other than a massive pool this complex also has an open theater, musical fountains, artificial hills, landscaped lawns, and tons of trees to give the place a welcoming ambiance for Calicut sightseeing.
Timings: 3:30 PM – 8 PM
Entry fee: FREE
Tip: The Square’s lush greenery and hundreds of trees make it a soothing and refreshing environment for a walk.
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4. Kappad Beach
Famed as the first beach where Vasco Da Gama set foot in 1498, Kappad beach is one of the most serene tourist places in Kozhikode where European colonialization of India started !
This rocky shore that once led to this famous Portuguese explorer’s discovery of India is now a beautiful beach destination with drooping coconut trees, artsy sedimentary rocks, silver sands, and a backwater inlet for houseboat cruises.
Kappad beach is one of the few Indian beaches to receive this recognition, highlighting its cleanliness and eco-friendly practices. Kappad beach is located near the Korapuzha River, which offers scenic backwater experiences.
It’s also the best place to visit in Kozhikode for watersports like parasailing, snorkeling, and surfing.
Timings: 6 AM – 10 PM
Entry fee: FREE
Tip: Don’t forget to visit the Vasco Da Gama memorial in Kappad Beach which commemorates the historic landing of Vasco Da Gama!
5. Tali Temple
Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Tali Shiva Temple, or Thali Temple, is among the oldest shrines in Kozhikode.
While the temples’ intricately crafted stone sculptures, wooden carvings, and the surrounding pond have made it one of the top 10 places to visit in Kozhikode, that’s not all this temple is famous for!
Five interesting types of religious ceremonies are performed here every day that have become the highlight of this holy shrine and bring people here from all corners of the country!
Timings: 5 AM – 12 PM; 4 PM – 9 PM
Entry fee: FREE
Tip: Visit during the Malayalam New Year to witness Tali Temple’s vibrant festivities!
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6. Kozhikode Backwaters
Blessed with lush foliage and frequented by thousands of migratory waterbirds each year, the palm-flanked canals, rivulets, and lakes of Kozhikode are among the most beautiful natural places in Kozhikode.
You can go boating in the tranquil waters of the Canoli River and Kallai River or explore the surrounding forest known to shelter a range of exotic flora and fauna.
Unlike the busy backwaters of Alleppey and Kumarakom, Kozhikode backwaters are quiet, serene, and secluded. Other than the occasional canoe or houseboat passing by, you won’t see a lot of tourists here!
Timings: Open 24/7
Entry fee: FREE
Tip: The local restaurants and toddy shops surrounding these backwaters are great for trying the delicious seafood dishes of Kerala!
7. Beypore Beach
Located 10 km away from Kozhikode city center at the mouth of River Chaliyar, Beypore Beach is one of the best places to visit in Kozhikode for its long stretch of golden sands and stunning sunsets.
You can spend your day lying on a hammock tied to the beach’s tall coconut trees, take a long walk on the beach, or engage in watersports.
Beypore is famous for its traditional wooden shipbuilding industry. The handcrafted ships, called “Uru,” have been built here for centuries and were historically exported to the Middle East.
In addition to a scenic shoreline and shipbuilding, Beypore Beach is also famous for its Ayurvedic massages and fishing practices that have made it one of the best tourist places in Kozhikode.
Timings: Open 24/7
Entry fee: FREE
Tip: Don’t forget to check out the 1,500-year-old Shipbuilding Yard and the 2-km long stone bridge leading to the beach.
8. Thikkoti Lighthouse
Built on the remains of a shipwreck, Thikkoti Lighthouse is unlike most other lighthouses and one of the most unique tourist places in Kozhikode for a one day trip!
The white-and-black banded lighthouse rising out of a rocky shoreline offers the most panoramic views of the Arabian Sea and the rocky coastline . This lighthouse shelters tons of migratory birds in the winter.
Flanked by lush coconut and palm groves, the Thikkoti Lighthouse and Velliyamkally Rock on Payyoli Beach together make up one of the most important historical landmarks of Kozhikode sightseeing!
Timings: 3 PM – 6 PM
Entry fee: FREE
Tip: Thikkoti Lighthouse is located about 32 km away (1 hour by road) from Kozhikode city and is only open for 3 hours in the daytime. So, plan your trip accordingly.
9. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
This beautiful bird sanctuary is set on a cluster of islands surrounded by small hillocks in Kozhikode district.
The sanctuary’s untouched greenery surrounded by the clean Kadalundi River is home to over 60 species of migratory birds as well as more than 100 endemic bird species. Kadalundi sanctuary is located at the confluence of the Kadalundi River and the Arabian Sea, creating a unique estuarine ecosystem. The mixture of salt and fresh water supports a wide variety of flora and fauna.
This virgin wilderness is not just among the most famous places in Kozhikode, but also one of the best nature reserves in Kerala owing to its scenic beauty and the confluence point of the Kadalundi River with the Arabian Sea.
Timings: Open 24/7
Entry fee: INR 25/-
Tip: Visit in February/March for a better chance to spot migratory birds. One of the best ways to explore the sanctuary is by taking a boat ride through the waterways. This allows for close observation of the birds and their environment without disturbing the wildlife.
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10. Kakkayam Dam
This famous picnic spot and adventure hub is among the best places to visit in Calicut, Kerala!
Kakkayam Dam is mostly popular courtesy of its scenic beauty and the plethora of waterfalls that surround it!
All you have to do is take a boat ride around the dam and you’ll be able to see everything from elephants and bisons lazing on the shores, petite waterfalls cascading from small hillocks, lush valleys in the distance, and an adorable hanging bridge!
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM
Entry fee: INR 20/-
Tip: Prior permission from the forest office is required to visit the dam. The office is located atop the dam.
We bet you’re already checking out our customizable Kerala trip packages to book an awesome getaway in Kozhikode. Which of these places to visit in Kozhikode will you visit first? Let us know in the comments below. Happy tripping!
