Places to Visit in Kozhikode – Top Beaches, Food & Temples

Kozhikode, previously referred to as Calicut, is a fascinating coastal destination in Kerala that attracts tourists because of its glorious trade history, virgin beaches, rich culture, and delicious food. Among the many places to visit in Kozhikode, its strategic location between the Western Ghats and the Arabian Sea makes it popular as a tourist destination in South India.

Why Kozhikode is a Must-Visit Destination in Kerala

Kozhikode is a perfect destination that is fit for all kinds of travelers, be it a history person, a nature lover, or even a foodie. The peaceful charm and lagoon hospitality of the city will create an impression.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Kozhikode 

Explore the greatest, historic, and scenic places that portray the true beauty of Kozhikode:

1. Kozhikode Beach

The Kozhikode Beach is the heart of the city, which gives an astounding sunset view, a long walkway, and colorful food stalls selling local seafood and snacks. It is an ideal location to walk in the evening and get the feel of the coastline of Kerala.

2. Kappad Beach

The Kappad Beach is a significant site since it is where Vasco da Gama arrived in 1498. The tranquil beaches and a monument mark this major incident in Indian history and serve as a combination of history and scenic beauty.

3. Mananchira Square

Mananchira Square is located in the center of the city as a beautiful park with a lot of greenery, including colonial buildings, picturesque fountains with musical compositions, and green lawns, where you can take a family trip and just take a break.

4. Baypore

Beypore is an old port, which is renowned for its traditional wooden ship building (Uru). In this land of culture, the tourist can watch the craftwork of boats as well as tour around the picturesque estuary, and also enjoy fresh seafood.

5. Thusharagiri Waterfalls

Thusharagiri is a secret destination with a cascading waterfall and a trekking destination in the Western Ghats. It is a place that should not be missed by nature lovers and adventurers who want to have a refreshing experience.

6. Mishkal Mosque

Mishkal Mosque is one of the oldest mosques in the royal state of Kerala. It was built about 650 years ago and is a great example of traditional timber architecture. It is a quiet location that is representative of the multicultural history of Kozhikode.

7. Pazhassi Raja Museum and Art Gallery

This museum depicts the great history of Kerala and the life of a freedom fighter, Pazhassi Raja. It consists of murals, statues, and old coins, which provide a rich understanding of the heritage of the region.

8. Tali Shiva Temple

Tali Shiva Temple is a religious center in Kerala, renowned for its exquisite architecture, beautiful woodwork, and significant religious importance. It is very colorful and bright, particularly during temple festivals.

9. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

It has more than 100 species of migratory birds, making Kadalundi a paradise for birdwatchers. It is a paradise for photographers and nature lovers due to its calm backwaters, Mangrove forests, and confluence of rivers.

10. Sarovaram Bio Park

Sarovaram is a sustainable urban park providing boating facilities, children’s play areas, walking paths, and bird habitats. It is a green retreat in the hectic city and is perfect for spending a day with family.

Plan your trip: Best Places to Visit in South India

Best Food Places and Local Dishes in Kozhikode

Discover the tempting local cuisine and the most popular restaurants among the places to visit in Kozhikode for a true taste of Malabar food:

Famous Food Items to Try In Kozhikode

1. Kozhikode Halwa

Soft, colored, and chewy sweet prepared from refined flour, ghee, and sugar. Frequently compressed in layers of taste, such as banana, coconut, and jaggery. 

2. Malabar Dum Biryani

This fragrant rice dish contains marinated meat, cooked with spices and onion, which is caramelized.

3. Kozhikode Banana Chips

Thinly sliced and fried in coconut oil, golden banana chips offer a crunchy texture with a salty taste.

4. Pathiri with Curry

Pathiri is a delicate rice flat bread of spiced chicken or beef curry. It is a regular dish for dinner in Malabar homes.

5. Sulaimani Tea

Sulaimani is a refreshing drink of black tea mixed with lemon, cardamom, and mint that is always welcome after a heavy lunch or dinner.

6. Chatti Pathiri

A stack of pancake-pastry, sweet but savory, prepared using pancake, egg, meat, and spices, and which takes the form of lasagna in Kerala.

7. Erachi Pathiri

Spicy and juicy meat inside deep-fried stuffed bread turned out to be a suitable snack in the evenings and during holidays.

Best Places to Eat in Kozhikode

1. Paragon Restaurant

Famous in Kerala, Paragon is the best place to get Malabar Dum Biryani and fresh seafood. 

Location: Kannur Road, Kozhikode.

Timings: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PM.

2. Rahmath Hotel

A fabled local eatery of porotta balls and spicy beef curry. Low priced, fast, and full of natural flavor.

Location: Mavoor Road, Kozhikode. 

Timings: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM.

3. Sagar Restaurant

If you are a seafood fan, Sagar offers Kerala-style prawns, squid, and fish curries, and its ambience feels like home.

Location: YMCA Cross Road, Kozhikode.

Timings: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

4. Bombay Hotel

It is a leading restaurant that serves the traditional Kerala breakfast, such as idiyappam, mutta curry, and banana fry with Sulaimani.

Location: SM Street, Kozhikode.

Timings: 6:30 AM – 9:00 PM.

5. Zain’s Hotel

Run by a local family, Zain’s is famous for genuine Moplah fare such as Erachi Pathiri and Chatti Pathiri.

Location: Convent Cross Road, Kozhikode.

Timings: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM.

6. SM Street Halwa Shops

Visit this popular shopping lane, and you will get freshly prepared halwas in numerous flavours and wrapped in neat slabs.

Location: SM Street, Kozhikode.

Timings: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.

Unique Experiences Among the Places to Visit in Kozhikode

These unusual, cultural, and atmospheric experiences are among the top places to visit in Kozhikode to make your stay memorable and authentic:

1. Boat Building at Beypore Uru Shipyard

See age-old skills of making boats at the Beypore Uru Shipyard, where boats are still built using giant wooden handmade tools without blueprints. This is an experience that reinstates the maritime heritage of Kozhikode.

2. Shopping at SM Street (Sweet Meat Street)

SM Street is the famous shopping street in Kozhikode with a variety of shopping options such as banana chips and halwa, in addition to handlooms and garments.

3. Trying Street Food near Kozhikode Beach

The food vendors along the beach are quite colorful, with spicy pork rolls and kallummakkaya fry, hot tea, and pazham pori. Beach front food stalls are Vibrant in the evenings and serve standard Kozhikode street flavour.

4. Sunset at Kappad Beach with Tea and Snack

Concluding your day, watch a peaceful sunset in the historic Kappad Beach as you enjoy Sulaimani tea and bite snacks sold in stalls along the beach.

Start exploring: Top 10 Places to Visit in Alappuzha

Cultural and Religious Places to Visit in Kozhikode

Journey through the city’s old century of spiritual and cultural heritage through its temples, mosques, and ancient churches:

1. Tali Shiva Temple

This temple of Kerala, built in the 14th century, dedicated to Lord Shiva, has elaborate woodwork, granite sculpture, and the traditional Kerala-designed roofs.

2. Mishkal Mosque

It is a wooden mosque with four floors that is more than 650 years old. It is a beautiful example of Indo-Arabic architecture without domes and minarets.

3. Mother of God Cathedral

This Roman Catholic church was constructed in the 18th century, and it exhibits the Gothic style architecture and has a centuries-old statue of the Mother Mary.

Seasonal Travel Guide in Kozhikode

Take seasonal ideas to plan your trip, which would make the best utilization of the weather, and the beauties of Kozhikode:

Best Time to Visit Kozhikode

It is ideal to visit from October to March because this is the time of the year when sightseeing and outdoor activities are favourable to the Climate.

Kozhikode in Winter – Pleasant weather for sightseeing

During winter, it is ideal to visit a temple, go to the beach, and also shop in SM Street with cool winds and dry weather.

• Best For: The beaches, tours around the city, and food trails.
• Travel Tip: Mornings and night-time are excellent times to go outdoors exploring.

Kozhikode in Monsoon – Waterfalls and lush greenery

Monsoon (June–September) unveils the local beauty with lush greenery. Good for the wildlife photography, but heavy rain is guaranteed.

• Best For: Waterfalls, lush greenery, and unique experiences for everyone.
• Travel Tip: Take waterproof footwear and Rain gear.
  

Travel Tips for Visiting Kozhikode

Local travel tips that allow you to live in Kozhikode like a local, with ease and comfort:

How to Reach Kozhikode

• By Air: Calicut International Airport, 28 km from Kozhikode.
• By Train: Kozhikode Railway Station is well connected to the major cities.
• By Bus: NH66 and NH766 connect Kochi, Mangalore, and Bangalore to Kozhikode.

Local Transport and Connectivity

Auto-rickshaws, buses, and rental taxis are quite common. There are KSRTC buses that have links to other towns nearby. Auto-rickshaws are also an affordable means of transportation, especially when one wants to travel locally.

Safety and Local Etiquettes

Kozhikode is pretty safe. Dress modestly at holy sites, do not litter, and respect the culture. English and Malayalam are mostly spoken.

Suggested Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

• Day 1: Kozhikode Beach, SM Street, Paragon Restaurant.
• Day 2: Beypore Uru Shipyard, Mishkal Mosque, and Pazhassi Museum.
• Day 3: Kappad Beach Tour, Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary Tour, Food Trail.

Why You Should Explore These Top 10 Places in Kozhikode

These carefully selected places to visit in Kozhikode signify a rich history of culture, native beauty, and the welcoming nature of Kozhikode, giving a rewarding experience to your visit. The best part is that you can have the best of Kerala in this city, whether it be the historic beaches, temples, food places, or nature parks.

Plan your getaway: Kerala Tour Package

Conclusion

Kozhikode is not a city, but a trip to the heart and soul of Kerala. With ancient customs and mouthwatering street food, spiritual and eco-parks are some of the experiences that await every tourist who visits Kozhikode. Book your trip now via Tafri Travels and discover the coastal beauty of Kozhikode as you have never seen before.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Kozhikode famous for?

Ans: It’s famous for beaches, Malabar cuisine, and historic trade links.

2. Which beach is best in Kozhikode?

Ans: Kozhikode Beach for sunset views and Kappad Beach for history.

3. What are the top places to visit in Kozhikode?

Ans: Kozhikode Beach, Kappad Beach, Beypore, Mananchira Square, and Thusharagiri Waterfalls.

4. What is the best time to visit Kozhikode?

Ans: October to March when the weather is pleasant.

5. What food is famous in Kozhikode?

Ans: Malabar Dum Biryani, Kozhikode Halwa, and banana chips.

6. How many days are enough for Kozhikode?

Ans: 2 to 3 days to cover main attractions.

7. What are the unique experiences in Kozhikode?

Ans: Watching Uru boat making at Beypore and tasting street food at SM Street.