How to reach

By Air

Kozhikode Airport is at Karipur, 23 km from the city centre.

By Train and Road

Train and Bus services link Kozhikode to all major towns and cities in India.

Places of Interest

Picnic Spots

Tusharagiri
Peruvannamuzhi
Velliyamkalu
Thikkoti Lighthouse
Kakkayam
Kalipoyika
Wayanad Ghats
Vellari Mala
Vellari Mala and Iringal
Mananchira Maidan
Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Picnicking in the hills-CVN Kalari

Beaches

Kozhikode Beach
Beypore
Kappad Beach, Kozhikode

Museum and Art Galleries

Krishna Menon Museum
Kirtads
Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery

Regional Science Centre

Planetarium
Kirtads

Religious Places

Pishakarikavu
Kuttichira
Lokanarkavu Temple
Mannur Temple
Parsi Anju Amman Baug
Muchunthi Palli
Budhha Vihar
St. Mary's Church
Mother of God Church
Tali Temple
Ponmeri
Varakkal Devi Temple
Jain Temple

Others

S M Street
Kallai
Vadakara
Iringal
Bakel

Picnic Spots

Tusharagiri

As the name suggests, land and water have struck an extraordinary kinship at Thusharagiri (mist capped peaks). The plantation destination that abounds in rubber, arecanut, pepper, ginger and spices, is also a trekkers delight. Trekkers start early morning from the second waterfall on the hills and climb up through the pristine dense evergreen forests teeming with exotic birds and animals to reach Vythiri in Wayanad district by evening. Nearest railway station is at Kozhikode which is 50 Km away and Nearest Airport is at Karipur about 25 km away from Kozhikkode town.

Peruvannamuzhi

The Peruvannamuzhi damsite set amid hills is a beautiful picnic spot. The reservoirs here provide facilities for speed and slowboat cruises. Uninhabited islands, a bird sanctuary and a crocodile farm add to the charm of the place. Nearest railway station is at Kozhikode which is 60 Km away and Nearest Airport is at Karipur about 25 km away from Kozhikkode town.

Velliyamkalu

This is yet another beautiful stretch of golden sands with shallow waters that border Velliyamkallu

Thikkoti Lighthouse

The lighthouse which overlooks Velliyamkallu off Moodadi coast was built after a shipwreck, the remains of which can still be seen here. The region around the Velliyamkallu rock is the transit home of migratory birds.

Kakkayam

This picturesque damsite, teeming with exotic wildlife, offers excellent trekking and rock climbing opportunities. The best time to visit is between November and April. It is situated 45 km from Kozhikode.

Kalipoyika

One can leisurely cruise on the dappled waters at Kalipoika in both pedal and row boats. Boating time: 8 am to 7 pm. It is situated 2 km from Kozhikode.

Wayanad Ghats

The green ghats enroute to Wayanad has nine hairpin bends, each turn taking one to a higher altitude offering a better view of the picturesque plains below. This route explored by a tribal was developed by the British.

Vellari Mala

Scintillating waterfalls and velvet green landscapes make this an ideal spot for trekking.

Vellari Mala and Iringal

Verdant, rolling landscape, with numerous brooks, cascades and breathtaking waterfalls, Vellari Mala offers is a true abode to unwind and to immerse in the whiff of its limitless fresh air. River Kanjirapuzha, a tributary of the River Chaliyar, meanders through the rocky terrain, creating cascades and breathtaking waterfalls at many points. The land's beauty and topography is truly a trekker's paradise and is also an ideal picnic spot for people of all age group to have a good time.

Mananchira Maidan

The palace tank of King Mana-Vikrama is an architectural wonder. The musical fountain inside the maidan and the meticulously landscaped lawns surrounded by traditional buildings in the Kerala style, fascinate visitors.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary,about 25km from Kozhikode and 7 km from Beypore port on the Arabian Sea is spread over a cluster of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. The place is locally known as Kadalundi Nagaram. This virgin land is the abode of a hundred species of native birds and over 60 varieties of migratory birds that flock here in large numbers during February-March. A hillock nearby, which is 200 m above sea level, offers a splendid view of the river mouth and the sea. Kadalundi is also known for a wide variety of fish, mussels and crabs. Nearest railway station is at Kozhikode which is about 19 Km away and Nearest Airport is at Karipur about 25 km away from Kozhikkode town.

Picnicking in the hills-CVN Kalari

Kalarippayat (Kalari, the arena for practice and payat, the art of fighting) is the unique martial art of Kerala, which has its roots in the Dhanurveda, the oldest available text on war-fare. In fact most of the popular martial arts of the world have been influenced directly or indirectly by this art. Unlike other martial arts, the person practicing Kalari wears no protective armour even while engaged in combat with sharp weapons. For his self-defence, he depends completely on his alertness and agility, using various steps and swift movement. A good place to get a taste of this fascinating art form would be the CVN Kalari Sangham, the Kalari and ayurvedic treatment centre at Nadakkavu, Calicut. Established in 1955, this is a well-known institute for training in this ancient system of martial art and physical culture. The gurus, the teachers of the Kalari apart from being masters at Kalarippayat are also adept at the Kalari way of treatment for muscular, neuro and orthopaedic disorders and body massaging ( uzhichil) for general health. There is a presiding diety for the Kalari, Lord Shiva in combination with Goddess Shakti, and traditional lamps are lit and worship conducted daily. Many of the classical folk-art forms of Kerala have come under the influence of Kalarippayat. The concept of body training aimed at perfect psychophysical integration has attracted considerable interest from dance and acting circles in western countries and CVN Kalari receives many foreign students. Lecture demonstrations, workshops and short duration courses are conducted for visiting tourists. The C.V.N. Kalari is just 7 kms drive from Kozhikode city and Nearest Airport is at Karipur about 25 km away from Kozhikkode town.

Beaches

Kozhikode Beach

Kozhikode Beach is a favourite haunt of sunset viewers. Its natural beauty and old world charm makes it a dreamy place to visit. The beach has an old lighthouse and two crumbling piers running into the sea, each more than a hundred years old. Children can be entertained at the Lions Park and the Marine Water Aquarium. Nearest Railway Station Kozhikode about 1 km away and Nearest Airport is at Karipur about 25 km away.

Beypore

Located about 10 kms south of Kozhikode town at the mouth of the Chaliyar River, is Beypore. Historically, it has a special place as being one of the prominent ports and fishing harbours, and was also an important trade and maritime centre during the days of the early Arab and Chinese travelers and later the Europeans. Soon after its prominence as a port and trade centre, Beypore slowly began to flourish as a centre for shipbuilding, which was in great demand by merchants from Western Asia. The boat-building yard at Beypore is famous for its traditional construction of the Uru or the Arabian trading vessel. This tradition of shipbuilding is nearly 1,500 years old, and the craftsmanship of the workers here is exceptional. Nearby attractions in Beypore include the fishing harbour, hardly a kilometer from the shipbuilding yard and Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, which is about 7 kms from Beypore. The Kadalundi estuary is considered as a birdwatchers paradise, due to the variety of local as well as migratory bird life. Migratory birds flock here in large numbers during February-March. The sanctuary is spread over a group of islands in a scenic area surrounded by hillocks where the Kadalundi River flows into the Arabian Sea. The place is locally known as Kadalundi Nagaram. Nearest Railway Station is at Kozhikode town and Nearest Airport is at Karipur about 25 km away.

Kappad Beach, Kozhikode

For the people of Kozhikode, this pleasant stretch of rock studded beach is Kappakkadavu. To the tourist it is one of the most charming of Kerala's beaches. Kappad finds mention in history and geography texts as the gateway to the Malabar coast. Here, 501 years ago, 170 men led by the Portuguese navigator Vasco da Gama (1460-1524) sailed in and stepped into Kerala to create a new chapter in history. The story of a long and tumultuous socio-political relationship between India and Europe. It was the spices and wealth of Malabar that first brought the Arabs, the Phoenicans, the Greeks, the Romans, the Portuguese, the Dutch and the English to Kerala. Kappad has witnessed many such landings. Kozhikode was then the most important trade centre of the Malabar region and the Zamorins who ruled this mighty land were powerful and shrewd. Though the Portuguese were welcomed in Kozhikode they were not too well encouraged or entertained for long by the Zamorins, which might be the reason they shifted their base to Kochi and Kollam down south. Today only a little stone monument is left at the Kappad beach to speak of its great historic importance. On the rocks nearby is a temple believed to be 800 years old. To the tourist, however, this little sea faring town is a heaven. The best route to Kappad is along the backwaters. Unspoilt and uncrowded, the picturesque backwaters of Kozhikode offers a bewitching experience. A ride down the backwaters through the Korappuzha river brings you to the beach. Nearest railway station is at Kozhikode which is 25 Km away and Nearest Airport is at Karipur about 25 km away.

Museum and Art Galleries

Krishna Menon Museum

This museum has an exclusive wing dedicated to the late V K Krishna Menon, renowned statesman. His personal belongings and souvenirs are displayed here.

Kirtads

This unique museum houses the tools and devices used by the ancient tribal communities of Kerala. A good library with books on Anthropology and Sociology is an added attraction. It is situated 7 km from Kozhikode.

Pazhassiraja Museum and Art Gallery

A veritable treasure trove for historians and connoisseurs of art, the Pazhassiraja Museum is located about 5 km away from Kozhikode town at East Hill in Kozhikode - the land of spices which lured navigators from time immemorial down to the Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama in 1498. The Art Gallery adjacent to the museum displays the acclaimed paintings of Kerala's cherished artists, Raja Ravi Verma (1848 - 1906) whose works brought international repute to the State and his uncle Raja Raja Verma. The museum is managed by the State Archaeology Department and has on display mural paintings, antique bronzes, ancient coins, models of temples, umbrella stones, dolmenoid cists (quadrangular burial chambers with capstones), and similar megalithic monuments. The art gallery has the oil paintings and other works of Raja Ravi Varma. Nearest railway station is at Kozhikode and Nearest Airport is at Karipur about 25 km away from Kozhikkode town.

Regional Science Centre

Situated on the same compound as the planetarium, the Regional Science Centre is an eye opener into the amazing and exciting dimensions of Science

Planetarium

The Kozhikode Planetarium at the city's Jaffarkhan colony offers extensive insight into the mysteries of the universe, the planets and the galaxies. There are daily shows at 12 am, 2 pm, 4 pm and 6 pm.

Kirtads

This unique museum houses the tools and devices used by the ancient tribal communities of Kerala. A good library with books on Anthropology and Sociology is an added attraction. It is situated 7 Km from Kozhikode.

Religious Places

Pishakarikavu

This temple is dedicated to goddess Bhagavathy. Elephant pageants during the festival season here (March/April) are a special attraction.

Kuttichira

The stone inscriptions found in the Muccunti Mosque at Kuttichira reveal an interesting aspect in the history of the Zamorins of Kozhikode and their patronage of Islam in Kerala. The architecture of this and other old mosques in Kozhikode bear great resemblance to the typical Hindu temple complex with pillars, ventilators and huge tanks, as well as decorative features such as styled floral carvings and geometric designs.

Lokanarkavu Temple

This temple, associated with the heroes and heroines of the Vadakkanpattu combines an arresting simplicity and a legendary aura. The candid murals and carvings here are a delight to art lovers.

Mannur Temple

Modelled like the Siva Temple at Tiruvannur, this exquisitely carved Gajaprathista styled laterite structure is more than two centuries old. It is believed that Sree Parashuraman starts his Siva Linga prathista at Tiruvannur and completes it here every noon. The noon pujas here are therefore considered very special. The annual Sivaratri festival is celebrated in a big way.

Parsi Anju Amman Baug

This Fire Temple on S M Street dates back to the period when the Parsis, lured by the trade opportunities, settled in Kozhikode about 200 years ago.

Muchunthi Palli

Built in the traditional Kerala architectural style, this mosque enshrines a 13th century Vattezhuthu (inscription on stone slab). The inscription proclaims the donation of the property to the mosque by a Zamorin.

Budhha Vihar

This temple houses a good collection of writings on the Buddha.

St. Mary's Church

The Church was founded in 1860 for the civil members of the collectorate and the English military. In the cemetery adjacent to the church, there is a tomb dated 1717.

Mother of God Church

This church built in the Roman architectural style dates back to 1513 AD and is the only one of its kind in Kerala. A portrait of St. Mary, more than 200 years old, makes it a famous pilgrim centre.

Tali Temple

Built in the 14th century by Swamy Thirumulpad, the Zamorin, within his palace complex, this temple was the venue of Revathy Pattathanam, the annual cultural and intellectual event. The Tali Temple is a fine example of the total integration that can exist between wood and laterite, which is a remarkable feature of the Kerala style of architecture.

Ponmeri

The Sree Krishna Temple at Karatt and the Shiva Temple at Ponmeri have flamboyant paintings depicting Palazhimathanam (the story of the churning of the ocean of milk) from the Puranas.

Varakkal Devi Temple

This is considered to be the 108th and the last Devi temple built by Sree Parasurama, the legendary founder of Kerala. It is believed that Parasurama ploughed this area in order to make Devi (the goddess) appear. The main festival here is the Vavu Bali when thousands congregate to perform the ancestral obsequies. On this day the sea is found to be surprisingly calm as if facilitating the religious observances.

Jain Temple

The two temples in this compound at Trikkovil lane have exquisitely painted interiors and elaborately carved porticoes.

Others

S M Street

Sweet Meat Street is the busiest street in Kozhikode and derives its name from the times when the street was lined with sweetmeat stalls.

Kallai

This was once the second largest timber trading centre in Asia. A steel bridge built by the British is still intact here.

Vadakara

The birth place of Thacholi Othenan - the legendary hero of the Vadakkanpattu (ballads of North Malabar), Vadakara boasts a great martial tradition and was a flourishing trade and commerce centre in ancient times. Thacholi Manikkoth, the kalari where Thacholi Othenan practised his martial feats and spent long days in deep meditation before every poythu (duel), is a place worth visiting. It is situated 48 km from Kozhikode.

Iringal

The famous son of Iringal, Kunjali Marakkar went on to become the trusted admiral and commanded the Zamorin's fleet and thwarted the efforts of Portuguese vessels trying their best to make a landing on the Kerala coast. The birthplace of this valiant admiral of the Zamorin is situated on the southern bank of the Mooradi River. Today, Keralites remember his valour and selfless service rendered for his motherland with lot of reverence. The Department of Archaeology took over his birthplace for preserving and also to give an opportunity for generations to come and pay respect to one of Kerala's valiant sons. Nearest Railway Station is at Vadakara and Nearest Airport is at Karipur about 25 km away from Kozhikkode town.

Bakel

Bakel is a small village in Northern Kerala, famous for the Bakel Fort. This area has only recently caught the attention of the tourist. The authorities have identified the area for further development. Though most of the facilities will come up only later, the area has good stretches of beaches, backwaters and colourful festivals.

Places of Interest

Bakel Fort

The most important monument in the region, the Bakel Fort, is more than 300 years old. This fort is believed to be built in the 1650's by Shivappa Naik of Thelkkeri dynasty. Later the fort passed on to Hyder Ali of Mysore and still later to the British. The sea bastion, underground tunnels, and the observation tower are impressive sights. The nearby Pallikere beach is just across the fishing hamlet. One can easily spend a day in and around the Fort & beach. There is a well run 'Facility Center' near the fort, a Cloak room, Bathroom, Toilets, information Center, Restaurant, Fruit Stall and a Handicraft outlet function in the center.

Chandragiri Fort (10 km North)

A smaller fort is set between the sea and the Chandragiri Fort, provides a good place to watch the sunset.

Kodi Cliffs

The cliffs located between the Kappil beach and the Chandragiri Fort provides a good place to watch the sunset.

Kappil Beach

This is yet another good beach south of the Bakel Fort, it can be reached either from Pallikere or one can walk it down from the Bakel Fort.

Pallikere Beach

This is yet another good beach south of the Bakel Fort, it can be reached either from Pallikere or one can walk it down from the Bakel Fort.

Bakel Aqua Park

This is a boating facility in the backwaters near the Pallekere beach.

Nithyanandasram (12 km North)

Spread across 25 acres near the Hosdrug Fort, the ashram exhibits some beautiful sculptures depicting scenes in the Bagawath Gita.

Ananthapura Lake Temple( 30 km North)

This 9th century temple is set in a rock cut lake. This temple is supposed to be the original seat of Ananthapadmanabha, the diety of the Sri Padmanabha Swami temple, Trivandrum.

Ranipuram (55 km East)

This hill station is set amidst coffee, rubber, pepper plantations and the forests. There is a good trekking route. Seeing wild animals is a distinct possibility. The night is full of animal calls.

Theyyam

Theyyam is a festival common in these parts. It is a festival in remembrance of great warriors of the area who have become Theyya (Gods). Theyyam is an art form conducted in the temple premises.

Yakshaganam

Yakshaganam is an art form similar to the Kathakali in some respects. This is an import from the neighboring Karnataka.

Kamalam (Buffali Race)

Kamalam (Buffalo Race) conducted in different areas near the Karnataka border (North) is an interesting spectacle. It held on almost every Saturday & Sunday during November and December.