Kozhikode, formerly known as Calicut, is an excellent town in Kerala when it comes to planning a vacation. The things to do in Kozhikode are immensely fun and exciting. This city, which was once a huge seaport in the world for trading, has some incredibly gorgeous and untouched beaches that you’d definitely want to explore. From beach activities to wildlife sanctuaries, there’s a lot for you to explore and experience in this city. After all, this was the city where Vasco da Gama first landed, so what are you waiting for? Know all about the fun things that this city offers you.
Best Things to Do in Kozhikode: The Fun Times are Just Beginning
Kozhikode is a historical coastal town in Kerala, which is famous for its backwaters and the various fun activities it includes. Its adventurous side is a mystery to a lot of people, and they might miss out on this thrilling journey if they aren’t aware of what to look for. So, we’re here to guide you on all the Kozhikode things to do.
- Swim in the Kozhikode Beach
- Boat in the Kozhikode Backwaters
- Have Fun at the Lion’s Park
- Explore the Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum
- Visit the Medieval Mishkal Mosque
- Walk along the Beypore Beach
- Witness the Kozhippara Falls
- Spend Time in Mananchira Square
1. Swim in the Kozhikode Beach: Most Popular Attraction in Kozhikode
The Kozhikode or Calicut Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the town and is one of the reasons behind the massive tourist influx. This beach is ideal for swimming and for spotting dolphins as well if you arrive early in the morning. The highlight of your visit here would be the mesmerizing sunset. Therefore, add visiting this location as one of the things to do in Kozhikode because you can rest assured that it’ll be worthwhile.
Best time to visit: October to March
Distance from nearest airport: It takes approximately 1 hour from Calicut International Airport
Things to do: Swim in the sea, relax on the beach, and spot dolphins
Highlight: The glorious sunset
Ideal for: Families, friends, and couples
Time required: 1 to 2 hours
Local attractions: Tali Temple, S.M Street, Mananchira Square
Nearby restaurants: Adaminte Chayakkada, Sri Venkatesh Lunch Home, Punjab Di Rasoi
Nearby hotels: The Gateway Hotel Beach Road, Grand Plaza Suite, Manuelsons Malabar Palace
How to reach: You can take a rickshaw from the railway station or take a cab from the airport
2. Boat in the Kozhikode Backwaters: Enjoy in the Enchanting Backwaters
Kerala is famous for its backwaters, so it’s not acceptable if you don’t go for a boat cruise here. Imagine boating in the calm backwaters with lush greenery surrounding you and a clear blue sky. It’s a soothing and surreal image that can come true once you indulge in this activity. The backwaters here are dotted with palm trees and natural beauty and you’d be in the midst of it all. So, consider this among the things to do in Kerala and you’ll not be disappointed.
Best time to visit: October to March
Distance from nearest airport: The travel time is around 1 hour from the airport
Things to do: Admire the beauty around you, relax in the boat, and indulge in some bird watching
Highlight: The natural beauty dotting the backwaters
Ideal for: Families, couples
Time required: 2 to 3 hours
Local Attractions: Kozhikode Beach, Kappad Beach, and Pazhassirajah Museum
Nearby hotels: La Mer Inn, The Raviz Calicut, Nexstay Treats Inn
How to reach: You can board a bus or take a cab to reach this location
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3. Have Fun at the Lion’s Park: Spend Time in this Kid-Friendly Park
The Lion’s Park is particularly for people traveling with children because this park has numerous kid-friendly rides that would keep them engaged and give you some alone time. You can relax here, go for a walk, or plan a picnic. In fact, it’s an excellent beachfront park with a view of the sea and the lighthouse. This place would bring out the kid in you as well.
Best time to visit: 9 A.M to 4 P.M
Entry fee: Around INR 200
Distance from nearest airport: The estimated time from the airport is 1 hour
Things to do: Let your children play on the rides, relax in the park, and look out to the sea
Highlight: The view of the lighthouse
Ideal for: Families
Time required: Approximately 1 hour
Local attractions: Kozhikode Beach, Kozhikode Lighthouse, Matri Dei Cathedral, Mananchira Square
Nearby restaurants: Tavuk Restro, Citapani Fried and Grill, Park Restaurant
Nearby hotels: The Gateway Hotel, The Raviz, Le Candles Resort
How to reach: You can either take a cab from the airport or a bus from the railway station
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4. Explore the Pazhassiraja Archaeological Museum: Take a Historical Trip in the Town
If you’re a history fanatic or an art connoisseur, then you’ve come to the right place. This museum houses artifacts from 1000 BC to 200 AD. The artifacts include items from The Indus Valley Civilization to the Megalithic age. Apart from these ancient relics, there’s also an art gallery for you to explore. You’d be thrilled by the items preserved here as they tell a story that is hundreds of years old. Who wouldn’t want to add this to the places to visit in Kerala itinerary?
Best time to visit: 9 A.M to 5 P.M
Entry fee: Around INR 20
Distance from nearest airport: It take an hour approximately to reach here
Things to do: Explore the art gallery and marvel at the artifacts in the museum
Highlight: Relics as ancient as the Indus Valley Civilization
Ideal for: Families, group of travelers
Time required: 1 to 2 hours
Local attractions: Krishna Menon Museum, Crown Theatre, Kappad Beach, Sarovaram Biopark
Nearby restaurants: Keraleeyam, Hotel Paragon Restaurant, Ojin Bakes
Nearby hotels: Hotel Marina Residency, Hyson Heritage, Westway Hotel
How to reach: You can hail an auto rickshaw from the railway station or a cab from the airport
Suggested Read: Famous Beaches In Kerala, India Perfect To Experience The Warmth Of Nature
5. Visit the Medieval Mishkal Mosque: An Important Addition to Your Travel Itinerary
Image is for reference purpose only
This four-storey medieval mosque in Kozhikode is one of the best places to travel in India because of its historical and cultural significance. This attraction was built by an Arab merchant and what makes it unique is that it doesn’t have any minarets like a normal mosque. The intricate designs and the rustic touch to it make it a beautiful tourist attraction to explore. You can revel in the peaceful atmosphere surrounding this place for a while.
Best time to visit: 5 A.M to 8 P.M
Distance from nearest airport: It’ll take around 1 hour to reach this location
Things to do: Soak in the spiritual vibes and seek blessings
Highlight: The rustic architecture
Ideal for: Families, group of travelers
Time required: 1 to 2 hours
Nearby restaurants: M-Grill, Mezban Restaurant, Zirkon Lounge and Bar
Nearby hotels: Hotel King Fort, Woodies Bleisure Hotel, Manuelsons Malabar Palace
How to reach: You can take a cab to the location
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6. Walk along the Beypore Beach: Revel at this Bustling Beach with Friends
Your vacation would be incomplete without visiting a beach, and this beach is one of the most famous ones in this coastal town. This beach is a ship building port as well, and that’s why it’s quite a bustling area. You can spend quality time here with your loved ones and even enjoy some peaceful downtime. This is what makes it a must-visit attraction.
Distance from nearest airport: It’ll take approximately 45 minutes to reach there
Things to do: Relax on the seashore, get tanned, and indulge in some me-time
Highlight: A bustling atmosphere
Ideal for: Families, group of travelers, couples
Time required: 1 to 2 hours
Nearby restaurants: Biryani Mehfil, Club Sulaimani, Hug a Mug Cafe
Nearby hotels: Copper Folia, Apollo Dimora, The Raviz
How to reach: You can take a taxi or a metro to reach here
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7. Witness the Kozhippara Falls: Trek to this Serene Waterfall
When it comes to adventure in India, you can never go wrong with a trek. Waterfalls have always had an enchanting quality about them, and this waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, and a calm atmosphere, enhancing its beauty. You can even trek to this location, which would be an incredibly fun thing to experience. The stunning sight of the cascading water, the birds chirping, and an area to swim makes it all worthwhile. It’ll be a perfect stop by on your way, so do make time for this mystical location, which is one of the top things to do in Kozhikode.
Best time to visit: 9 A.M to 5:30 P.M
Distance from nearest airport: This waterfall’s around 1 hour 30 minutes away from the airport
Things to do: Feel the romantic atmosphere and the breathtaking tranquility
Highlight: A mystical element
Ideal for: Families, couples
Time required: 1 to 2 hours
Nearby restaurants: Amigos Restocafe, Cuppa Café, Oasis Cafe
Nearby hotels: Chateau Woods, Silent Creek Resort and Spa, Wayanad Wild
How to reach: You can reach the falls via a bus or by train
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8. Spend Time in Mananchira Square: The Hub of Activities in Kozhikode
Mananchira Square is like the perfect place to spend time in Kozhikode; after all, it houses major attractions of the town here. From churches and temples to a man-made pond, there are several things to keep you engaged. This place is a park where you can spend leisure time, plan a picnic, and much more. The musical fountain and varied flora here would make your time here an even gorgeous one, that’s why it’s among the things to do in Kozhikode.
Best time to visit: 3:30 P.M to 8 P.M
Distance from nearest airport: The airport’s around 1 hour away from the park
Things to do: Plan a picnic with your loved ones and explore the local attractions
Highlight: The perfect picnic spot
Ideal for: Families, couples, group of travelers
Time required: 1 to 2 hours
Nearby restaurants: Topform Restaurant, Hotel Paragon, Sagar Restaurant
Nearby hotels: The Gateway Hotel, The Raviz, Hotel Marina Residency
How to reach: You can take an auto rickshaw or a cab to the square
There are several things to do in Kozhikode to keep you engaged and entertained. The ones mentioned above were just a few of them. It’s a place full of tourist attractions, which is why it’s one of the most popular towns in Kerala that you must check out. From fun and thrilling activities like trekking to serene and peaceful ones like a picnic at the square, there’s something to do for everyone. So, book our India travel packages and vacay in this fun-filled town.
FAQs
Kozhikode’s a coastal town in Kerala and is the largest urban area in the state. It’s famous for its cultural and historical attractions, as well as its fun activities that you can indulge in.
If you wish to spend time in Kozhikode, then trying new activities and visiting unique places is the way to go. You can trek to the Kozhippara falls, picnic at the Mananchira Square, swim in the Kozhikode beach, and much more.
Kozhikode beach is famous because of its historical relevance. It’s the beach where Vasco da Gama first arrived, and the spice route’s existence began.
October to February are the ideal months to visit this town because the cool weather allows you to enjoy the various activities this place has in store for you.
Kozhikode’s unique aspects include its lush greenery paired with picturesque views and pristine beaches. It’ll feel like stepping into a heavenly land where nothing can go wrong.
If you’re shopping in Kozhikode, then you must buy handloom fabrics, coir products, handicrafts, etc. Their sweets and snacks are also quite famous.
Couples or honeymooners would have a great time visiting this destination because of the romantic spots here to spend quality time. From spending leisure time on the Kozhikode beach to reveling in the serene beauty of the waterfalls, there’s a lot for couples to look forward to.
When it comes to adventure, you can rest assured that there’s plenty for you to do. For instance, trekking to the Kozhippara falls or other hills is quite thrilling, or you could swim in the sea as well.
