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Kozhikode
Kozhikode tourism is a rich blend of history, culture, and culinary experiences intertwined with the irresistible scent of cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper plantations and historic landmarks like the grand Tali Temple and Kozhikode Beach
Kozhikode Photos & Images
About Kozhikode
Attractions
Beach, Heritage
Best Season
August to March
Ideal Duration
2 days
Languages
Malayalam
Kozhikode, formerly called Calicut, was the traditional capital of Northern Kerala under the Samuthiri rule. Calicut, the most important city of the Malabar region of Kerala, was a leading trading center for spices on the West Coast of India during the medieval period.
Kappad near Kozhikode is historically famous as the place where the Portuguese, led by Vasco da Gama, first landed in India in 1498 AD. He was the first European to reach India via the sea route around the southern cape of Africa.
The major tourist places to visit in Kozhikode tourism include the Pazhassirajah Museum, Art Gallery, Kozhikode Beach, Thikkoti Lighthouse, and Dolphin's Point.
There are several things to do in Kozhikode. Whether you're traveling with family, taking a solo vacation, holidaying with your friends, or enjoying a romantic honeymoon with your better half, Kozhikode tourism won't disappoint!
ALSO SEE - Best Things To Do In Kerala
You can revel in activities like:
- Swimming in the Kozhikode Beach
- Boating in the Kozhikode backwaters
- Picnicking at the Lion's Park
- Exploring the Pazhassiraja Archeological Museum
- Watching a gorgeous sunset at the secluded Beypore Beach
- Relaxing at the Mananchira Square
Popular Questions About Kozhikode
Often called the Food Capital of Kerala, Kozhikode is famous for its Malabar cuisine rich in flavors and spices. It is also one of the cleanest cities in India, having ranked fifth in Swachh Bharat rankings among 476 other cities. It is renowned for its historical significance. It is believed to be the landing point of the Portuguese led by Vasco da Gama in 1498 AD. The famous Tali Temple is also situated here.
The major tourist attractions in Kozhikode include the Tali Temple, Pazhassirajah Museum, Art Gallery, Kozhikode Beach, Kappad Beach, Thusharagiri Falls, Thikkoti Lighthouse, and Dolphin's Point.
While the city's official name is Kozhikode, it is referred to as Calicut in English sometimes. The word ‘calico’ points to a fine variety of hand-woven cotton cloth that was one of the prime goods to be exported out of the Kozhikode port in ancient times, giving this place is anglicised name of ‘Calicut’.
Kozhikode is popular for its rich, traditional culinary experiences that brings foodies here from far and wide. Erachi Pathiri (soft rice bread with meat or veggies), Erachi Curry, Kozhikode Pav Bhaji, Aradika (mussel-rich rice flour) and the famed Kuzhi Mandhi (seafood, mutton, and chicken) are some of the most popular dishes to try here. While it’s mostly famous for its seafood fare, there are plenty of delicious vegetarian delicacies offered as well.
October to March is the best time to visit Kozhikode when the weather is pleasant and cool. It’s the ideal time to explore the city and experience all that Kozhikode tourism has to offer.
Handloom fabric, hand-woven cotton, local handicrafts, antique items carved in rosewood and buffalo horn, miniature snake boats, miniature caparisoned elephant figurines, brass articles, and coir products are some of the must-buy items in Kozhikode. The famous Kozhikode Halwa and Kerala banana chips are also worth buying here. Enthusiasts of Ayurvedic healing and wellness can purchase essential oils and herbs at subsidized rates here.
Kozhikode tourism is a treasure trove of experiences. You can swim in the Kozhikode Beach, go boating in the Kozhikode backwaters, have a picnic at Lion's Park, watch a gorgeous sunset at Beypore Beach, taste the local cuisine at traditional toddy shops, and go on a heritage walk or night walking tour of the city. You can also try activities like paragliding, snorkeling, and jet skiing at Kappad Beach as well as rock climbing, trekking, rafting, and kayaking at Thusharagiri Falls.
Best time to visit Kozhikode
Plan your trip during best season to experience the best of this stunning destination
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Kozhikode is the best of all worlds, with beach glamour, cultural and historical landmarks, and bountiful nature in and around the city. It is undoubtedly an all-weather destination, whether you want to sightsee, lounge at the beach, or engage in outdoor adventures. Choose your timing based on the type of holiday you’re after, and enjoy this historical city to the fullest!
The monsoon season spans from June through to October. Torrential rain and widespread flooding make this an imprudent time to undertake outdoor adventure activities, but it’s the perfect period to take advantage of off-season prices and explore the cultural delights of Kozhikode. The city is teeming with vibrant hues of green, thriving flowers, and vociferous wildlife.
September, at the tail end of the monsoon season, is the ideal time to visit. Prices are still low, but the mountains, forests and waterfalls are at the peak of their luscious green beauty.
Furthermore, around the August/September period, Keralites celebrate the Onam Harvest Festival with Snake Boat Races, a tradition dating back to the time when paddy-field workers used to show off their skills in the water as they harvested the rice. Today, villagers emulate them by competing against each other in beautifully handcrafted boats.
The weather is cooler and drier between October and February. While this is the perfect time to visit beaches, beware of the peak season prices from December to January, as well as larger crowds. If Kozhikode is not your principal beach destination, you can avoid it during these months. The Vadakara and Shivatri festivals are celebrated during this season with much enthusiasm and zest.
Between March and May, Kerala’s summer hits its peak, but the weather remains mild and humid in Kozhikode. Touring around the city visiting the many sites will probably still be comfortable, and this is the ideal time for bird watching in the many parks. The Pooram, Kaliatta Mahotasavam and Memunda festivals are celebrated in this period.
How to Reach Kozhikode
Despite being the largest city in northern Kerala, Kozhikode remains a serene coastal port overflowing with verdant greenery, languid beaches, and vibrant cultural history.
A locus of trade since the 7th century, the Arab, Portuguese, British, French, and Danish used the ports of Kozhikode to control and monitor textile trade. Influences of its trade routes are still a major driving factor for Kozhikode tourism.
Kozhikode is well connected to all the major cities in India and abroad by frequent traffic of flights, trains, and buses.
By Flight
Kozhikode has a well-equipped international airport. Calicut International Airport has regular flights that connects it to the Gulf countries as well as major cities in India like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Coimbatore, and Hyderabad. From the airport, you can jump on a bus, avail of pre-booked taxi services, or hail a cab to your final destination.
By Bus
The train station at Kozhikode, enjoying a conveniently central location near the famous Mananchira Square, is well-connected to most major cities throughout India including Chennai, Bangalore, and Mumbai. Trains are one of the most convenient and comfortable ways to travel around Kerala, and India in general. Buy your tickets online or at the train station, sit back, and enjoy a scenic trip through the breathtaking landscapes of Kerala and Kozhikode.
By Train
Kozhikode also has a long-distance bus station, connecting the city to local towns and villages as well as major cities throughout the country. The state-owned KSRTC buses run regularly to and from Kozhikode and private coaches can also be arranged. Traveling by state-run buses and local transport is the most economical and convenient way to get around Kerala. The flip side is that buses tend to get crowded and uncomfortable if you’re traveling with a lot of luggage in Kerala's tropical weather.
Kozhikode Tourist Attractions
Dolphin's Point
Pazhassirajah Museum
Kozhikode Art Gallery
Kappad Beach
Mananchira Square
Want to visit Kozhikode?
Kannan
Designed 8000 + Tour Packages | Kerala, India and International Tour Specialist
Kozhikode Tourist Attractions
Dolphin's Point
Pazhassirajah Museum
Kozhikode Art Gallery
Kappad Beach
Mananchira Square
Top Travel Blogs about Kozhikode
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