Best nearby Destinations & Day Trips

Nearby Destinations & Day Trips

Kozhikode is a perfect base for exciting day trips and weekend getaways. Whether you love beaches, hill stations, cultural towns, or wildlife, the surroundings of Kozhikode offer serene escapes and thrilling adventures, all within a 1–3 hour drive.

 1. Kappad Beach

 16 km | ~30 mins

✅ Historic spot where Vasco da Gama landed in 1498
✅ Peaceful, clean beach with rock formations, a heritage plaque, and calm waters
✅ Ideal for sunset lovers, history buffs, and quiet walks

 Tip: Visit the nearby backwaters or fishing village for a complete experience.

 2. Beypore Port & Pulimuttu (Stone Pier)

 10 km | ~25 mins

✅ Ancient port town famous for Uru-making (traditional wooden ships)
✅ Walk on the Pulimuttu, a massive stone pier stretching into the sea
✅ Shop for wooden handicrafts and watch traditional boatbuilding in action

Tip: Great for a half-day trip with seafood lunch and coastal views.

 3. Thikkoti Lighthouse & Payyoli Beach

 40 km | 1 hour

✅ Offbeat beach destination with a charming lighthouse, shipwreck views, and quiet shoreline
✅ Less crowded — great for couples, photographers, and birdwatchers
✅ Nearby: Velliyamkallu Rock, a historic rock island once used by pirates

 Tip: Visit around 4–6 PM for golden hour light and fewer crowds.

 4. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

 19 km | ~40 mins

✅ A scenic estuary where Kadalundi River meets the Arabian Sea
✅ Spot over 100 species of native and migratory birds, especially Nov–Feb
✅ Enjoy mangrove walks, canoe rides, and photography

 Tip: Best visited early morning or late afternoon with binoculars.

 5. Wayanad (for Weekend Trips)

 ~85 km | 2.5–3 hours via Thamarassery Ghat

✅ A hill district with cool climate, waterfalls, tea plantations, trekking trails, and caves
✅ Visit Pookode Lake, Edakkal Caves, Soochipara Falls, and Banasura Sagar Dam
✅ Ideal for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and romantic getaways

 Tip: Go for an overnight trip if possible — there’s too much to fit into a single day!

 6. Iringal Crafts Village

 35 km | 1 hour

✅ Kerala’s artisan hub, showcasing handmade crafts, pottery, bamboo work, paintings, and more
✅ Run by Kerala Tourism’s Sargaalaya project
✅ Perfect for cultural tourists and shoppers of eco-friendly souvenirs

Tip: Combine with a visit to Muzhappilangad Beach or Vadakara.

 7. Muzhappilangad Drive-In Beach

 60 km | 1.5 hours

✅ India’s longest drive-in beach where you can drive or ride a bike right along the shore
✅ Clean, flat, and ideal for sunset photography, picnic, and beach play
✅ Great family getaway

 Tip: Check tide timings — avoid high tide for a smoother drive.

 8. Kottakkal – Ayurveda & Wellness

 45 km | 1 hour

✅ Visit Arya Vaidya Sala, one of India’s oldest and most respected Ayurvedic centers
✅ Explore the Ayurveda museum, buy herbal products, or book a wellness session
✅ Peaceful town for a healing and cultural retreat

 Tip: Book appointments in advance if you're interested in treatments.

 9. Thusharagiri Waterfalls

 50 km | ~1.5 hours

✅ Located in the Western Ghats, this is a lush, multi-tiered waterfall surrounded by forest
✅ Activities: Trekking, waterfall bathing, nature trails
✅ Part of the eco-tourism belt near Wayanad

 Tip: Best after monsoon (Aug–Dec); wear good shoes and bring a change of clothes.

10. Vadakara & Lokanarkavu Temple

 50 km | 1.5 hours

✅ Visit the Lokanarkavu Temple, associated with the legendary warrior Thacholi Othenan
✅ Explore the Vadakara beach, river walk, and ancient shrines
✅ Great for culture, legends, and calm beach vibes

Tip: Attend a temple festival if visiting during March–April or November–December.

 Quick Summary: Top Day Trips from Kozhikode

 Day Trip Tips

✔️ Start early (7–8 AM) to make the most of your day
✔️ Hire a cab or self-drive for flexibility
✔️ Pack snacks, water, sun protection, and extra clothes
✔️ Avoid long-distance driving in monsoon evenings (June–Sept)
✔️ For beaches and falls, wear grip shoes and carry towels

Kozhikode is your gateway to Kerala’s hidden gems — a perfect starting point for nature, history, wellness, and beach lovers. Whether you're in town for a weekend or a week, there's always something worth discovering nearby.