Top places to visit

Top Places to Visit

Kozhikode is a coastal treasure trove of history, heritage, food, and beachside bliss. Once a major trading port on the Malabar Coast and the gateway of Vasco da Gama’s India arrival, the city offers a mix of cultural, natural, and culinary attractions for every kind of traveler.

1. Kozhikode Beach

 City Centre

✅ The most iconic and lively beach in Kozhikode
✅ Enjoy sunsets, local snacks, camel rides, and a scenic promenade
✅ Visit the Marine Aquarium, lighthouse, and old pier pillars

 Tip: Try hot Mulaku Bajji (chilli fritters) and ice gola from the beach vendors in the evening!

 2. Mananchira Square & Mananchira Tank

 Near SM Street

✅ A beautiful park complex surrounding a historic tank (reservoir) once part of the Zamorin palace
✅ Lush gardens, colonial-style buildings, and statues of local legends
✅ Ideal for evening strolls, photos, and local culture

 Tip: Visit the public library nearby or enjoy a local concert if one is happening.

 3. Mishkal Mosque

 Kuttichira

✅ One of the oldest mosques in Kerala (over 650 years old), built in traditional Kerala temple architecture
✅ A unique four-storey structure made of wood and stone – no domes or minarets
✅ Symbol of Kozhikode’s communal harmony and trade legacy

 Tip: Visit respectfully during non-prayer times. A quiet, soulful place.

 4. Beypore Port & Uru Shipbuilding Yard

 10 km from city

✅ Ancient port famous for building ‘Uru’ – traditional Arabian trading ships
✅ Watch master craftsmen build giant wooden vessels without blueprints
✅ Visit the Beypore Beach and Pier, extending into the sea

 Tip: Time your visit for sunset over the pier, and don’t miss fresh seafood nearby.

 5. Kappad Beach (Vasco da Gama Landing Point)

 16 km from Kozhikode

✅ Historic spot where Vasco da Gama landed in 1498, marking the start of European trade with India
✅ Peaceful, clean beach with rocky patches and a heritage stone plaque
✅ Nearby: Kappad Backwaters, boating, and fishing hamlets

 Tip: Early morning or evening for the best light and fewer crowds.

 6. Tali Shiva Temple

 Near Mananchira

✅ A 1,000-year-old temple with exquisite woodwork, carvings, and spiritual ambiance
✅ Important during Revathi Pattathanam, an annual scholarly gathering
✅ Symbol of Kozhikode’s Hindu intellectual and spiritual heritage

 Tip: Non-Hindus may not be allowed inside the sanctum, but the architecture alone is worth seeing.

 7. SM Street (Sweet Meat Street / Mittai Theruvu)

 Near Mananchira

✅ Kozhikode’s busiest shopping and food street, named after the traditional halwa sold here
✅ Shop for clothes, spices, books, gadgets, perfumes, and snacks
✅ Try Kozhikode Halwa, banana chips, and Sulaimani tea from roadside shops

 Tip: Evenings are crowded but colorful — bring your bargaining spirit!

 8. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary

 19 km south of city

✅ A peaceful estuary and mangrove area, home to over 100 species of birds
✅ Spot flamingos, herons, terns, kingfishers, and more – especially during migratory season
✅ Offers country boat rides and nature photography

 Tip: Best time to visit: November to March (early morning) for birds and cool weather

 9. Pazhassiraja Museum & Art Gallery

 East Hill

✅ Explore exhibits on Zamorins, ancient coins, bronzes, mural paintings, and tribal artifacts
✅ Art gallery features works of Raja Ravi Varma and other Kerala masters
✅ Great for history buffs and art lovers

 Tip: Closed on Mondays and public holidays. Combine with a beach or museum walk.

 10. Thikkoti Lighthouse & Payyoli Beach

 ~40 km from city

✅ Peaceful lighthouse by the sea, overlooking shipwreck remains and wide beaches
✅ Visit Payyoli Beach, one of the cleanest in the region – known for Olympian PT Usha's training ground
✅ Ideal for a half-day picnic or offbeat sunset experience

 Tip: Pack snacks and water – fewer commercial shops nearby.

 Bonus Attractions

 Summary – Top Picks by Interest

Kozhikode is a city where the past blends into the present, and every corner has a story to tell. Whether it’s tasting halwa on a busy street or walking barefoot at sunset by the sea, the city leaves behind memories rich with flavor, culture, and calm.