Kozhikode

An ancient spice port on the Malabar Coast, famous for Kappad Beach where Vasco da Gama landed, the dhow-building yards of Beypore and its biryani – and the gateway to Wayanad.

Kozhikode (formerly Calicut) is the main city of the Malabar Coast in northern Kerala, India. Historically the capital of the Zamorins and an ancient spice-trading port, it saw Vasco da Gama land at nearby Kappad in 1498, and the word "calico" derives from its name; in 2023 it was named a UNESCO City of Literature. Sightseeing falls into three areas: first, the seafront and old town, including Kozhikode Beach, SM Street (Sweet Meat Street), Mananchira Square, Tali Temple and the old Kuttichira mosque quarter, all easily covered on foot and by auto-rickshaw; second, the old port of Beypore with its dhow-building yards and the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary to the south; and third, day trips north and east, such as Kappad Beach, the crafts village and sandbar at Vadakara, and the Western Ghats foothills with Thusharagiri Falls, Kakkayam Dam and the hills of Kakkadampoyil. The climate is tropical monsoon: Oct–Mar is cool and dry and the best time to travel, while the southwest monsoon brings heavy rain Jun–Sep and hill attractions may close. The city is also a hub of Kerala cuisine – don't miss Malabar biryani, Calicut halwa, banana chips and seafood. Calicut International Airport is at Karipur in Malappuram, about 25 km from the city, and the railway station in the old town connects to Mangalore, Kochi and beyond. Allow 1–2 days for the city, or 2–4 days including day trips; a visit to the Wayanad hills is best planned as a separate trip. Dress conservatively in the old Muslim quarter and when visiting temples.

Top sights

• Kozhikode Beach – A long beach on the western edge of the city, where old pier ruins, a lighthouse, and sunsets make up Kozhikode's classic evening scene.
• Kappad Beach – The beach where Vasco da Gama landed in India in 1498, marked by a monument and framed by reefs and coconut palms, it is a Blue Flag beach.
• Beypore & Uru Building Yard – The ancient port of Beypore still builds traditional teak ‘uru’ sailing ships by hand, and it also has a long stone breakwater and a beach.
• SM Street (Mittai Theruvu) – A century-old shopping street named after halwa sweets, lined with colorful halwa, banana chips, and fabric shops, this is the taste of Koz…
• Mananchira Square – A large water tank and lawn square in the city center, originally the Zamorin rulers' palace pool, surrounded by the old town core and colo…
• Tali Shiva Temple – The royal temple of the Zamorin dynasty, with traditional Kerala wooden architecture and copper roofs. It is Kozhikode's most important Hin…
• Kuttichira & Mishkal Mosque – A 14th-century four-story timber mosque without a dome or minaret. Together with the surrounding Muslim old quarter, it showcases the Islam…
• Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary – Mangroves and small islands at the mouth of the Kadalundi River, where over a hundred migratory bird species gather in winter. You can take…
• Thusharagiri Falls – Three-tiered waterfalls in the rainforest at the foot of the Western Ghats. Hikers can follow forest trails to see all three in turn, makin…
• Pazhassi Raja Museum & East Hill – A colonial-era building on East Hill housing Malabar archaeological artifacts and mural replicas. Nearby are the Krishna Menon Museum and a…
• Sarovaram Bio Park – A wetland eco-park in the city with mangrove boardwalks, boating and wooden walkways. It is a green space where locals come to relax and wa…
• Regional Science Centre & Planetarium – A science centre under the national science museum system, with interactive galleries, a 3D cinema and planetarium dome shows. It is good f…
• Kakkayam Dam – A reservoir and forest in the Western Ghats hills. You can boat on the reservoir and hike to Ulakkuzhi Falls, with wildlife often seen alon…
• Peruvannamuzhi Dam – A reservoir on the Kuttiyadi River with islands in the lake, a crocodile breeding center and speedboat rides, surrounded by plantation scen…
• Kakkadampoyil – A hill town at about 2,000 feet above sea level, with clouds, plantations and the Kozhippara Falls. It is a weekend retreat for Kozhikode r…
• Lokanarkavu Temple – An ancient goddess temple near Vadakara, closely tied to the Kalaripayattu martial art tradition of North Malabar. Caves and ponds lie near…
• Sargaalaya Arts & Crafts Village – A government crafts village on the Murad River where visitors can watch bamboo weaving, pottery and woodcarving being made and buy handmade…
• Vadakara Sand Banks – A sandbar beach at the mouth of the Kuttiyadi River, where river and sea meet and fishing boats come and go. It is a quiet sunset viewpoint…
• Kallai River & Timber Yards – Along the Kallai River, once considered one of Asia's largest timber trading centers. Old sawmills and log wharves recall the city's past a…

Where to eat

• Paragon Restaurant – A top Kozhikode restaurant founded in 1939, whose Malabar chicken biryani is the local benchmark.
• Hotel Rahmath – An affordable old-timer opened in 1961. Its beef biryani is widely regarded by locals as Kozhikode's signature dish.
• Zains Hotel – A home-style favourite behind the South Beach fire station, specialising in traditional Malabar tea snacks that are har…
• Bombay Hotel – An old-timer founded in 1949 on Court Road near the beach, famous for its dum biryani and fried mussels.

Itineraries

• Malabar Coast & Theyyam Ritual Dance – Explore North Kerala via Beypore, Wayanad, Kannur Theyyam, and Bekal Fort.