Things to Do in Calicut

Kozhikode Beach, located on the western side of the Malabar Coast in Kerala, is renowned for its historical significance and natural charm. Featuring golden sands and palm trees, it provides serene views of the Arabian Sea during sunrises and sunsets. 

With local vendors selling delicacies and handicrafts, activities like beach volleyball, kite flying, and dolphin watching at Dolphin's Point add to the fun. The iconic lighthouse, built in 1907, offers panoramic views, enhancing the beach’s allure.

Mananchira in Kozhikode, Kerala, is a serene place located in the heart of the city. It combines the traditional Kerala architecture with the Colonial influences, and holds a lot of historical and cultural significance. The stunning park surrounds the manmade freshwater pond called Mananchira Pond.

The place provides a rare moment of peace and calm amid the chaotic urban life. Pack a picnic and spend quality time with your friends and family. The open-air theatre borders the pond and musical fountains, providing ample activities to keep the whole family entertained.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is a cluster of coastal islands situated at the estuary where the Kadalundi River meets the Arabian Sea. It provides refuge to over 60 species of migratory birds and houses hundreds of native birds, a paradise for birdwatchers and general nature enthusiasts. Every year, thousands of birds flock to the sanctuary to get away from the harsh winters of Siberia, Central Asia and Europe.

Learn about the fascinating history of Kadalundi, which was earlier known as ‘Thondi’. It was an important point of international trade, and was later influenced by the Dutch ruler and British rule.

Around the year, the sanctuary attracts birdwatchers, trekkers, wildlife photographers and picnickers. The panoramic view of the hilltops and the symphony of birdsongs are a major attraction for the visitors.

Valayan Devi Temple was built by the Zamorian ruler back in the 14th century, to seek Goddess Bhagavathy’s blessing. Feel the mystic energy with the unique Rutujit ritual, a worship style heavily influenced by Kashmir Tantra, a major attraction for the devotees of Tantric Sadhana.

Experience the festive spirit of the temple during Navratri, Poonam and the Valayanad Devi annual festival when the atmosphere comes alive.

You can appreciate the stunning traditional Dravidian architecture, which includes copper-covered roofs, intricate wooden sculptures, and a majestic gopuram. The temple’s vibrant Kerala-style murals and carvings, which depict mythical tales, are a treat for your eyes.

The Thalikkunu Shiva temple is a highly revered temple with historical and cultural relevance. It is one of the oldest and most revered temples of the Malabar region. Even though it was attacked and destroyed many times, people never lost hope and rebuilt it again. The temple is currently under His Highness Zamorian, Calicut. 

Maha Shivaratri is the main festival celebrated here with lamp-lit processions, classical music, and cultural performances. Immerse yourself in the spiritual with daily rituals, Vedic chants, and seasonal festivals that attract people from all across India.

Beypore Beach, located at the mouth of the Chaliyar River in Kozhikode, is a beautiful and calm beach for the whole family to enjoy. You can enjoy maritime activities like surfing, parasailing, and kayaking for an exhilarating adventure. The calm waters also provide a safe and enjoyable place for swimming and overall relaxation.

The coast of Beypore also has a rich history, which dates back over a thousand years. It was one of the significant maritime centres that facilitated the trade amongst Arabian merchants, Chinese travellers, and later European traders. Do not miss the meticulous craftsmanship of Uru ships, which were highly sought after by the traders of ancient times for trading and fishing. The centuries-old wooden vessels continue to be handcrafted by local artisans, echoing the region’s legacy.

Sreekanteswara Temple is a sacred shrine dedicated to lord Shiva, located in the heart of Kozhikode. The temple is not only a symbol of devotion but also of social reform and inclusivity. 

When you enter the temple complex, you will be enthralled by the beautiful traditional Kerala-style architecture, with red-tiled sloping roofs and wooden carvings. The calm courtyards are the perfect place to sit and meditate.

The most important festival celebrated here is Mahashivratri, which has vibrant celebrations filled with prayers, music, and light. Apart from just religious rituals, you can also take part in community development and cultural preservation initiatives of the temple. It conducts spiritual discourses, charity work, and traditional art performances.

Tucked away in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Thusharagiri Falls originates from the Chalippuzha River and cascades into three stunning waterfalls. These falls are named Eerattumukku, Mazhavil Chattam, and Thumpithullum para waterfall. The name "Thusharagiri" means "snow-capped mountains";  comes from the misty spray that covers the area and creates an ethereal ambience. 

The falls also present challenging trekking and rock climbing opportunities to get to the falls on the upper levels. For a more relaxed experience,  the premise has an area with shade, benches, and a well-defined trail at the base waterfall. Perfect for a picnic with the family or a leisurely stroll in the serene nature.

Kakkayam Dam is located on the fringes of the Western Ghats, across the Kuttiyadi River, in Kozhikode district. The dam is an engineering marvel surrounded by picturesque, untouched nature, providing a stark contrast. You can spot elephants and sambhar deer, and many exotic types of birds, adding to the overall experience.

Recreational activities like trekking, rock climbing, nature walks, hiking, and picnics are also available for you to enjoy with your loved ones. Boating on the serene reservoir waters provides a unique vantage point to enjoy the stunning view, you can also indulge in fishing.

Mother of God Cathedral, locally known as Valiyapalli, serves as the headquarters of the roman catholic congregation in Malabar. Dating back to 1513 AD, it features Roman architectural style, one of its kind in Kerala. Visit the famous 200-year-old portrait of St. Mary, a cherished treasure of the community. 

The 18th-century Gothic cathedral was designed by Italian architects and built by indian artisans. A testament to the cross-cultural relations, Italian knowledge and the skills of Indian craftspeople.

Conveniently located near Beach Road, it is a perfect place to enjoy your Sunday morning. You can attend the peaceful Sunday mass, followed by a lovely walk down the beach to start your perfect day.

Kakkadampoyil, a small hill station, is regarded as the “Ooty of Malabar”. Dense forests and stunning landscapes surround the picturesque town, offering visitors a serene retreat. The Kakkadampoyil Waterfall is situated on the border of the village in the Calicut- Malappuram district of Kerala. It is an ideal location for trekking and swimming, making it a heaven for adventure seekers. Even though swimming is not allowed in the main waterfall, the smaller waterfalls are safely accessible to the visitors.

A peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, the cascading waterfalls will give you a sense of peace. The soothing sound of flowing water and the natural beauty make Kakkadampoyil a perfect retreat for the whole family.

Sarovaram Bio Park is an expansive ecological park with mangroves, wetlands, and bamboo groves. It provides a refuge to migratory birds escaping the inhospitable winters of their native places, giving amazing opportunities to both passionate bird watchers and casual observers.

It also has an amphitheater that gives opportunities to local artists and other performers to showcase their talent to a vast audience. Children have a place where they can enjoy swings, slides, and other play equipment. The park is right next to the Canolly Canal, where you can enjoy boating with your family while spotting some exotic birds.

Malabar Botanical Garden and Institute for Plant Science (MBGIPS) is one of the top institutes in the country, working towards the conservation and education of the plant world. The garden is spread over 16 hectares of land, with 6 hectares of wetlands.

A perfect place to indulge in your scientific and intellectual pursuits with one of the best facilities in the country, not just for your visual pleasures but also for the amazing work they are doing for the conservation of rare, endangered, and threatened species.

With state-of-the-art facilities and a mission rooted in sustainability, it’s an ideal destination for scientific exploration and family outings alike.

The Pazhassi Raja Archaeological Museum in Calicut is one of the most popular places to include in your Kerala tour packages. It showcases a rich collection of artifacts, offering a deep insight into the region’s culture and history.

The museum was named in memory of Pazhassi Raja, a legendary freedom fighter known for his guerrilla warfare tactics. He formed alliances with local tribal communities to resist British rule. The museum’s architecture reflects a unique fusion of British and Kerala styles.

It features stone sculptures, inscriptions, and traditional Kerala murals, portraying religious themes and historical events. Adding to its depth, the exhibits include weaponry, tribal art, and personal souvenirs of Pazhassi Raja. These artifacts provide an insightful look into the region's martial, artistic, and tribal traditions.

Vellarimala, Kozhikode is part of idyllic camp’s hump mountains in Western Ghats. Even though the major portion is in the Wayanad Range, it extends to the Thamarassery division of the Kozhikode range. The range includes picturesque terrains, rivers, huge rocks, and cliffs with spectacular views. The tallest peak of the range is Vavul Mala with an altitude of 2339 meters, the tallest of the Western Ghats to the north of the Nilgiri Hills. It is also popular for adventure activities, with the trek presented here being one of the hardest in Kerala.

The eco-tourism initiative is a new and popular way to explore a place while preserving the environment, and Vellarimala has emerged as a leading hotspot in Kerala.

Tali Temple Pond is located in the revered shrine honouring Lord Shiva, with great spiritual relevance and a rich legacy, situated in the heart of Kozhikode. Allegedly built by the legendary sage Parasurama, the temple is a pillar of local legend and history. 

Tali Temple pond, thought to have been built by the Zamorin kings in the fourteenth century. Reflecting the core of Kerala temple architecture, this calm, walled pond provides a quiet area for meditation and ceremonial cleansing. It is still essential for the religious life and cultural customs of the temple.

The Krishna Menon Museum and Art Gallery was established as a tribute to Shri. V. K. Krishna Menon, a prominent figure in Indian history. He was an eminent statesman who was a freedom fighter and later part of Jawaharlal Nehru’s cabinet. He hailed from Kozhikode, and the museum displays his accomplishments, personal belongings, writings, and speeches.

The museum is surrounded by a lavish three-acre property, which has both a medicinal garden and a butterfly park. Apart from the life of Shri. V. K. Krishna Menon, it also includes important art pieces from our nation’s history. In the spirit of Mr. Menon’s intellectual pursuits, the museum also holds many cultural and educational events, which provide access to amazing art and culture to locals and tourists alike.

Varakkal Devi Temple is located on the west hilltop near Kozhikode Beach. It is believed to be the 108th and the last Devi temple consecrated by Lord Parasurama. It is believed that the hilltop area was ploughed by Lord Parasurama to impress Devi Durga. The idol of Durga is the main deity, accompanied by sub-deities like Ganaathy, Dakshinamoorthy and Ayyappan. 

The origin of the temple dates back to the Treta Yuga, making it one of the oldest temples in the region. Navarathi festival and Vavu Balli ritual are some of the most lavishly celebrated and significant festivals here. It is also an important stop for pilgrims on the Dakshin Pilgrimage and Ayyappa devotees on their Sabarimala yatra.

The Regional Science Centre and Planetarium, located at the heart of Kozhikode, is a heaven for science enthusiasts. It promotes curiosity, exploration, and overall education. 

The planetarium uses state-of-the-art technology and takes you on a journey through space. The planetarium hosts nearly 1,200 shows annually, offering an unforgettable journey into the mysteries of the universe.

The science centre is also an absolute must-visit, with hands-on experiments and engaging information, making learning science enjoyable and inspiring for children. The Mobile & Travelling Science Exhibitions bring science to life, while the High Definition 3d Theatre offers a stunning visual experience with its state-of-the-art technology. Additionally,  the aquarium showcases the vast diversity of marine life, presenting a rare glimpse into the underwater world.

Kaliopa is one of the most beautiful and serene lakes in Kozhikode, a haven for nature lovers. It is the most famous boating spot in the city, surrounded by coconut trees and green pastures. Many kinds of boats are available, like paddle, row, and motor boats, that you can hire as per your convenience. Additionally, there are boatmen for hire, or you can row or paddle on your own. 

Kaliopa is not just a popular spot for boating, but it is an important part of the Sarovaram Biopark, and works to preserve the wetlands and promote ecotourism. Making it a must-visit for anyone seeking natural beauty.