Posted 01 September 2022 in Travel wanderlust

Five reasons why Kozhikode should be your next travel destination

Kozhikode, commonly known as Calicut, is a significant tourist destination and coastal city in Kerala, India. If you are seeking a break from the hurly-burly of city life, then Kozhikode is an excellent choice. With its breathtaking beauty, rich culture, and legacy, this elegant city is truly a paradise on Earth. The city is jam-packed with exciting activities that will keep you entertained for hours. The city has something for everyone: ancient buildings, shopping complexes, religious sites, nightclubs, street cuisine, high-end restaurants, calm beaches, and spice gardens.

So, without wasting any more time, here's a list of reasons why Kozhikode should be your next travel destination:

Kozhikode Beach: Kozhikode Beach is a prominent tourist destination in Kozhikode. This lovely beach draws thousands of visitors and residents every day because of the stunning sunset views it provides. The antique lighthouse, as well as the two collapsing piers that extend into the sea, add to the beach's attractiveness and help it keep its old-world charm. There is no better way to spend an evening than with the breathtaking vistas, relaxing sounds of the sea waves and fresh air on your face. Take a stroll around this popular tourist area in Kozhikode, where you can see the sun drop into the ocean in the distance. And, if you are fortunate, then you can spot dolphins in the morning.

Beypore: Beypore is one of the most incredible spots in Kozhikode to visit if you are interested in learning about the city's rich history. Beypore is a tiny port near Kozhikode that was traditionally known for its trade with the Middle East. Beypore, one of Kerala's oldest ports, has been a strategically important place since the Arabs, Chinese and Europeans entered the state. There is also a 15-thousand-year-old shipping yard here, which demonstrates the workers' remarkable craft.

Iringalcrafts village: Iringal Crafts Village is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kozhikode, where artisans and craftsmen are encouraged to demonstrate their abilities and sell their items to visitors. You may also learn more about Kerala's art and craft through the many programmes available here and acquire a new skill while on vacation.

Mananchira: Mananchira is another prominent tourist destination in Kozhikode, where numerous football matches have been hosted in the past. This lovely park is constructed around a man-made lake known as Mananchira Lake and is surrounded by lawns, historic buildings, a musical fountain, and an open-air theatre. Mananchira or Mana Vikraman Tank, the area's royal family's major source of water supply, is still in excellent shape today and provides a tranquil setting for an evening stroll or a picnic with family and friends.

Backwaters of Kozhikode: Exploring the peaceful backwaters and the natural beauty makes this place at the top of the list while visiting Kozhikode tourist places. There are palm trees sprinkled all over the water banks, which appear to be at peace. And, the canal and lakes provide the ideal setting for a houseboat cruise. There are luxurious floating villas, famous among newlyweds, where you can stay for an entirely soothing experience, as they provide a wonderful vacation in the scenic surroundings. The calm and peace that surrounds you will lift your spirits and leave you wanting more.

History of Kozhikode

Kozhikode was proclaimed the capital city of Malabar during the reign of Zamorins. And, it was only during this era, when the city took on the form of a central trading hub, that trade in spices began with Chinese, Arabs, Jews, Dutch, and Portuguese.
Vasco De Gama arrived in this ancient town in 1498 solely for the purpose of trading. He came bearing the designation of Portugal's representative.
Many intellectuals, as well as dignitaries from that era, have visited the city. Among a plethora of them, the most notable is Ibn Batuta, who specifically named Kozhikode as "one of the important ports of the area of Malabar." Notably, Batuta belonged to Morocco.
Other visitors to the site were Ma Hung from China, Niccolo De Conti from Italy, and Afanasy Nikitin from Russia.
Finally, the British authority captured the town and drove them out only after independence in 1947.

Shopping in Kozhikode

Visitors should not pass up the opportunity to purchase banana chips, which are a local speciality. Kumari Chips on Kannur Road and Sankaran Bakery on SM Street are the finest places to get them.

Kozhikode halwa, a soft, sticky brownish-black delicacy consisting of flour, molasses, and oil, is another must-buy/try at Malabar Bakery on SM Street.

The Comtrust showroom in Mananchira offers a wide choice of cotton, woollen, and linen furnishings, such as turkey towels, bedsheets, napkins, aprons, purses and rugs, all at reasonable prices.

Silk sarees and ready-made textiles can be purchased at Kalyan Kendra, Silky and Kalpaka Bazar. Buy handicrafts from Kairali, Nutan Handicrafts, Mriganayani and Surabhi.

Kozhikode Festivals

Mahotsavam in Malabar: The Kozhikode District Tourism Promotion Council organises this five day cultural event once a year in January. The festival focuses on bringing Kerala's cultural history to life, including traditional folk art, classical music and dance, theatre and so on. This event attracts well-known researchers and artists from throughout the country.

Jalolsavam: Jalotsavam (water-fiestas) is held at Korapuzha, Moorad, and Pongilodippara as part of Onam, Kerala's traditional major festival. Water activities organised by local sports groups draw a large number of locals and tourists.

The other festivals celebrated are Ashtami Rohini, Mahashivratri, and the Sabarimala festival, among others.

Things to do in Kozhikode

Thusharagiri Waterfall is an incredible attraction in Kozhikode, Kerala, that you should not miss. The falls, which flow from a height of 75 m in the Western Ghats, provide breathtaking views.

Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary welcomes photographers from all over the world to capture the vast array of migratory and avian species. This bird refuge is not only a sight to behold, but it is also a photographer's dream.

Visit Sarovaram Bio Park, which is located in Kottooli adjacent to the Canoly Beautiful mangrove forests, marshes and bird habitats may be found here. This vast 200-acre protected area provides a haven for at least 34 bird species and 30 mangrove species.
Mananchira Square in Kozhikode is a natural wonderland where you may spend your free time. It is surrounded by lush greenery in all directions. Enjoy the splendour of the sunset at the nearby lake as you lose your heart.

Travelling tips for Kozhikode

Kozhikode experiences sweltering and humid summers and significant rains; therefore, it is better to avoid visiting during summers and monsoons.
Be cautious of the wild animals in the area.
Kozhikode auto-rickshaw drivers are known for their honesty and do not overcharge.

Everything about Kozhikode is lovely. If you are planning a trip here, then this guide will make your trip even more enjoyable!

How to reach Kozhikode?

By Air: Kozhikode International Airport, located around 29 km from the city centre, provides excellent travel options for tourists arriving and departing. IndiGo flights to Kozhikode are regular from other major cities in the country, including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi, and Hyderabad.

By Rail: Kozhikode has its own well-built railway station. This railway station connects Kozhikode to major Indian cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Bengaluru and Hyderabad. Inner cities like Kochi, Coimbatore and Palakkad also regularly have trains that run on this railway route. Passengers travelling by rail from Mumbai to Kozhikode are sure to be welcomed by some breathtaking scenery along the way. Railways provide passengers with quick access and a low-cost mode of transportation.

By Road: A well-maintained network of national and state roadways leads up to Kozhikode's city centre. Regular state buses go to Kozhikode from major cities like Mumbai, Kochi, Chennai, Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram. These bus services are available at all hours of the day and night. This route is served by several private operators as well. The government has enabled the construction of certain well-maintained highways that take you through this route. Roadways provide excellent choices for travelling to Kozhikode, with magnificent scenery embracing travellers as they get closer to the city.

How to get around Kozhikode

Buses frequently operate throughout the city, making it relatively easy to get about. Auto-rickshaws and taxis are also readily accessible and facilitate travel from one location to another. You may also hire a vehicle or bike to commute in luxury and without stress.

Best time to visit Kozhikode

Summers: During this season that lasts from March to May, the maximum temperature remains between 37 and 39°C. This time of the year is off-season and you would not find many tourists during these months.
Monsoons: The months of June through September are considered the monsoon season. Heavy rains fall on the city, lowering the temperature to a decent level. The monsoon season is ideal for attending the city's many festivals and fairs. August and September are the best months to visit during the monsoon season.
Winters: This season officially begins in October and comes to a close in early February. During this period, the weather stays comfortable with low temperatures reaching 15°C. As a result, these months are the best time to explore Kozhikode.