Dubbed “God’s Own Country,” Kerala has gorgeous, lush green scenic landscapes and crystal-clear beaches. And in this mesmerising land of beauty, nestled along the Malabar coast like a glistening jewel in a crown, is the lustrous and stunning land of Kozhikode. It’s not just the natural beauty of Kozhikode tourist places that draws in people from all across India and around the world.
The district, along with the city of Kozhikode, is deeply rooted in a rich cultural history that forms the highlight of any tourists coming to the city. With its fascinating history, culture, and natural scenery, Kozhikode tourist places are worth visiting at least once.
Explore the top Kozhikode tourist places-
1. Kappad Beach
One of the best Kozhikode tourist places and the most popular destinations to visit when you’re visiting Kozhikode is Kappad Beach. Its popularity isn’t a fluke, either.
What is possibly one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire country, Kappad Beach is the only beach in Kerala to receive the international Blue Flag certification. This certification is only granted if stringent environmental, safety, and accessibility criteria are met.
Do you know this historic beach is where Vasco da Gama is said to have first landed? It is nearly a kilometre long, with beautiful rock formations scattered throughout and housing an 800-year-old temple. Moreover, the beach gives way to some of Kerala’s iconic backwaters, which tourists can use to canoe to the beach itself. Overall, Kappad Beach is one of those tourist places in Kozhikode that you just have to visit.
2. Vayalada
When talking about the best places to visit in Kozhikode, one must always include Vayalada. Located roughly 40 km from Kozhikode city and 12 km from Balussery, Vayalada is a scenic hilltop destination that is frequented by trekkers and is one of the best tourist places in Kozhikode.
The trek itself isn’t very long, at around 1 Km, but the journey amidst charming greenery leading to a picturesque view to die for is worth it for anyone seeking a little more adventure. And if you can make the trip during monsoons, then it’s even better. The rain and the mist will transport you into a magical hillscape that will feel straight out of a fantasy novel.
Check out 8 Waterfalls in Kerala to Visit for a Mesmerizing Getaway
3. Payyoli Beach
Golden sands, pristine waters, and waving palm trees await you as you step into Payyoli Beach. Located around 35km north of Kozhikode city, Payyoli Beach is one of the most mesmerising places to visit near Kozhikode that should be on every tourist’s list.
The shallow waters of Payyoli Beach make it an attractive beach for swimming and playing in the water. The beach is lined with beach shacks that are ideal for local seafood and snacks. Other places to visit near Payyoli Beach include the Kunjali Marakkar Museum, the Thikkoti Light House, and Trikkottur Perumalpuram Temple.
4. Kozhikode Backwaters
If you’re in Kerala, then you must experience the serene backwaters. The backwaters in Kozhikode aren’t restricted to a singular area but are spread throughout the district and are an ideal place for a peaceful and relaxing boating or cruise trip.
From houseboats to rowboats and even canoes, there are a few different ways to experience the backwaters in Kozhikode. These gorgeous and serene backwaters are also wonderful places for birdwatching.
Top 07 Offbeat Hill Stations in Kerala You Must Visit This Holiday Season
5. SM Street (Mittayitheruvu)
Located at the heart of Kozhikode city, SM Street or Mittayitheruvu, is a heaven for those with a solid sweet tooth. This 500-year-old marketplace hosts an array of shops that include everything. Most important, however, are the sweets, which is what this street is named after. From the famous Kozhikodan Halwa to sweets and snacks of all kinds, SM Street’s history and popularity in unrivalled in Kerala and are a major part of Kozhikode’s cultural history.
6. Tali Temple
Another one of Kozhikode’s famous cultural landmarks and one of the must-see Kozhikode tourist places is the Tali Temple. Built more than 700 years ago, the temple is renowned for Revathy Pattathanam, an annual cultural event that sees a crowd from all over the country.
The stunning and intricate architecture of the temple is certainly something to look out for and is part of the cultural legacy of the land on which it is built.
7. Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary
Even if bird watching isn’t your thing, the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is one of those places that you must visit if you’re coming to Kozhikode.
Home to some rare bird species and spread over a cluster of scenic islands, the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary is one of the best tourist places if you want to experience its natural beauty. More than 60 different species of migratory birds can be spotted here, including seagulls, terns, herons, and sand plovers.
And it’s not limited to just birds. This sanctuary is also home to some rare animals, like the otter. You’re not limited to just birdwatching here. Some of the other activities include boat rides organised by the forest department and trekking within the sanctuary.
8. Sargaalaya Arts And Crafts Village
Sargaalaya, the Kerala Arts and Crafts village at Iringal, is an initiative of the Department of Tourism, Government of Kerala, aimed at promoting traditional crafts and providing a platform for sales and exhibition.
The Uralungal Labour Contract Cooperative Society manages the village and has 60 stalls housed in eco-friendly and ethnic-designed cottages. Tourists can witness and learn traditional crafts-making skills and purchase unique products made from materials like coir, bamboo, sand, coconut shells, and more.
The Crafts Design and Technology development centre provides training and encourages innovation. Sargaalaya also offers opportunities to enjoy classical and folk-art forms of Kerala and boating in the Moorad River.
One of the best Kozhikode tourist places connecting Kunjali Marakkar Museum, Kolavipalam Turtle Hatchery, and Vadakara Sandbanks is in development. If you want to experience the deep cultural history of Kozhikode and the surrounding region, then this is a place that you just have to visit.
Conclusion
From Vellari Mala to Peruvannamuzhi Dam to the myriad of holy places that lies scattered all over the Kozhikode district, the number of places to visit in this exquisite land of natural beauty and culture is many. The list of tourist places in and near Kozhikode is so many that it is well beyond the scope of this post. With plenty to see and do, Kozhikode is truly heaven inside God’s Own Country.
